In an era often dominated by cinematic universes and their sprawling, interconnected narratives, it takes a titan like Meryl Streep to call out the elephant in the multiplex. Speaking about her triumphant return as Miranda Priestly in the recently released ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’, Streep dropped a truth bomb that has reverberated through the entertainment industry: Hollywood’s tendency to “Marvel-ize” characters is “so boring.”
For a music writer, this isn’t just about superheroes; it’s about the soul of storytelling, the depth that resonates, and critically, how music amplifies those intricate layers. When characters are reduced to binary “good guys” and “villains,” where does the nuanced emotion go? And what happens to the rich sonic landscapes that once defined our most beloved cinematic moments? Streep’s insight, delivered with the characteristic gravitas we expect from her, points to a broader hunger for messier, more human narratives – a hunger that, thankfully, ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ and its stellar soundtrack seem poised to satisfy in 2026.
The “Marvel-ization” Problem: A Call for Complexity
Streep’s comments aren’t a dismissal of blockbuster entertainment itself, but rather a profound critique of its narrative shorthand. She argues that the simplicity of clear-cut heroes and villains ultimately stifles creativity and audience engagement. “What’s really interesting about life,” Streep noted, “is that some of the heroes are flawed and some of the villains are human and interesting and have their own strengths. So that’s what I like about this [film]. It’s messier.”
This “Marvel-ization” isn’t limited to comic book adaptations; it’s a trend that can seep into all forms of popular culture, including how we perceive and portray our music artists. How often do we see musicians pigeonholed into simplistic archetypes – the rebellious rocker, the innocent pop star, the tortured genius? Streep’s plea for complexity in Hollywood characters echoes the artistic desire for depth and authenticity that many musicians strive for in their own work. It’s a rejection of the two-dimensional, a celebration of the grey areas where true art often thrives. As audiences in 2026, we’re craving stories, and indeed, songs, that challenge us, make us think, and reflect the beautiful chaos of real existence.
‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’: A Masterclass in Nuance
Against this backdrop of simplified narratives, ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ emerges as a refreshing counter-narrative. The sequel, arriving two decades after the original, brings back Streep’s iconic Miranda Priestly, now facing Anne Hathaway’s Andy Sachs, a senior editor at Runway magazine. The NME review lauded it as a “smart and satisfying sequel,” praising Streep’s “queenly editor” for being “a little less devilish than she was in the Smartphone era, but she’s still capable of giving a schemingrival an absolutely savage dressing down.” This description perfectly encapsulates Streep’s point: Miranda Priestly isn’t a simple villain. She’s a complex, multi-layered woman whose icy exterior reveals glimpses of humanity, making her far more compelling than a one-dimensional antagonist.
The film delves into these layers, showcasing what Streep called “a realistic view” of a complex woman. This commitment to character depth is precisely what separates truly memorable cinema from the formulaic. It allows for exploration of motivations, growth, and the grey areas of morality that resonate deeply with audiences. In 2026, when audiences are savvier than ever, such nuanced portrayals feel not just refreshing, but necessary.
The Soundtrack: Echoing Complexity and Amplifying Emotion
Beyond the narrative itself, ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ further champions complexity through its soundtrack – a crucial element for any music writer. The film boasts three brand new songs by the inimitable Lady Gaga: ‘Runway’ (a collaboration with Doechii), ‘Shape Of A Woman’, and ‘Glamorous Life’. These tracks, along with needle drops from contemporary powerhouses like Miley Cyrus, Raye, Dua Lipa, and SZA, create a vibrant and sophisticated sonic backdrop.
A well-curated soundtrack doesn’t just fill silence; it enhances character arcs, builds atmosphere, and even provides unspoken commentary on the themes at play. Imagine Miranda Priestly’s nuanced expressions set against a simplistic, bombastic score – it wouldn’t land with the same impact. Instead, the inclusion of artists known for their own complex narratives and genre-bending sounds suggests a deliberate choice to mirror the film’s multifaceted approach. Lady Gaga, a master of reinvention and theatricality, is a particularly inspired choice, her music often exploring themes of identity, power, and vulnerability – all central to the world of Runway.
The soundtrack becomes an extension of Streep’s argument, providing sonic layers to characters who are anything but “boring.” It allows the audience to feel the emotional weight of Andy’s ambition, Miranda’s guarded vulnerability, and the high-stakes world of fashion with greater intensity. In 2026, a truly great film soundtrack is more than just a collection of popular songs; it’s an integral part of the storytelling, a character in its own right, offering depth and resonance.
Beyond the Blockbuster: The Future of Storytelling in 2026
Meryl Streep’s comments serve as a timely reminder to Hollywood to step back from the conveyor belt of predictable narratives. While there’s certainly a place for escapism, the true magic of cinema often lies in its ability to reflect the complicated, messy reality of the human experience. As we move further into 2026, the demand for authentic, complex characters will only grow.
Filmmakers and producers should take heed of Streep’s wisdom. Investing in stories that allow characters to be both heroic and flawed, villainous and human, will not only create more compelling cinema but also open up richer possibilities for musical accompaniment. The success of ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’, both critically and in its soundtrack, demonstrates that audiences are hungry for substance. Let’s hope Hollywood listens, trading “Marvel-ization” for a more nuanced, musically vibrant approach to storytelling.