Streep disses ‘marvel-ized’ cinema, demands more human villains in ‘prada 2’ sequel
Meryl Streep is pushing back against the prevailing trend of formulaic storytelling, declaring the cinematic landscape increasingly dominated by predictable ‘good versus evil’ narratives. During a recent chat with Hits Radio, the legendary actress delivered a sharp critique of what she calls the ‘Marvel-ized’ approach to filmmaking.
A refreshing dose of moral ambiguity
“I feel like you get a realistic view,” Streep explained regarding the reimagining of Miranda Priestly for The Devil Wears Prada 2. “I think we tend to Marvel-ize the Movies now. We’ve got the villains, we’ve got the good guys, and it’s so boring.”
The highly anticipated sequel, a legacy project years in the making, brings back the core cast – Streep, Hathaway, Blunt, Tucci, and more – to navigate a rapidly evolving fashion journalism world. But Streep isn’t interested in revisiting tired tropes. She insists the film’s strength lies in its embrace of moral complexity, a deliberate departure from the black-and-white morality often found in contemporary blockbusters. “What’s really interesting about life is that some of the heroes are flawed, and some of the villains are human and interesting, and have their own strengths,” she stated. “That’s what I like about [The Devil Wears Prada 2]. It’s messier.”
The film’s revamped look for Miranda Priestly, debuting May 1, 2026, reflects this shift. Critics have offered a mixed reception, noting the familiar comfort of the Prada universe, but also acknowledging a significant departure from the original’s straightforward characterizations. IGN’s Michael Cripe’s review gave the film a 7/10, highlighting the film’s nostalgic appeal while cautiously pointing out the altered dynamics between its central figures.
Streep’s comments suggest a yearning for a cinematic experience that moves beyond simplistic narratives. She’s advocating for characters with shades of gray, motivations that aren’t easily categorized, and a willingness to embrace the unsettling realities of human behavior. It’s a welcome sentiment, particularly in an industry seemingly obsessed with creating easily digestible, relentlessly optimistic entertainment. Ultimately, The Devil Wears Prada 2, despite its adjustments, represents a potential antidote to the increasingly sterile world of superhero sequels – a world desperately in need of a little more grit and a whole lot more humanity.