Disney has confirmed that The Princess Diaries 3 is moving forward, with Anne Hathaway officially returning to star and produce.
The long-anticipated third instalment in the beloved franchise comes nearly two decades after The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004) hit cinemas. Hathaway, who rose to fame as Mia Thermopolis in the first film, confirmed the news via an Instagram post after Deadline broke the story.
The post featured a nostalgic video where Hathaway counted to three, intercut with classic scenes of her younger self as Mia and Julie Andrews as Queen Clarisse Renaldi, both exclaiming, “Shut up!”—a memorable line from the original film.
Adele Lim to Direct
Adele Lim, known for her writing work on Crazy Rich Asians and Raya and the Last Dragon, has been tapped to direct the third film. Lim, who made her directorial debut with the 2023 comedy Joy Ride, expressed her excitement about joining the project. “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,” the filmmaker said in a statement. Lim also emphasised that the film will continue to celebrate themes of “female power, joy, and mentorship.”
Lim took to social media to express her excitement about landing the high-profile directing gig. “SHUT UP!!! Here to celebrate the Queens and Princesses in all of us,” she posted.
The first film and second films in the franchise were directed by the late Garry Marshall, who also helmed films such as Beaches, Pretty Woman, The Other Sister, Runaway Bride, and Valentine’s Day.
Returning Cast Uncertain
While Hathaway is confirmed to reprise her role, it remains unclear if other original cast members will return. Julie Andrews, who played Mia’s royal grandmother, has been non-committal about her involvement. In an interview earlier this year with Today, Andrews remarked, “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.”
Chris Pine, who starred as Mia’s love interest Nicholas Devereaux in The Princess Diaries 2, has expressed interest in returning. “Princess Diaries 3, where is it?” he joked with Entertainment Weekly in May this year. “Have you been reading my diary?”
Behind the Scenes
The screenplay for Princess Diaries 3 is being penned by Flora Greeson, who previously penned 2020 film The High Note (starring Dakota Johnson and Tracee Ellis Ross). Debra Martin Chase, a producer of the original two films, is set to return, with executive producers including Naia Cucukov and Melissa Stack.
Production is expected to begin next year. Plot details are being kept firmly under wraps. Stay tuned!
And to refresh your memory, look back at the trailer for the first film:
And the sequel!:
