The Devil Wears Prada 2 is already breaking records and winning hearts, and the story behind one of its biggest casting decisions is just as entertaining as the film itself. The casting of Lady Gaga was not a studio or marketing decision. It began with a simple idea from Meryl Streep.

Meryl Streep personally recruited Lady Gaga for The Devil Wears Prada 2 over a direct phone call, and the reason was simple: the script needed a major pop star to perform live on a Milan Fashion Week runway. Streep already had Gaga's number from a prior connection, so she did not think twice.

"It was written there would be a pop star that would sing live on a runway in Milan. I thought, well why don’t we get Gaga, cause she’s so great," Streep said on Jimmy Kimmel Live!.

She then added, "And she loves fashion and… I had her number… I love her so much. She is so game," and true to that, Gaga said yes before Streep even finished asking.

Gaga's involvement went far beyond a single runway appearance. She wrote and performed three original songs for the film: 'Shape of a Woman,' 'Glamorous Life,' and the lead single 'Runway,' which features a collaboration with Doechii. She flew to Italy for just one day, right in the middle of her Mayhem Ball world tour, to film the scene.

While Gaga lit up the runway, Miranda Priestly had a whole different battle to fight this time around.

Miranda Priestly is back and sharper than ever in The Devil Wears Prada 2

Miranda Priestly's arc in the sequel moves away from the ice queen image and centers on her survival in a digital-first industry she despises. She begins the film fighting to keep Runway as a print-only luxury publication, but by the end, she orchestrates a massive digital acquisition, putting herself in charge of the very platforms she once dismissed. Fans are already calling it her most compelling performance yet.

The film opened on May 1 and is performing beyond expectations. It earned 10 million dollars in Thursday previews alone and is tracking for a 90 to 105 million dollar domestic opening weekend, which would make it one of the biggest openings of 2026. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 77% critics score and an 88% audience score, edging past the original film, which is 75%. One phone call, one yes, and The Devil Wears Prada 2 became the film everyone is talking about.

What are your thoughts on Meryl Streep casting Lady Gaga for The Devil Wears Prada 2? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Shraddha Priyadarshi

Edited by

Itti Mahajan