The much-anticipated return of Mia Thermopolis to the silver screen is closer than ever, as Anne Hathaway has confirmed that "The Princess Diaries 3" is actively in development, with her team "constantly working on" bringing the beloved franchise back to life. In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, the Oscar-winning actress expressed her unwavering commitment to reprising her iconic role as the accidental queen of Genovia, stating she is "100%" eager to revisit the fictional European kingdom.
Hathaway’s confirmation comes as a beacon of hope for legions of fans who have eagerly awaited a continuation of Mia’s royal journey. The prospect of a third installment was reportedly delayed due to the unexpected resurgence of interest and subsequent development of a sequel to another of Hathaway’s career-defining films, "The Devil Wears Prada." Hathaway alluded to this in her interview, explaining that the momentum behind "The Devil Wears Prada 2" made it "impossible to focus on both at the same time." However, with that project having taken its course, the focus has now firmly shifted back to Genovia.
"The intention is to make Princess Diaries hopefully next," Hathaway stated, though she was careful to manage expectations by clarifying that the threequel has not yet been officially "greenlit or confirmed." She acknowledged the widespread desire for a new film, noting that "everybody wants [a next installment]," and revealed that she and her collaborators are diligently "chipping away at the script." This meticulous approach, she explained, is informed by the high bar set by her previous experiences. "If I learned anything from [The 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 concluded.
A Royal Journey Through Time: The Princess Diaries Saga
The "Princess Diaries" franchise began in 2001 with the release of the Garry Marshall-directed film, based on Meg Cabot’s best-selling novel of the same name. The story introduced audiences to Mia Thermopolis, a seemingly ordinary San Francisco high school student whose life is irrevocably altered when her estranged grandmother, Queen Clarisse Renaldi of Genovia, played by the legendary Julie Andrews, reveals that Mia is the sole heir to the Genovian throne. The film, produced by the late Whitney Houston, was a significant critical and commercial success, not only launching Hathaway into superstardom but also becoming a touchstone for a generation of moviegoers.
The magic of Genovia continued in the 2004 sequel, "The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement." This installment saw Mia grappling with the intricacies of her royal duties and the impending requirement to marry within a specified timeframe to secure her claim to the throne. The sequel introduced a significant new character, Nicholas Devereaux, played by Chris Pine in his feature film debut. Pine’s portrayal of Mia’s charming yet antagonistic suitor, who eventually blossoms into a love interest, added a new layer of romantic tension and complexity to the narrative, further cementing the franchise’s appeal. The sequel also performed well at the box office, underscoring the enduring popularity of Mia’s story.
The Road to "The Princess Diaries 3": A Timeline of Developments
The journey towards "The Princess Diaries 3" has been a lengthy one, marked by intermittent discussions and hopeful pronouncements from the cast and filmmakers.
- Early 2000s: Following the success of the first two films, discussions about a potential third installment began to surface. However, no concrete plans materialized during this period.
- Mid-2010s: Anne Hathaway herself began to express interest in returning to the role, often stating her willingness if the story was compelling and the original cast, particularly Julie Andrews, was involved.
- 2019: In a poignant moment, Anne Hathaway revealed on "Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen" that a script for "The Princess Diaries 3" was in the works, generating significant excitement among fans. She confirmed that her team was actively engaged in the process.
- 2020-2021: Further hints and assurances were provided by Hathaway and other members of the cast, including Julie Andrews, who expressed her openness to returning. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and other production priorities at Disney likely contributed to a pause in active development.
- October 2024: Deadline exclusively reported that Adele Lim, the acclaimed screenwriter behind "Crazy Rich Asians," was attached to direct "The Princess Diaries 3" for Disney. This news signaled a significant step forward in the long-gestating project, confirming Disney’s commitment to reviving the franchise. The report also reiterated Hathaway’s commitment to reprising her role as Mia Thermopolis.
Key Players and Potential Dynamics
Anne Hathaway’s confirmed return as Mia Thermopolis is undoubtedly the cornerstone of "The Princess Diaries 3." Her evolution as an actress since the first film, coupled with her established rapport with the character, promises a mature and compelling portrayal of a queen who has navigated the complexities of royalty for over two decades.
The inclusion of Julie Andrews as Queen Clarisse Renaldi is another crucial element that fans are hoping for. Andrews’ regal presence and nuanced performance were integral to the charm and gravitas of the first two films. Her potential return would provide a vital link to the franchise’s origins and offer a rich dynamic as Mia continues to learn from her wise and experienced grandmother.
The status of Chris Pine as Nicholas Devereaux remains a subject of speculation. His character’s journey from adversary to love interest was a significant plot point in "The Princess Diaries 2." His return could offer opportunities to explore Mia’s romantic life further, potentially bringing back a fan-favorite dynamic or introducing new romantic entanglements that reflect Mia’s growth.
The addition of Adele Lim as director brings a fresh perspective to the franchise. Her success with "Crazy Rich Asians" demonstrated her ability to craft stories that blend humor, heart, and cultural richness. Her involvement suggests a potential for a modern, relevant, and perhaps more diverse approach to the Genovian narrative, while still honoring the established spirit of the series.
The Significance of a Royal Return
The renewed focus on "The Princess Diaries 3" comes at a time when nostalgia-driven reboots and sequels are proving to be highly successful in the film industry. Franchises that resonate with audiences from their formative years often carry a built-in fanbase eager to reconnect with beloved characters and stories. The "Princess Diaries" films hold a special place in the hearts of many, offering a fantasy of transformation and empowerment that has proven enduring.
Hathaway’s emphasis on quality and delivering a film that "knocks it out of the park" speaks to the challenges and opportunities inherent in reviving such a cherished property. The narrative will need to evolve to reflect Mia’s journey into adulthood and her potential role as a seasoned monarch, while still retaining the charm and humor that made the original films so endearing. The script development process, as Hathaway described, is crucial for navigating these complexities and ensuring that the third installment not only meets but exceeds the high expectations of its dedicated audience.
The success of "The Princess Diaries 3" could have significant implications for Disney and the future of its family-friendly film offerings. A strong performance would validate the studio’s strategy of mining its popular back catalog for new content and could pave the way for further explorations of other beloved franchises. For Anne Hathaway, a triumphant return to Genovia would further solidify her status as a versatile and beloved actress capable of captivating audiences across a wide range of genres and characters. The world of Genovia awaits Mia Thermopolis’s next chapter, and the anticipation is palpable.
