When Anne Hathaway stepped onto the set of The Devil Wears Prada in 2006, she was entering far more than a glossy fashion comedy. She was walking into a career-defining experience opposite one of the most respected actors in Hollywood history: Meryl Streep. For Hathaway, who was still transitioning from her image as a beloved young star into more mature dramatic territory, the film became a turning point not only professionally, but personally.
On her first day of filming, Hathaway reportedly experienced a moment that seemed, at first, deeply comforting. Streep approached her with warmth, embraced her, and expressed excitement about working together. It was the kind of gesture any young actor might treasure—especially coming from a legend whose reputation had already shaped generations of performers.
But that warmth lasted only a moment.
After the embrace, Streep pulled away and delivered a line that Hathaway would never forget: “That is the last nice thing I will say to you.”
The sentence was brief, but its impact was enormous. In just 10 words, Streep made it clear that she was fully stepping into the icy, intimidating world of Miranda Priestly, the powerful fashion editor she portrayed in the film. From that point forward, the atmosphere between the two actresses would reflect the emotional distance and tension required by the story.
For Hathaway, who played Andy Sachs, a young assistant desperate to prove herself in a ruthless industry, the experience became a lesson in artistic commitment. Streep was not being cruel for the sake of cruelty. Instead, she was creating the emotional conditions necessary for Hathaway to feel Andy’s discomfort, uncertainty, and isolation in a more authentic way.
That choice changed how Hathaway viewed acting. She came to understand that great performances are not always built only through friendliness, rehearsal, or technical precision. Sometimes, they require an actor to protect the emotional reality of a character even when the cameras are not rolling. Streep’s approach gave Hathaway a firsthand look at the discipline behind a performance that would become iconic.
Miranda Priestly remains one of Streep’s most memorable roles because of her restraint. She never needed to shout to dominate a room. Her quiet voice, controlled expressions, and chilling calm made her presence even more powerful. That energy shaped the entire film, giving Hathaway’s character something real to react against.
Looking back, the moment between the two stars captures why The Devil Wears Prada continues to endure. Beneath the designer clothes, sharp dialogue, and glamorous setting, the film is about pressure, ambition, identity, and the cost of trying to belong in a world that constantly tests your limits.
For Hathaway, Streep’s 10-word warning was more than an intimidating introduction. It was a masterclass. It taught her that acting at the highest level demands courage, boundaries, and total commitment to the truth of a role. What began as a warm embrace became one of the coldest—and most valuable—lessons of her career.