Let's be real for a second. We all went into The Devil Wears Prada for Meryl Streep’s terrifyingly quiet whispers and Anne Hathaway’s Chanel boots. But we left—and we keep coming back—for Nigel.
Stanley Tucci in The Devil Wears Prada wasn't just a supporting performance. It was a masterclass in how to play a "fashion person" without turning them into a walking, talking punchline. Honestly, looking back at the 2006 landscape, it’s kinda wild how many movies would have played Nigel as a screaming caricature. Instead, Tucci gave us a man who was weary, brilliant, and arguably the most loyal person in the building.
And how did Miranda Priestly reward that loyalty? By stabbing him in the back with a four-inch stiletto.
The Casting Call That Almost Never Happened
Believe it or not, Tucci was basically a last-minute addition. He wasn't even cast until 72 hours before he had to be on set. Think about that. Most actors want months to "find the character" or live in a yurt or whatever. Tucci just showed up, put on those iconic thick-rimmed glasses, and immediately understood the assignment.
He has mentioned in interviews that he didn't really base Nigel on one specific person. People always assume it’s André Leon Talley, the late Vogue legend. Tucci says it’s more of a collage of people he’s met over the years. The most humanizing part? He wanted Nigel to be real. He told Out magazine years ago that making the character a caricature would be "insulting."
That’s why Nigel works. He’s not just there for comic relief; he’s the one who gives Andy the "tough love" speech about how the industry she looks down on actually pays her rent.
Improvisation and Those Iconic Lines
If you think every word in that movie was scripted, you’re wrong. The chemistry between the cast was so electric that a lot of the best moments were born on the spot.
Tucci was a big part of that.
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During the frantic scene where everyone is prepping for Miranda’s arrival, Tucci apparently tried out a few different lines. One was "Tits in!" which, while hilarious, didn't quite make the final cut. They landed on "Gird your loins!" instead.
It’s a better line. It’s more Nigel.
- The Glasses: Tucci specifically asked for those glasses. He felt they defined the character's intellectual approach to fashion.
- The Relationship with Emily: Off-screen, Tucci and Emily Blunt became so close that he actually ended up marrying her sister, Felicity. Yeah, Nigel is technically Emily’s brother-in-law in real life.
- The "Cerulean" Silence: While Meryl delivers the monologue, watch Tucci’s face. He doesn’t say a word, but his expression tells you everything you need to know about how much Nigel respects Miranda's genius, even when she’s being a nightmare.
Why Nigel's Ending Still Stings
We need to talk about the betrayal. In the final act, Nigel is finally set to get his own big break—a massive promotion to head up a new brand. He’s been Miranda’s right hand for 18 years. 18 years! And yet, to save her own skin, Miranda gives that job to someone else to appease her board.
Seeing Nigel’s face when he realizes he’s been passed over is devastating.
But it's his reaction that makes it worse. He doesn't scream. He doesn't throw a Birkin bag. He just says, "When the time is right, she'll reward me."
It’s heartbreaking because he knows he’s lying to himself. He’s stuck in a cycle of toxic professional loyalty. Even today, fans are still debating whether Nigel ever got his "justice."
The Aftermath: Stanley Tucci’s Struggle
You’d think starring in a massive global hit would make your career easy. Nope.
Surprisingly, Tucci has shared that he actually struggled to find work after the film. He told Vanity Fair that he "couldn't get a job" for a while and didn't really understand why. Maybe people saw him so clearly as Nigel that they couldn't see him as anything else? Whatever the reason, he ended up taking roles he didn't necessarily want just to keep things moving.
Of course, he eventually bounced back in a huge way—The Hunger Games, his travel shows, becoming the internet’s favorite cocktail-making uncle—but it’s a reminder that even "iconic" roles come with a cost.
What’s Next: The Sequel is Real
As of early 2026, the buzz around The Devil Wears Prada 2 has reached a fever pitch. We’ve seen the paparazzi shots. We know Meryl, Emily, and Anne are back. And yes, Stanley Tucci is returning.
Photos from the set show Tucci and Streep filming a massive gala scene at the American Museum of Natural History. Nigel looks as sharp as ever, but everyone is wondering: are they still friends? Or is the sequel going to finally give Nigel the redemption he should have had twenty years ago?
Honestly, if he doesn't get a "win" this time, the internet might actually riot.
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Actionable Takeaways for Movie Buffs
If you’re revisiting the film or following the sequel news, here’s how to get the most out of the "Nigel" experience:
- Watch the background: In your next rewatch, stop looking at Andy and Miranda. Watch Tucci. His physical acting—the way he adjusts a garment or sighs at a rack of clothes—is what gives the movie its authenticity.
- Read the oral histories: Entertainment Weekly and Vogue have done incredible deep dives where the cast talks about the improvisation on set. It changes how you see the "Gird your loins" sequence.
- Check out his N.Peal collection: If you want to dress like Tucci (or Nigel), Stanley actually launched a cashmere collection recently that leans into that "timeless Italian" aesthetic he loves.
- Follow the sequel news closely: With the May 2026 release date looming, keep an eye out for trailers that hint at the power dynamic between Nigel and Miranda. It’s the real emotional core of the story.
Nigel wasn't just a sidekick. He was the heart of the magazine, and Stanley Tucci ensured we'd never forget it.