The Devil Wears Prada 2, which excited the world, returns after 20 years.
On the 8th, a press conference for the film 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' was held at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul in Gwanghwamun, Seoul. Actors Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway attended the event.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 is the story of Miranda, the editor-in-chief of the legendary fashion magazine "Runway," and Andy, who returns as a planning editor after 20 years, reuniting with Emily, who has become an executive at a luxury brand, and risking her entire career to regain leadership in the fashion world amid a completely changed media environment. Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, along with Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci, the stars who led the success of the previous film, are participating again, drawing attention.
This is Meryl Streep's first official visit to Korea, and it is also Anne Hathaway's first visit to Korea in eight years since 2018 and her first time coming to promote a film in Korea.
Meryl Streep greeted the audience leisurely in Korean, saying "annyeonghaseyo." On her impressions of visiting Korea she said, "I was so excited flying into Korea seeing the mountain ranges. I actually didn't know much about Seoul, and although I've passed through Korea or come here before, I'm so happy to be here. And the hotel I'm staying at seems like the best place I've ever stayed. Thank you for welcoming me so warmly. I'm also thrilled to be able to show you a film I love," she said.
Anne Hathaway joked, "I am so happy to be here. But I'm a little disappointed that we couldn't stay longer. I wanted to visit the Starfield Library. It's been on my bucket list for a long time. It's a pity we don't have enough time, but I'm glad to be here. I'm trying to do as much as possible in the time we have. While I'm here I'm trying to experience as much as I can. I'm thinking about how to find good food to eat."
Asked about "luxury brands that come to mind when thinking of Korea," Anne Hathaway, who appears as a fashion planning editor in the film, began, "Right now Korea is leading the culture of a very young generation. It seems to have many strengths in many fields globally." She added, "Especially music. Many aspects of fashion and skincare are excellent, and interest is high. There's a wealth of content. If I were a planning editor, I would emphasize these areas in my planning."
Meryl Streep joked, "I'm very interested in Korean barbecue. That's because I spent a lot of time in LA, and there was a restaurant near the hockey rink where my son played many games." She continued, "I agree with everything Anne said. When we're in the U.S., the news we hear about Korea is about its culture. I have six grandchildren, and they talk about '케데헌' every day, they like the songs, and they're greatly influenced by K culture. It shows how connected the world is. Even when we're apart we influence each other a lot. I didn't grow up like that, but it's nice that people rely on and connect with each other," she said. In addition, Anne added, "If we were fashion editors, we'd want to interview so many people. I'd like to interview directors Park Chan-wook and Bong Joon-ho."
They also shared their thoughts on the first film, The Devil Wears Prada, which was popular worldwide 20 years ago. Meryl Streep said, "When we were making the second film, I never thought, 'Why didn't we do this sooner?' Because this script had to be for this time. It needed 20 years. Only then could we see the second film the way we were surprised by the first." She reflected, "Actually, the success of the first film was astonishing. I knew it would be a film women would like, but it was a bigger success than that. That made me really happy and surprised. It's rare to have a film where men also talked about my character and said what they felt; it had been a long time since I had such a film." She added, "I think it's because Miranda appears as someone who carries a lot of responsibility and leads a company. That allowed men to empathize as well. That's why I think it was loved."
Anne also said, "The Devil Wears Prada gave me so much. I played a 22-year-old at 22. There was an intimidating and cool boss, and as a near-newcomer I worked with the most amazing actress in the world. That experience shaped me. I was influenced by Meryl in every way. She is a very talented actress and influenced me so much it's hard to exaggerate. After that film came out, it became the greatest gift of my life. You never know what a career will be like, but this film opened many doors for me. Because audiences loved me, I was able to take on many roles. It made me happy. And it gave me a great hairstyle," she joked.
They also discussed the changed background in the second film. Meryl explained, "Anyway, the first film made in 2006 was created even before the first iPhone was released. Nowadays everyone has a smartphone. That smartphone changed everything. It brought changes to journalism, print media and the entertainment industry. So our industry has experienced many upheavals and tectonic shifts. Financially, this film comes out at a time when there is much concern about how to overcome these difficulties. The second film is set against a media environment that has rapidly changed 20 years later. And Miranda struggles with how to lead this business well," explaining the backdrop of the sequel.
Meryl said, "In the second film you will see that Miranda also has a boss. And as the world has globalized over 20 years, Miranda may have greater ambitions. You will see her continue. The same actor sometimes plays the same boss, but in the second film Miranda will be very confused and there will be expansions into amusing situations. You will see how she lives there," she urged audiences to look forward to.
Anne said, "You can never overstate the impact of digital transformation on our lives. From a character perspective, Andy was 22 and at the start of her career in the first film. She had little work experience, but because 20 years have passed in the second film, she has lived her life as a journalist and accumulated many skills. She is somewhat humble yet confident. So Andy appears as Miranda's potential partner, which gives her credibility," she explained the characters' backgrounds.
The genuine chemistry between the two actors could not be missed. About the chemistry they rediscovered after 20 years, Anne said, "One of the things that impressed me when we filmed the first movie was how Meryl, when acting, gains so much from the power of truly listening to others. As a young actor I could have been absorbed only in my own performance, but watching Meryl's acting I felt the depth of her performance, how quick her mind is, and realized that's acting. Our chemistry is that Meryl performs well and I admire her," she said with a laugh.
Meryl said, "Our chemistry was different from the first film. Back then we didn't know each other, and when I first came to the set in the first week I usually liked hanging out with people and thought we'd have fun, but then I thought, 'We can't do it like this.' So I deliberately didn't socialize and spent time alone in the trailer. So the first film was unfun and a bit gloomy. What was good about filming the second film was that our energy between us caught fire. It was such a joy to meet Anne again as a fully grown, mature woman. Emily Blunt also worked with us, and Stanley Tucci. He was right by my side. It was good to see them again," she said with a laugh, adding, "Anne's essence hasn't really changed. I'm saying this as we go on a press tour, but every time I'm sincere. Anne is always fresh, always sincere and gives her best every moment. Honestly, that's all I expect from a colleague I act with. And she's my friend," she said, moving those present.
Miranda and Andy became role models for many women through the first film 20 years ago. Asked whether they might be role models in the second film, Anne said, "If we thought of ourselves as role models and acted that way the film might have been different. We wanted to show authenticity. By acting that way we wanted viewers to see themselves in us, to watch how we overcome difficulties as much as possible. Watching how we respond, we hope people can empathize. I'm careful not to spoil anything, but Andy is someone who wants to show people the power of kindness. She wants to bring warm energy into the office and to all her people. She wants to be kind. I hope people see that you can be great at your job and still be warm."
Anne also joked, "The world is changing now, and much more freedom is guaranteed. Of course it's not easy, but people can enjoy freedom. Economic freedom is something everyone should have. I especially hope people who previously found it difficult can enjoy it. In the second film Andy pays all her necessary bills, and the thinking about all these things seems to be about 'I'm a great person on my own.'"
When asked about the message the film intends to convey, Meryl said people may feel different messages, but young women seemed to gain courage from seeing Andy in the first film. Meanwhile, the Miranda character also showed that a woman can be a very harsh boss. Gender isn't the important thing. Rather than saying what this film is, watch it, enjoy it, and know that it contains very important social issues. I hope everyone feels what they want to feel. Please enjoy the second film as you did the first," she said.
She added, "Speaking of Miranda, one unique aspect in the second film is that you rarely see a woman over 70 play such a boss role in other films. I'm glad to represent that by playing a woman in her 70s." She added, "I recently appeared on the cover of Vogue with Anna Wintour. She's the same age as me, 76. The photographer who shot us is also 76. Women over 50 have gradually disappeared or become less visible, and their opinions or thoughts may be less reflected in culture. But I'm glad we can show a strong character like Miranda," prompting cheers.
Finally, a special gift presentation just for the two actresses was held. They were presented with flower shoes that combined the signature red high heels of The Devil Wears Prada with Korean colors. Meryl exclaimed, "This is incredible. Thank you so much. It's so beautiful. I think a lot of thought went into this. It's so intricately made and beautiful," and Anne also said, "I want to take it home quickly. Seeing this I will remember today. Thank you for the beautiful gift."
Meanwhile, The Devil Wears Prada 2 will have its world premiere on the 29th.
[Photo] OSEN DB
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