Anne Hathaway is set to return as Mia Thermopolis in the much-anticipated third instalment of *The Princess Diaries*, a project that has reignited excitement among fans of the beloved film franchise. The announcement marks a significant moment for the series, which originally debuted 25 years ago with its first film, released in 2001.
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The franchise introduced audiences to Mia, a relatable teenager who discovers she is the heir to the fictional kingdom of Genovia, guided by her wise grandmother, Queen Clarisse Renaldi, portrayed by the esteemed Julie Andrews. Following the success of the first film, the sequel, *The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement*, was released in 2004, showcasing Mia’s journey towards becoming queen and featuring actor Chris Pine in one of his earlier roles.
In October 2024, Hathaway confirmed that a third film was officially in development, much to the delight of fans. However, during an appearance on SiriusXM’s *Radio Andy* in July 2026, she shared that the initial script had been scrapped, although she remained optimistic about the project and stated that it was “moving in the right direction.”
Currently, Hathaway is the only cast member officially confirmed to reprise her role. Nevertheless, several former co-stars have publicly expressed their willingness to return if given the opportunity. This has sparked discussions about which characters may potentially return alongside Hathaway, who has been a central figure in the franchise’s success.
In the sequel, Mia faces a significant challenge as she learns that she must marry within a month of her 21st birthday to ascend the throne upon her grandmother’s abdication. Throughout the film, she develops a romance with Nicholas Devereaux, played by Chris Pine, ultimately rallying for her right to rule as an unmarried queen. The culmination of this heartfelt journey saw Mia crowned, leaving viewers eager for more.
Hathaway has consistently shared her enthusiasm for revisiting the character that profoundly impacted her career. In a March 2024 interview with *Vanity Fair*, she remarked that the franchise “changed my life,” reflecting her deep connection to the role. On social media, she expressed her joy about the film’s progress and the ongoing excitement from the audience, acknowledging that while the wait may be frustrating, it is a common part of the filmmaking process.
Speculation remains regarding Andrews’ potential return as Queen Clarisse. In prior interviews, Andrews expressed mixed sentiments about reprising her role. In April 2020, she was open to the idea but questioned the timing of a new film. More recently, she noted the long passage of time since the previous films and suggested that sometimes it is best to let a good thing be. However, she also conveyed her fondness for working with Hathaway again.
Another fan-favourite, Chris Pine, has shown interest in returning as Nicholas Devereaux. In various interviews, he has expressed eagerness to participate in a third film, suggesting he would be delighted to reprise his role if given a call. His enthusiasm hints at a strong possibility of his character re-entering Mia’s life.
Beyond Hathaway and Pine, other cast members from the original films have also voiced their enthusiasm for a potential return. Sandra Oh, who played Vice Principal Gupta, expressed her readiness to join the cast once more. Meanwhile, Mandy Moore reminisced fondly about her time on set, although she acknowledged her character’s antagonistic role might complicate a return. Similarly, Robert Schwartzman, who played Michael Moscovitz, is open to rejoining the franchise contingent upon the filmmakers’ vision for the next chapter.
As for the film’s development, a significant milestone occurred in 2016 when director Garry Marshall, who helmed the first two films, had discussions with Hathaway about ideas for a sequel. Following Marshall’s passing later that year, his daughter Kathleen, who appeared in both previous films, has contributed to advancing the project. The screenplay for *The Princess Diaries 3* is being crafted by Flora Greeson, best known for her work on *The High Note*, while plot specifics remain under wraps.
Adele Lim has been appointed as the director, bringing her experience from successful films such as *Crazy Rich Asians*. In a statement, she expressed her enthusiasm for honouring the original films while aiming to share a fresh narrative that resonates with fans. Lim’s take on the franchise promises to uphold its themes of empowerment and joy, attributes that have long endeared the series to audiences.
In conclusion, the forthcoming *The Princess Diaries 3* holds considerable promise as a continuation of a cherished story. With Hathaway leading the return to Genovia, coupled with the potential for former cast members to join her, a new chapter is poised to capture hearts once more. The excitement surrounding this project reflects the enduring legacy of the franchise and the nostalgia it evokes, as fans eagerly await the fairy tale’s next evolution.