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It’s hard to believe that 20 years have passed since we last visited the Kingdom of Genovia in The Princess Diaries, but it feels like just yesterday we met Mia Thermopolis!
When we first met Mia in 2001, she was just an ordinary teenager dealing with typical teen drama—until her grandmother, Queen Clarisse, revealed that Mia was actually the Princess of Genovia!
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Three years later, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement brought fans back into the royal fold, showing Mia as she took on her new role as the heir to the throne. In this sequel, we learned that Mia could only become queen if she married, which introduced Nicholas Devereaux (played by Chris Pine), a handsome yet complicated character who turned Mia’s world upside down.
Since then, fans have been eagerly waiting for a third installment, and in 2022, their wishes were granted with the official confirmation of The Princess Diaries 3. However, details about the movie have been scarce—until now.
Credit: Disney
In October, Anne Hathaway — AKA Princess Mia herself — confirmed she would be returning for The Princess Diaries 3. It was also revealed that Adele Lim, who previously worked with Disney as the writer for Raya and the Last Dragon (2021), would be directing the new film.
With Hathaway set to reprise her role as Princess Mia, let’s take a look at where some of the other stars from The Princess Diaries stand and whether we can expect to see them in the third installment of the beloved franchise.
Julie Andrews as Queen Clarisse Renaldi – A Hopeful Maybe
Julie Andrews brought elegance and wisdom to the role of Queen Clarisse, guiding her granddaughter Mia on her journey to royalty.
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Andrews has expressed hesitations about returning to the role, once saying it might be “too late” for a third film. However, with Hathaway’s return confirmed, fans are crossing their fingers that Andrews will be inspired to reprise her iconic role. The bond between Mia and Queen Clarisse was the heart of the first two movies, and fans would love to see Andrews complete the trilogy.
Chris Pine as Nicholas Devereaux – Interested but Unconfirmed
Chris Pine charmed audiences as Lord Nicholas Devereaux in The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, where he played Mia’s love interest and rival. Pine has mentioned that he would be delighted to return, saying he enjoyed working with Anne Hathaway.
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But as of now, he hasn’t confirmed his involvement. When asked about it, he playfully suggested fans “call Disney and ask Bob Iger” for the answer. Pine’s chemistry with Hathaway was undeniable, and fans would be thrilled to see where Nicholas and Mia’s story goes next.
Heather Matarazzo as Lilly Moscovitz – Open to a Comeback
Mia’s outspoken best friend, Lilly Moscovitz, played by Heather Matarazzo, brought humor and loyalty to the screen. Matarazzo has previously expressed interest in returning, and Anne Hathaway has mentioned that Matarazzo is enthusiastic about the possibility of reuniting with the cast.
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Matarazzo had a tough time in Hollywood recently, sharing in 2022 that she was feeling burnt out. The Princess Diaries 3 might just be the comeback role she’s looking for, bringing back the character fans remember as Mia’s grounding influence and support system.
Hector Elizondo as Joe – Ready to Return
Hector Elizondo’s character, Joe, was both Mia’s protector and a romantic interest for Queen Clarisse. Known for his warmth and fatherly presence, Joe’s love for Clarisse and dedication to Mia made him a fan favorite.
Elizondo has expressed excitement about a possible return to the franchise, and fans can only hope that Disney brings him back. Joe and Queen Clarisse’s relationship was a delightful subplot in the second movie, and many would love to see it further explored in the third.
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Sandra Oh as Principal Gupta – Hoping for a Return
Though her role was small, Sandra Oh’s portrayal of Principal Gupta in the first film became instantly memorable. Her character’s sassy quip, “The queen is coming!” became iconic among fans.
Oh has expressed enthusiasm about reprising her role and joked that Disney should “call her” if they want Principal Gupta back. Fans would love to see what Principal Gupta is up to now—and perhaps a promotion in Genovia’s education system?
Mandy Moore as Lana Thomas – Open to a Redemption Arc
Before she was known as Rebecca Pearson in This Is Us, Mandy Moore played Lana Thomas, Mia’s high school nemesis. In the first film, Lana is the popular girl who bullies Mia until she discovers Mia is a princess.
Credit: Mandy Moore, Instagram
Moore has said that while she doubts Lana would fit naturally into a third movie, she’d be open to the idea of a redemption arc. Could we see Lana as a reformed friend to Mia? Moore’s willingness to return gives fans a glimmer of hope that Lana might just pop back up in Mia’s life.
Robert Schwartzman as Michael Moscovitz – Interested in Reprising Role
Robert Schwartzman played Michael Moscovitz, Mia’s first love, and Lilly’s older brother, in The Princess Diaries. While he wasn’t in the sequel, Schwartzman has said he’d be more than happy to return if Disney calls him up.
Schwartzman shared his excitement about the new movie in a 2022 interview, saying he’d love to see where Michael and Mia’s story could go—even if Michael doesn’t end up being Mia’s true love. With the green light on the film, fans can hope Michael gets a chance to make his mark in Genovia once more.
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With a new director, the return of Anne Hathaway, and interest from many original cast members, The Princess Diaries 3 is shaping up to be a worthy addition to the beloved franchise. Fans are eagerly awaiting news of who else will be back, and whether the magic of Genovia will continue to charm audiences both new and old.
Which character are you most excited to see in The Princess Diaries 3? Let us know in the comments below!
