Anne Hathaway Reveals She Was Ninth Choice for The Devil Wears Prada Role

Anne Hathaway has revealed that she was not the first choice for her breakout role in The Devil Wears Prada. She said she stood ninth in line for the character Andy Sachs.

In a recent interview, she reflected on how she eventually secured the role. The 2006 film later became one of her most recognized works. She also said the experience felt unexpected but meaningful. She kept pursuing the opportunity until the studio cast her. The role later helped define her early career and brought wide recognition.

A Surprising Casting Journey

During a conversation with co-star Emily Blunt, Anne Hathaway opened up about the casting process. She admitted she was the ninth choice for Andy Sachs. She laughed as she recalled how the studio considered other actors while she kept expressing interest.

Hathaway said she never stopped believing she fit the role. Even when the studio told her another actress might take it, she stayed interested. She joked that she still remembers the names of actors ahead of her, and she said they feel like they are “tattooed on my brain.” She also said she could not understand why many actors turned down the role. However, she believed strongly in the script and character.

The Studio’s Search For the Perfect Fit

The studio continued searching for the right actress through several auditions. Hathaway kept showing interest throughout the process. She returned often to remind the team that she still wanted the role. At one point, the studio told her they would move forward with another actress.

However, she responded that she remained available and willing to wait. She also said she felt a strong connection to the story. She believed the character of Andy Sachs carried depth and charm. Over time, she noticed that the project carried a strong creative pull. She said this made her more determined to stay involved.

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Final Casting Decision and Lasting Impact

The studio eventually cast Anne Hathaway as Andy Sachs. She became the face of the role in the 2006 film. Her performance earned strong attention from audiences. Co-star Emily Blunt later praised her work and said it was hard to imagine anyone else in the role.

The film became a major success and stayed popular over time. Many viewers still reference its fashion, dialogue, and workplace themes. Hathaway later described the role as an important turning point in her career. She said her persistence and timing helped her join the project at the right moment.

Hathaway said she looks back on the experience with appreciation. She said the role arrived after a long search process that involved many actors.

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She explained that she stayed patient and continued to express interest. She also said she learned that timing plays a role in career opportunities. She noted that preparation and consistency matter in competitive auditions.

The actress added that she felt ready when the opportunity came. She also said the film team created a strong working environment during production.

Over the years, she has spoken about how the role influenced her path in Hollywood. She often credits the experience for helping her gain confidence in selecting future projects.

In addition, she said audiences continue to connect with the film because of its story and characters. She believes the character of Andy Sachs remains relatable to many viewers. Finally, she said she feels grateful for the outcome and the journey that led her there.

She also reflected on how early career setbacks helped her grow stronger as an actor. She said each audition taught her something new about persistence and self-belief. She encouraged actors to trust their instincts and remain open to unexpected opportunities that may come at different stages of their careers.