Credit: Inside The Magic“It’s been 84 years….” (IYKYK). Okay, well, actually, it’s only been 20 years since we last saw the Kingdom of Genovia in The Princess Diaries, but we still remember that day like it was yesterday!
We first met Mia Thermopolis in 2001, when she thought she was just a regular teenager dealing with regular teenage problems. But Mia was FAR from your average teenager, and she learned that when her grandmother Clarisse popped up and told her that she was actually the Princess of Genovia!
Three years later, Princess Mia returned, and fans watched her lead her kingdom. However, in The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, we learned that Mia could only be queen of Genovia if she got married. Enter Nicholas Devereaux (played by Chris Pine), the handsome frenemy who turned Mia’s world upside-down.
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Ever since the second film was released, fans have been begging for a third film. In 2022, that third film was finally confirmed, but there were few details available.
However, we now have some exciting news!
Discussions about a third installment have circulated for over a decade, with fans eager for a continuation of Mia Thermopolis’s story. Recently, the scriptwriting process has officially begun, indicating progress toward bringing this long-anticipated film to fruition. Debra Martin Chase, who produced the first two films, will return as a producer, reinforcing the connection to the original series and its beloved characters.
According to multiple reports, Adele Lim has signed on to direct the third movie, and, better yet, Anne Hathaway has announced that she is returning to the role she loves so much!
Lim, renowned for her work on the hit comedy Joy Ride (2023), aims to honor the original films’ legacy while introducing new elements. She is committed to celebrating themes of empowerment and mentorship, aligning with the positive message that The Princess Diaries has historically conveyed. Lim has previously collaborated on projects such as Crazy Rich Asians (2018) and Raya and the Last Dragon (2021), showcasing her versatility and creativity in both writing and directing.
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In a statement to TheWrap, Lim said:
“As a diehard 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.”
Lim was not the only one excited about the third movie. Anna Hathaway, AKA Princess Mia, shared a video on her Instagram confirming that she would be returning!
Miracles happen ✨👑 Back to Genovia with @adeleblim @disney @somewherepictures. The fairy tale continues ❤️🔥
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Despite the affirmative news surrounding Anne Hathaway’s return, the participation of other original cast members remains uncertain.
Notably, Julie Andrews, who played the beloved Queen Clarisse Renaldi, has cast doubt on her return. In earlier statements, Andrews expressed reservations about fitting into a third installment, especially following the passing of director Garry Marshall.
Furthermore, it remains unclear whether Chris Pine and Heather Matarazzo will reprise their roles from the previous films. Fans continue to hope for further involvement from the original cast, emphasizing the franchise’s nostalgic importance and the chemistry that characterized the original films.
Are you excited to hear that Anne Hathaway will be returning for The Princess Diaries 3? Who else are you hoping to see back? Let us know in the comments!