In exciting news for movie fans, Disney has officially confirmed that The Princess Diaries 3 is in the works, with acclaimed filmmaker Adele Lim set to direct the upcoming sequel. Known for her work on the hit comedy Joy Ride (2023) and the screenplays for Crazy Rich Asians and Raya and the Last Dragon, Lim will be bringing a fresh creative vision to the beloved franchise, which has been cherished by audiences since the early 2000s.
The original Princess Diaries film, released in 2001, catapulted Anne Hathaway to stardom with her portrayal of Mia Thermopolis, a shy teenager who discovers she is the heir to the throne of Genovia. The film’s success led to a 2004 sequel, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, which continued the story of Mia’s journey from awkward teenager to confident young queen. Both films were directed by the late Garry Marshall, who passed away in 2016.
A New Era for the Franchise
On October 4, 2024, Disney announced Lim’s involvement, and the news has reignited fan enthusiasm. In a statement shared with Variety, Lim expressed her excitement about taking on the project:
“As a die-hard 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.”
– Adele Lim
While Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews, the stars of the first two films, have not officially confirmed their participation in the third installment, there is optimism among fans that both will return. In April 2023, Hathaway revealed in an interview with V Magazine that the project was in development and that she was optimistic about its progress.
“We’re in a good place,” … “That’s all I can say. There’s nothing to announce yet. But we’re in a good place.”
– Anne Hathaway
Meanwhile, Andrews, who played Mia’s regal grandmother Queen Clarisse Renaldi, has expressed more hesitation. Speaking with TODAY.com earlier this year, Andrews, now 89, had some reservations.
“It’s quite a long time now since the two Diaries were done, and I’m not sure, but sometimes it’s best to leave a good thing alone.” … “I’d be very happy if we did do another one.”
– Julie Andrews
What We Know So Far
Though concrete details about the plot or cast have yet to be announced, there is already significant speculation about what The Princess Diaries 3 will entail. Given the themes outlined by Lim in her statement, the third film may continue to focus on Mia’s evolution as a leader, her relationship with Genovia, and perhaps even her experiences in a modern political landscape.
Another question fans are asking is whether Hathaway’s return as Mia will be confirmed. With Hathaway’s success in other beloved roles such as The Devil Wears Prada (2006), it is clear she holds a special place in fans’ hearts. Her connection to The Princess Diaries is no exception, and she has been vocal about her desire to return to the franchise. In a 2023 interview with PEOPLE, Hathaway shared that it was “thrilling” to see the excitement around a potential third movie. “It’s a process that requires patience,” she said, acknowledging the long development timeline typical of major film productions.
Additionally, the absence of Garry Marshall, the original director, brings a certain emotional weight to the sequel. With his unique touch having played a significant role in the tone and heart of the first two films, it will be interesting to see how Adele Lim’s direction preserves the essence of the original while introducing new elements.
Fans’ Expectations
The Princess Diaries franchise has a deeply loyal fan base, many of whom grew up alongside Mia Thermopolis and her journey. For these viewers, the anticipation of a third film is not just about nostalgia but about seeing how their favorite characters have grown and evolved. The prospect of reuniting with the beloved characters of Genovia is likely to attract both longtime fans and a new generation of viewers.
Social media platforms such as Twitter and TikTok have already seen a surge of excitement following the announcement. The potential for modern-day themes, such as female leadership, inclusivity, and mentorship, resonates strongly with current cultural movements, and The Princess Diaries 3 has the opportunity to reflect those values in the film.
With Disney officially moving forward with The Princess Diaries 3 and Adele Lim at the helm, the film is set to be a fresh, yet nostalgic continuation of the beloved franchise. Though details about the cast and plot are still under wraps, fans are eagerly awaiting news on whether Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews will return to their iconic roles. For now, it’s clear that the next chapter of Mia Thermopolis’ journey is coming soon—and audiences around the world are ready.
