Anne Hathaway Advocated for Size-Inclusive Casting on ‘Devil Wears Prada 2’ Set

Actress Anne Hathaway encouraged producers of The Devil Wears Prada 2 to adopt a more size-inclusive approach when casting models for scenes in the upcoming sequel, according to comments from her co-star Meryl Streep and the actress herself.

Speaking to Harper’s Bazaar in March, Streep said she noticed a pattern while filming, observing that many of the models on set appeared “alarmingly thin.” She added that Hathaway shared similar concerns and took immediate action by raising the issue directly with producers. According to Streep, Hathaway’s intervention led to a commitment that the film would not rely exclusively on what she described as “skeletal” models.

Hathaway later elaborated on the situation during an interview with Variety at the film’s premiere in New York. She explained that while the models on set were “beautiful,” many conformed to traditional industry standards. Given the context of the scene, Hathaway said she believed the sequence would resonate more strongly with audiences if it reflected a broader range of body types.

“I thought the scene would be so much more enjoyable for the audience if we had just a wider range of bodies on display,” Hathaway said, adding that she views inclusivity as a fundamental consideration in storytelling. “All different shapes are beautiful,” she stated, emphasizing the reasoning behind her request.

According to Hathaway, the discussion with producers was straightforward. She approached them with the suggestion that a more inclusive casting approach would strengthen the scene. She said the producers responded quickly after recognizing the oversight. “They were so locked in… going with the flow,” she said, noting that once the idea was raised, changes were implemented within a short timeframe.

The sequel to The Devil Wears Prada features a more diverse cast compared to the original 2006 film. New additions include Lucy Liu and Simone Ashley, the latter known for her role in Bridgerton. Ashley described her involvement in the project as meaningful, stating that she was “honored” to be part of a production that aims to represent women more authentically.

Actor Helen J. Shen, who plays a new assistant to Streep’s character Miranda Priestly, also credited Hathaway with helping to shape the environment on set. Shen described Hathaway’s influence as subtle but impactful, saying she led “by osmosis” and contributed to creating a more inclusive atmosphere during filming.

Production on the film included sequences shot during live runway shows at Milan Fashion Week, reflecting the sequel’s expanded scope and resources. Hathaway noted that her experience in the industry over the past two decades informed her willingness to speak up during the production process.

The actress framed her actions as part of a broader effort to encourage dialogue around representation. “It all begins with the question,” she said, suggesting that raising concerns can prompt meaningful changes within a production.

Shen echoed that sentiment, reflecting on how industry standards have evolved since the release of the original film. She noted that two decades ago, opportunities for actors who did not fit traditional molds were more limited. “To know that there are people out there who maybe think the Runway offices or fashion aren’t for them, I say, hell no,” she said.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 is scheduled to be released in theaters on May 1.