More than two decades after the last film, The Princess Diaries 3 is finally becoming a reality. Fans of the beloved franchise will see Anne Hathaway return as Mia Thermopolis, the once socially awkward teen who discovered she was a princess. The third installment follows Mia as the mature ruler of Genovia, picking up where The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement left off.
The franchise has always held a special place in the hearts of audiences, thanks to Mia’s relatable journey from a clumsy teenager to a confident queen. With the upcoming sequel, fans are eager to see how Mia’s reign has evolved and whether the story will delve deeper into her life as a monarch. While much of the plot remains under wraps, The Princess Diaries 3 is poised to offer a fresh perspective on Mia’s legacy.
Production Updates
In recent developments, The Princess Diaries 3 has officially brought on a director — Adele Lim, best known for co-writing Crazy Rich Asians. Lim’s passion for the original films shines through as she embraces the franchise’s themes of female empowerment, joy, and mentorship. Her directorial debut with Joy Ride (2023) further cements her as a promising choice for the director’s chair.
Anne Hathaway’s confirmation to reprise her role as Mia marked a major turning point for the project. Sharing the news on social media, Hathaway expressed her excitement both for returning to the role and for Lim’s involvement. With Hathaway back on board, production is officially moving forward, much to the delight of longtime fans.
The Cast: Who’s Returning?
While full casting details have yet to be revealed, Anne Hathaway’s return as Mia remains the film’s biggest headline. Other original cast members have expressed interest in reprising their roles, including Chris Pine, who portrayed Mia’s love interest, Lord Nicholas Deveraux. Pine recently shared that he would be thrilled to return, hinting that audiences may see more familiar faces join this long-awaited sequel.
The return of Julie Andrews as Queen Clarisse Renaldi, however, remains uncertain. In a recent interview, Andrews acknowledged that while discussions about a third film have occurred, the significant time gap and her age might prevent her from reprising the role. Fans will have to wait and see if the beloved queen will make a surprise return.
The Story: What Can We Expect?
Specific plot details for The Princess Diaries 3 are still under wraps, though speculation is running high. Since the franchise is loosely based on the book series by Meg Cabot, the third installment could draw inspiration from the novels while continuing to chart its own course, as the previous films did.
With Mia now crowned as Queen of Genovia, the sequel may explore her life as a ruler, the balance between her royal duties and personal life, and perhaps even her journey into motherhood. The film could follow Mia as she navigates the challenges of raising children while maintaining her leadership, or present a different path where she remains childless and focuses entirely on her reign.
There’s also the possibility of a legacy storyline, shifting the focus to Mia’s potential children and their own struggles with royal responsibilities. While these ideas remain speculative, such directions open up exciting new possibilities for the franchise.
Conclusion
The Princess Diaries 3 is set to transport audiences back to the enchanting world of Genovia, with Anne Hathaway once again stepping into the role that made her a household name. Although many details about the cast and storyline are still emerging, the hiring of a talented director and Hathaway’s confirmed return are promising signs for this highly anticipated sequel. Whether the film explores Mia’s reign, her family life, or the next generation of Genovian royalty, The Princess Diaries 3 promises to continue the legacy of one of Disney’s most cherished franchises.
Here is the official trailer for The Princess Diaries 3:
