Anne Hathaway jokes about 8 actresses up for ‘Devil Wears Prada’ role are 'tattooed on my brain'
LEICESTER SQUARE, LONDON: Actress Anne Hathaway recently revisited one of the most defining moments of her career, her casting as Andy Sachs in 'The Devil Wears Prada.' Speaking about the film, it was revealed that she was the ninth actress considered for the role.
The movie, released in 2006, emerged as a major box-office success, grossing over $326 million worldwide against a production budget of $35–$41 million. Her remarks also highlighted the extent to which several well-known actors were originally considered for the role before she ultimately secured it.
Anne Hathaway on being the ninth choice for Andy Sachs
Hathaway reflected on the unexpected casting journey behind 'The Devil Wears Prada,' noting that several actresses were considered before her. “I wasn’t the first choice to play Andy Sachs,” she said during a joint Capital FM interview with her co-star Emily Blunt on Tuesday, May 5, adding that she was “actually the ninth choice.”
Blunt then asked about the other actresses, saying, “Can you name them?” Hathaway responded, “Of course I can—they’ve been tattooed on my brain all these years later.” The Oscar winner continued, “It was kind of amazing, because I'm just like, ‘Why is everyone turning down this amazing part in this amazing movie?' I couldn't figure it out."
She further said, "So now I like to, you know, kid myself and think that it was like some kind of destiny." Blunt remarked that there was “no one else” who could have played the beloved role, prompting Hathaway to respond, “You’re so sweet.”
She also said she continued to wait for her opportunity after other actresses turned down the role. “The reason I felt really strongly that I should keep putting myself forward, and I shouldn't take my eye off the prize, was because the project just had this really unbelievable, almost mystical, magnetism to it, and I could feel it,” she said.
“I just was like, 'It doesn't matter how you get on this project, just get on it,' ” Hathaway added. She starred in the comedy alongside Blunt, Meryl Streep, and Stanley Tucci. Directed by David Frankel and written by Aline Brosh McKenna, the film follows Andy, an aspiring journalist, as she secures a position at a highly competitive fashion magazine.
All four actors reprised their roles in the sequel, 'The Devil Wears Prada 2,' which was released on May 1, two decades after the original film.
Reflection on the film’s legacy and Anne Hathaway’s perspective
During a 2021 appearance on RuPaul’s 'Drag Race,' Hathaway revisited the competition for the role after a contestant asked whether there were any parts she had to “fight tooth and nail for.” “I will give you some tea: I was the ninth choice for 'Devil Wears Prada', but I got it! Hang in there, never give up," she revealed at the time.
Rachel McAdams, Juliette Lewis, and Claire Danes were among those who auditioned for the part, while Kirsten Dunst, Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson, and Kate Hudson were also reportedly considered, according to Marie Claire.
Hathaway, who was named People’s World’s Most Beautiful in 2026, reflected on filming the original movie in an exclusive interview. “The thing that struck me was that when we made the first one, I was just a 22-year-old mess,” she said.
She further added, “I mean, I'm in such a different phase of my life. I'm really lucky. I found someone that I love so much [husband Adam Shulman]. We've been married for 17 years. We've got two kids. I just feel like my life is in a much more complete and whole place. I felt so lost when I was 22, which really worked for the character.”
Hathaway also told the outlet, "I loved making the first, I know I was stressed and anxious and all those things, but it's one of the most hilarious experiences ever because of the people I was with."
