Meryl Streep’s Shift from Method Acting to Martini Parties in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ Sequel

Meryl Streep’s portrayal of the formidable publishing executive Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada (2006) is legendary for its icy demeanor. While the three-time Oscar winner admitted to employing Method acting during the original film—avoiding cast gatherings and maintaining a standoffish presence—co-star Emily Blunt revealed a striking shift in Streep’s behavior during the filming of The Devil Wears Prada 2.

Blunt shared that Streep, who once isolated herself from the cast, seemed to "get bored of that" and began joining the cast, including Blunt, Anne Hathaway, and Stanley Tucci, for happy hour martinis.

"Meryl is naturally just someone you want to have a beverage with," Blunt said in a joint interview with Tucci published Tuesday.

"She’s the most fun ever," Tucci added, with Blunt echoing, "The most fun person."

The conversation arose during a promotional interview with Fandango for The Devil Wears Prada 2, where Tucci was asked about the martini parties he reportedly hosted at the end of long shoot days.

"It did happen sometimes," Tucci admitted.

Blunt, however, was far more enthusiastic about the practice.

"You’ve never seen a makeup trailer so happy to have Stanley Tucci on it because you will get a martini at some point," Blunt joked. "It’s actually my favorite place."

Tucci playfully added that he knows a film set is good if it involves dressing up, applying makeup, socializing with colleagues, and enjoying a drink—"I don’t need the film part. I don’t need that."

When asked if Streep, who avoided social hours during the first film, would participate in the second, Tucci teased, "sometimes."

"We had a few with Meryl, yeah!" Blunt confirmed. "She was more Method-y on the first one. And then I think she kind of got bored with that on this one. I think she knew us too well."

Strep’s own words from a 2021 oral history of The Devil Wears Prada for its 15th anniversary with Entertainment Weekly support Blunt’s assessment. She described her isolation during the first film as "horrible!"

"I was [miserable] in my trailer," Streep said. "I could hear them all rocking and laughing. I was so depressed! I said, ‘Well, it’s the price you pay for being boss!’ That’s the last time I ever attempted a Method thing!"

It appears Streep stayed true to her word for The Devil Wears Prada 2, thanks in part to Tucci and his martini shaker.

Watch Tucci and Blunt’s full interview below: