Fans of “The Princess Diaries” franchise have long awaited news of a third instalment, and Anne Hathaway has recently provided some encouraging updates. Speaking in a recent interview, the actress, who captivated audiences with her portrayal of Mia Thermopolis, revealed that efforts to produce “The Princess Diaries 3” have remained ongoing, despite the film being in development for nearly a decade.
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In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Hathaway, now 43, stated, “100%, we’re constantly working on it.” Her comments come as she promotes “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” scheduled to hit cinemas on May 1, 2026. Hathaway mentioned that the unexpected emergence of this sequel had shifted her attention, making it difficult to concentrate on multiple projects simultaneously.
The second film, “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement,” released in 2004, followed Mia’s journey as she navigated the complexities of royal life and the necessity of finding a suitable husband before assuming the crown. The highly anticipated sequel is expected to pick up from where the previous film left off, exploring further adventures and challenges for the beloved character, who is now faced with new responsibilities.
Despite her enthusiasm for the project, Hathaway was quick to clarify that the new film has yet to receive official confirmation or funding. “If I learned anything from [Devil Wears Prada 2], it’s that expectations are very, very high, and if you’re going to do it, you have to knock it out of the park,” she noted, indicating the desire to deliver a sequel that meets the cherished standards of fans.
Hathaway’s dedication to “The Princess Diaries” is underscored by the late director Garry Marshall’s previous comments as far back as 2016, when he indicated that both he and Hathaway were eager to pursue a third film. Tragically, Marshall passed away the same year, but the development process for the sequel has nonetheless continued.
In 2019, Hathaway hinted at substantial progress, indicating that a script was in place and that she and her on-screen grandmother, Julie Andrews, who is now 90, were keen to embark on the filming process. Further updates came in 2022 when reports surfaced that Disney was actively moving forward with the project. In October 2024, it was announced that Adele Lim, known for her work on “Joy Ride,” had been enlisted to direct.
Hathaway has demonstrated her commitment to the franchise on social media, sharing a heartfelt post that read, “Miracles happen” and “The fairy tale continues” upon announcing Lim’s involvement. This excitement resonated with fans who have yearned for a continuation of Mia’s story, and it evoked a sense of nostalgia for the series that first endeared itself to audiences in 2001.
As Hathaway balances her role in the film industry, this year marks a particularly busy period for the actress. In addition to “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” which is generating significant buzz, she also stars in “Mother Mary,” debuting on April 24. Upcoming projects include a highly anticipated collaboration with Matt Damon and Tom Holland in Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” set to release in July. Additionally, she will be featured alongside Ewan McGregor in “The End of Oak Street” this August, and later this year, she stars in the adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s “Verity,” sharing the screen with Josh Hartnett and Dakota Johnson.
As fans wait to hear more about “The Princess Diaries 3,” Hathaway’s ongoing commitment to the project offers a glimmer of hope that the cherished story of Genovia may soon continue. For many, the prospect of returning to this whimsical royal world is an exciting possibility, as they remain hopeful for further developments. The question on everyone’s lips remains: when will Mia Thermopolis finally grace the screen once more? Only time will tell, but Hathaway’s consistent dedication bodes well for the film’s future.