**Anne Hathaway Set to Return as Princess Mia in The Princess Diaries 3**
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Award-winning actress Anne Hathaway captivated fans once more on 16 August 2026, during the Disney Legends Awards ceremony at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. Hathaway, now 43 years old, was honoured with the Disney Legends Award, a testament to her enduring legacy and connection to the beloved Disney franchise.
After more than two decades since audiences first fell in love with her portrayal of Mia Thermopolis, Hathaway is set to reprise her iconic role in The Princess Diaries 3. This exciting return comes at a moment of personal growth for Hathaway, who is now a mother of two and expecting her third child, allowing her to reflect on the evolution of both herself and her character.
In discussing her return to the Princess Diaries universe, Hathaway expressed a connection between her own life journey and that of the character she first portrayed in 2001. Mia, a socially awkward teenager from San Francisco, discovers she is heir to a European throne, leading to a whirlwind of experiences filled with friendship, romance, and self-discovery. As she prepares for her third instalment, Hathaway highlights the importance of shared values between herself and Mia.
“I think that we want to see a world that’s full of equality and full of love,” Hathaway shared, hinting at themes that may resonate within the upcoming plot. “I think she wants love and I want her to have love,” she added. Although Hathaway remains tight-lipped about specific details regarding the film, she emphasised the meaningful connection both she and Mia share in terms of their aspirations and ideals.
The first film, helmed by the late Garry Marshall, transformed Hathaway’s career and became a cherished classic for many. As she reminisced during the awards ceremony, Hathaway acknowledged the significant impact of the franchise on her life, as well as its resonance with fans who have grown alongside Mia. “Throughout these films, we have grown up together,” she remarked, expressing her amazement at how deeply the characters have been embraced by viewers.
Hathaway also reflects on the endearing nature of her role that continues to elicit affection from fans, who often quote memorable lines from the films. At another D23 panel, she playfully commented on one of her famous lines: “I have come to love being told to shut up… So, maybe tonight you could help me out with that one? ‘Me, a princess, beg your pardon. Shut up.’”
With the anticipation surrounding The Princess Diaries 3, Hathaway revealed that the production team is keen on honouring the beloved legacy established by the first two films. “Being part of the Disney family also means being a part of a legacy studio that deeply values the family audiences it creates for,” she explained, underscoring the commitment to not only pleasing fans but also creating a sincere representation of Mia’s story.
Moreover, the emotional significance of this franchise runs deeper for Hathaway, who feels immense gratitude towards those who have contributed to her journey. While accepting her Disney Legends Award, she expressed feeling “one of the most insanely lucky people in the world,” crediting both her parents and the individuals, including Marshall and Julie Andrews, who played pivotal roles in launching her career.
Currently, The Princess Diaries 3 is in production, and fans are eagerly awaiting news about the sequel that promises to blend nostalgia with the timely themes of love and equality. For Hathaway, revisiting this role marks not just a return to a cherished character but also a celebration of the profound connections forged through the years.
As the release date approaches, excitement continues to build around the project that aims to relive the magic of Mia Thermopolis, a character whose journey has resonated with many across generations. With Hathaway at the helm, fans can rest assured that their beloved princess will return in a manner that both honours the franchise’s legacy and reflects Hathaway’s own growth as a person and artist.