Ugly Betty star lands big role in Devil Wears Prada adaptation

Ugly Betty star Vanessa Williams will play Miranda Priestly in the West End adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada.

Runway magazine's fearsome editor-in-chief was originally portrayed by Meryl Streep in the 2006 movie, which also stars Anne Hathaway as Miranda's assistant Andrea 'Andy' Sachs.

Set to premiere on October 24, 2024 at London's Dominion Theatre, the musical adaptation sees Elton John on original score duties, with lyrics from singer-songwriter Shaina Taub and a book by Kate Weatherhead.

Related: Anne Hathaway reveals why she thinks a Devil Wears Prada sequel won't happen

News that Williams would step into Miranda's stilettos for the theatre adaptation was shared on social media, with a post appearing on X (formerly known as Twitter) showing the Desperate Housewives star at Miranda's desk.

"Vanessa Williams IS Miranda Priestly. That's all," the caption reads in a nod to one of the character's most algid lines.

The camera follows the character around the Runway offices, leaving her purse on her assistant's desk and getting ready to start the day with a no-foam skimmed latte.

As Williams turns around in her chair to face the camera, she removes her sunglasses and says: "Don't just sit there. Buy tickets or something."

And for those who want to comply with her orders, tickets can be purchased now via Ticketmaster.

Related: The Devil Wears Prada writer reveals what happened to the characters after 15 years

Speaking about working on the stage adaptation of the movie, Elton John previously said: "Re-imagining The Devil Wears Prada for the musical theatre is super exciting. I'm a huge fan of both the book and the feature film, and a huge aficionado of the fashion world. I can't wait to sink my musical teeth into this hunk of popular culture."

The musical will follow in the footsteps of the film, focusing on Miranda's antagonistic relationship with new hire Andy as the young journalist learns to love the world she's always despised.

"Fresh out of college, aspiring journalist Andy scores a job at the prestigious Runway magazine working for fashion's most powerful and terrifying icon — editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly," the synopsis reads.

"Sacrificing her personal life to meet Miranda's impossible demands, Andy finds herself seduced by the glamorous world she once despised. How far will she go to succeed... and will it be worth selling her soul to get what she's always wanted?"

Additional casting for The Devil Wears Prada will be announced in due course.

Reporter, Digital Spy

Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy. 

Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).