Nearly two decades after The Devil Wears Prada became a modern classic, the fashion world is gearing up for a long-awaited sequel.
With Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci all set to return, fans are buzzing.
But it’s not the plot or the cast that has people talking right now — it’s the jaw-dropping revelation that Anne Hathaway almost didn’t get the role of Andy Sachs.
A New Chapter for Miranda Priestly and Runway Magazine
The upcoming sequel will once again center around the iconic Miranda Priestly, this time as she grapples with the decline of the traditional magazine industry.
While the storyline is still under wraps, reports suggest it will explore the shift from print to digital — and the challenges that come with it.
Anne Hathaway Wasn’t the Studio’s First Choice
Though it’s hard to imagine anyone but Hathaway in the role of the fashion-challenged Andy, the truth is she was far down on the casting list.
In fact, she’s said herself she was the ninth choice for the part.
Back in 2021, during an appearance on RuPaul’s Drag Race, Hathaway spilled the tea when asked if she ever had to fight for a role.
“How much time do you have?” she joked, before admitting that she had to claw her way into The Devil Wears Prada.
Rachel McAdams Said No—Three Times
The studio had their eyes firmly set on Rachel McAdams after her breakout roles in Mean Girls and The Notebook.
They reportedly offered her the role three separate times, but McAdams wasn’t feeling it.
In a 2007 interview with Elle, McAdams explained, “I’m not going to make movies just to make movies. I have to be passionate about it.”
She also shared that she preferred to take breaks from work and return to her real life between projects — a move that, in retrospect, changed the course of Hollywood casting history.
The List of Contenders Reads Like a Who’s Who of Early 2000s Stars
Turns out, Scarlett Johansson, Natalie Portman, Kate Hudson, Kirsten Dunst, Claire Danes, Juliette Lewis, and Hilary Duff were also in the running to play Andy Sachs.
Fans on social media have been sounding off ever since a TikTok video resurfaced the original shortlist — and their reactions are priceless.
Fans Are Divided Over What Could Have Been
“I think the only one who could’ve pulled it off was Rachel McAdams,” one fan posted.
Another chimed in, “Hilary Duff would’ve made it feel like a Disney Channel version of the movie.”
Some even weighed in on why so many blondes were being considered.
One user noted, “In the original book, Andy was actually blonde — so it makes sense why Hathaway wasn’t the first pick.”
Imagining a Different Devil Wears Prada
While many fans agreed Hathaway nailed the awkward, nerdy charm that made Andy Sachs so relatable, some admitted curiosity about what the film could’ve been with a different lead.
“Claire Danes could’ve worked,” one fan speculated.
“But Anne was just perfect.” Another added, “Juliette Lewis would’ve been wild. I think it would’ve slapped.”
Hathaway Had to Get Creative to Win the Role
Getting the studio’s attention wasn’t easy. Hathaway once told Variety she went the extra mile — literally — during a meeting with a studio executive.
After their chat, she famously wrote “hire me” in the sand of the Zen garden on the exec’s desk.
Bold move. Clearly, it worked.
A Role That Defined Her Career
Now 42, Hathaway is practically synonymous with Andy Sachs.
The film launched her from teen star to global A-lister.
But looking back, it’s wild to think how many stars passed on the role — and how different the movie might have looked if even one of them had said yes.
In the end, Hathaway wasn’t the studio’s first choice — but she became the audience’s favorite.
And with the sequel on the way, fans can’t wait to see what Andy Sachs does next.