Anne Hathaway Was The 9th Choice For Andy Sachs—Plus Other Intriguing Facts You Didn't Know About The Devil Wears Prada

When you think of The Devil Wears Prada, it's hard to imagine anyone other than Anne Hathaway as Andy Sachs. But here's a surprising fact: Hathaway wasn’t the studio’s first choice—or even second. In fact, she was the ninth choice. Can you believe that?

Rachel McAdams, who had just shot to fame with the comedy Mean Girls and the romantic drama The Notebook, was actually the studio’s top pick. McAdams, however, turned down the role multiple times, as she believed it was best for her mental health at the time.

It’s hard not to imagine how different the film would have been with McAdams in the lead. Would the fashion montages have felt as magical? Would Andy’s awkward charm still have melted Miranda’s icy heart? Yet, the lucky casting of Hathaway transformed the role, and The Devil Wears Prada became a cultural phenomenon.

As we celebrate the film’s anniversary, it’s not just the casting choices that continue to surprise us. Behind the glamour, there are stories of intense preparation, off-screen friendships, and a movie that became more than just another chick flick.

So, here’s to 17 years of The Devil Wears Prada, a film that continues to inspire and entertain. Whether you're rewatching it for the hundredth time or discovering it for the first time, these behind-the-scenes tidbits make the experience all the more enjoyable.

1. The Devil Wears Prada ignited one of Hollywood’s sweetest love stories

Photo: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty

Who knew that amidst the drama and high fashion of The Devil Wears Prada, one of Hollywood’s sweetest love stories was quietly unfolding?

While filming, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci struck up a close friendship. But the real magic happened off-set. In 2010, at Emily's wedding to John Krasinski, Tucci was introduced to the bride’s sister, Felicity Blunt. Apparently, they had crossed paths way back at the premiere of The Devil Wears Prada.

Two years after their second meeting, Tucci and Felicity exchanged their own vows. This officially made him Emily Blunt’s brother-in-law—a true Prada-inspired happily ever after.

Learning from Missed Opportunities

The behind-the-scenes dynamics of casting The Devil Wears Prada reveal an important lesson in recognizing and nurturing emerging talent. As Marie Kondo, organizing consultant, suggests, decluttering the traditional approaches to casting could lead to more creativity and innovation in the film industry.

By embracing a more open-minded casting process, studios can foster diversity and authenticity in storytelling. This approach not only enriches the narrative but also reflects the evolving societal values regarding representation and inclusivity.

2. Rachel McAdams was the actual first choice for the role of Andy Sachs. Anne Hathaway was ninth!

PHOTO: Everett

As we revealed earlier, Hathaway was far from the first pick. Hathaway herself has admitted she was the "ninth choice" for the role that would come to define her career.

Director David Frankel reveals that the studio had their hearts set on Rachel McAdams, saying, "The studio was determined to have her, and she was determined not to do it."

McAdams turned down the part multiple times, opening the door for other A-listers like Scarlett Johansson, Natalie Portman, and Kirsten Dunst to be considered—until Hathaway eventually landed the iconic role.

3. Miranda Priestly's office in the movie had a striking resemblance to the original high-powered fashion mogul's (Anna Wintour's) lair

The Devil Wears Prada.

The Evolution of Casting Choices

The casting process in Hollywood often reflects a complex interplay of marketability, star power, and creative vision. According to Dr. Pepper Schwartz, a sociologist and relationship expert, casting decisions can significantly impact the dynamics between characters and audience engagement.

When studios prioritize established names over raw talent, they may overlook actors who could embody a role more authentically. This can lead to missed opportunities for more nuanced storytelling and character development.

The film’s production designer took major cues from the real deal. While the team didn’t get much help from the Vogue camp, a quick peek inside Anna Wintour's office—the real-life inspiration for Miranda—proved invaluable.

In fact, according to director David Frankel, "He was able to re-create the office so authentically that I was told Anna redecorated hers immediately after the movie came out."

4. Major fashion houses refused to lend their designs, as they feared Vogue’s wrath

PHOTO: Barry Wetcher/20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock

Despite her legendary status, Patricia Field, the film's costume designer, faced a fashion dilemma. At first, no major couture houses were willing to lend their designs for the movie. Why? They didn’t want to risk upsetting the real-life fashion queen, Anna Wintour.

Frankel recalled the initial struggle: “There were initially no designers of note who would appear in the film. They just didn’t want to incur the wrath of Anna.” Thankfully, Prada broke the silence, assuring everyone that Anna wouldn’t be offended.

5. Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) never wore a single piece of clothing from Prada in the movie

Barry Wetcher/20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock

Despite the film’s title, Meryl Streep’s iconic character, Miranda Priestly, never wore a stitch of Prada. Instead, costume designer Patricia Field teamed up with her friend, Donna Karan, to dress the editor.

Surprisingly, it was Streep herself who chose Miranda’s signature hair color, drawing inspiration from New York supermodel Carmen Dell’Orefice, a Vogue regular known for her striking silver locks.

Who knew Miranda’s cold, intimidating look had such thoughtful touches behind it?

6. Stanley Tucci took the movie script from sharp to hilarious

PHOTO: Everett

Anne Hathaway's journey to becoming Andy Sachs highlights the unpredictable nature of casting in film. A study by Dr. Grant Wiggins, education expert, emphasizes that the right fit for a role is often not just about popularity but about how well an actor can convey the character's emotional journey.

Hathaway's eventual success as Andy demonstrates how sometimes the less obvious choice can resonate more deeply with audiences. Filmmakers should consider a broader range of auditions to discover hidden talents that align with a character's essence.

Though the script, penned by Aline Brosh McKenna, was already full of wit, Stanley Tucci brought his own flair to the role of Nigel by improvising lines that left the cast in stitches. One memorable moment was his now-iconic warning, "Gird your loins!" as Miranda Priestly made her intimidating entrance.

Emily Blunt fondly recalls another scene where Nigel tries to diplomatically suggest that it might take some effort to fit Andy into the designer dresses. “He must’ve done 10 versions,” she said. “There was not one where I got through it unscathed.”

Indeed, Tucci’s quick wit kept everyone on their toes—and cracking up.

The evolution of casting in films like The Devil Wears Prada serves as a reminder to embrace both established and emerging talent. As noted by Dr. Wayne Dyer, success often lies in remaining open to new possibilities and perspectives.

By revisiting traditional casting norms and actively seeking diverse voices, filmmakers can enhance their storytelling and connect more authentically with audiences. Ultimately, the film industry thrives on innovation, and recognizing the potential in every actor is key to that growth.