Dwayne Johnson has opened up about an interesting career aspiration that didn’t come to fruition. The Hollywood star revealed he pitched himself to Emily Blunt for The Devil Wears Prada 2, declaring his readiness to wear size 15 heels for the part. This disclosure provides insight into Johnson’s willingness to embrace challenges that diverge dramatically from his typical action-oriented roles, showcasing his desire for career diversity.
The pitch took place during The Smashing Machine production, where Johnson and Blunt collaborate on a serious dramatic project about MMA legend Mark Kerr—a role worlds apart from the fashion-forward character he proposed. As Blunt worked on the Devil Wears Prada sequel simultaneously, Johnson took advantage of their partnership to express his interest. He conceived of a character with fashion credentials and natural charisma, demonstrating his range from portraying gritty fighters to potentially inhabiting the franchise’s glamorous setting.
Emily Blunt verified Johnson’s claims, stating that he genuinely attempted to become part of the cast. Reprising her role from the 2006 original alongside Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, Blunt responded to Johnson’s pitch with warmth and humor. She jokingly suggested that Johnson would look hot in heels, demonstrating the comfortable rapport between the two actors across their different projects.
Although Johnson’s recruitment efforts didn’t succeed, Blunt kept him engaged with the production through regular updates. She sent videos from the New York City set, including footage recorded from her vehicle before stepping onto crowded streets. Johnson recalled these moments enthusiastically, comparing the atmosphere to the excitement typically surrounding major pop music celebrity appearances.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 will premiere on May 1, 2026, under David Frankel’s direction and based on Lauren Weisberger’s literary work. The original film premiered at the LA Film Festival in June 2006 and achieved lasting cultural significance. Despite Johnson’s absence from the sequel, his enthusiasm for transitioning from MMA drama to fashion comedy underscores his commitment to diverse, challenging roles across Hollywood’s spectrum.