Disney and Anne Hathaway Make HUGE ‘Princess Diaries 3’ Announcement!
Here ye, here ye! Queen Amelia Mignonette Grimaldi Thermopolis Renaldo is officially returning to the Kingdom of Genovia!
Nearly 25 years ago, Disney fans were introduced to Mia Thermopolis — played by Anne Hathaway –, a teenage girl who feels invisible in her high school, except when she’s being picked on by mean girl Lana Thomas. Thankfully, Mia has her mom, Helen, and her best friend, Lilly Moscovitz (Heather Matarazzo). Mia’s life is turned upside down when her grandmother — played by Julie Andrews — turns up after years and informs Mia that she is the princess of a kingdom called Genovia.
Related: Iconic Disney Attraction Emptied for Julie Andrews
The movie was an absolute hit, and in 2004, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement saw Anne Hathaway return as Mia Thermopolis. Mia has embraced her role as the Princess of Genovia, but once again, her life is turned upside down when she learns that, if she wants to be Queen, then she has to get married.
In addition to Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews, Royal Engagement also starred Wish (2023) actor Chris Pine. Pine played Nicholas Devereaux, a man whose uncle wants nothing more than to rule Genovia. What starts out as an acrimonious relationship with Princess Mia quickly becomes something more.
In the end, Mia chooses Nicholas. But viewers never saw their happily ever after.
But could they soon have the chance?
Two years ago, Disney confirmed that The Princess Diaries 3 was in the works, but there was not a lot of information available. At the time, it was revealed that Aadrita Mukerji was writing the script and Debra Martin Chase — the producer of the first two films — would serve as executive producer.
Anne Hathaway had not signed onto the movie, although she has always voiced support for a third film in the franchise.
However, that has now changed, and we have some BIG Princess Diaries news to share!
According to a report from TheWrap and an Instagram post from Ms. Hathaway herself, Mia Thermopolis will be returning to Genovia for a third movie!
“The Princess Diaries 3” is progressing as Adele Lim, the filmmaker behind the comedy “Joy Ride,” has been tapped to direct the sequel.
“As a diehard fan of the original ‘Princess Diaries,’ I’m beyond excited to be a part of bringing the third iteration of this beloved franchise to life. We look forward to celebrating its core tenants of female power, joy and mentorship with audiences worldwide,” Lim said in a Friday statement.
Lim was a writer-producer on CW shows like “One Tree Hill” and “Lethal Weapon” before serving as showrunner on “Starcrossed.” She then wrote “Crazy Rich Asians” and co-wrote Disney’s “Raya and the Last Dragon” before making her directorial debut with the 2023 Lionsgate road trip comedy “Joy Ride.”
Related: ‘Princess Diaries’ Star Tweets About Being Done With “Struggling Just to Survive” In Hollywood
In 2019, Hathaway revealed on Watch What Happens, Live! that she was absolutely interested in reprising the role of Princess Mia. Shortly after the news broke about Adele Lim directing, the actress confirmed that she would be back.
Miracles happen ✨👑 Back to Genovia with @adeleblim @disney @somewherepictures. The fairy tale continues ❤️🔥
View this post on Instagram
Related: ‘Princess Diaries’ Star Says She Wants In On Third Movie!
What remains uncertain is if Julie Andrews will return as Queen Clarisse Renaldi.
In 2022, Andrews spoke with The Hollywood Reporter and said that it was too late for her to return to a third film. She thought things would not be the same without director Garry Marshall and that, even though it was a “lovely thought”, it most likely wasn’t possible.
I think it would be too late to do it now. There was talk of a sequel many, many years ago. But I don’t think it ever came to pass. And Garry then did leave us. [Marshall died in 2016.] [For] especially me, it’s too far down the line now to go back to it. It’s a lovely thought, but I don’t think it would probably be possible.
Even though Princess Mia seemingly ended up with Nicholas Devereaux at the end of the second film, we do not know if Chris Pine will return for the third film. We also do not know if Lilly (Heather Matarazzo) will return to help and support Mia as she always does.
Disney Dining will update readers as we learn more about the third film, its storyline, and any further casting announcements.
Are you excited to hear Anne Hathaway is returning for The Princess Diaries 3? Who else are you hoping to see? Let us know in the comments!
