Princess Diaries 3: Everything we know about the Anne Hathaway movie as Adele Lim set to direct

For a long time, fans have been waiting, and The Princess Diaries 3 is finally getting underway, with Walt Disney Studios confirming its development. Since the news broke in 2022 that Princess Diaries was returning, fans have waited with bated breath for more information about its continued journey.

After years of following Mia Thermopolis, played by Anne Hathaway, the third movie is set to bring a fresh approach under the direction of Adele Lim. Lim promises to imbue the franchise with a unique flavor.

While Anne Hathaway has assured fans that the film is "in a good place," she has kept quiet about specific details. Despite stepping out of the spotlight through her role as Mia, Hathaway expressed her excitement about potentially returning, although there is still "nothing to announce" regarding a release date or plot specifics for the forthcoming film.

Adele Lim’s direction and the production team of Princess Diaries 3

While The Princess Diaries is a beloved franchise, the talent attached to this new chapter is bound to make it exciting.

For her part, Adele Lim joins forces with Disney for the latest installment. Known for her strong storytelling and commitment to women’s empowerment, Lim explained in an interview with Deadline why she joined this particular film. She said about The Princess Diaries 3:

“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.”

Her experience directing culturally rich films like Crazy Rich Asians and Joy Ride has prepared her for this Disney project. Debra Martin Chase, the producer of the original two Princess Diaries films, also returns for the third installment.

Fans hope Princess Diaries 3 will keep the charm intact (Image via Disney)

With Lim's co-production partner, Naia Cucukov, and Melissa Stack on board as producers, the team is working to make The Princess Diaries 3 feel magical yet modern.

The first two films, directed by Garry Marshall, grossed over $300 million worldwide, making them two of Disney's best live-action films of the early 2000s. Lim’s involvement has rejuvenated hope for an exciting new take on the story of Mia Thermopolis.

Will Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews return in Princess Diaries 3?

Anne Hathaway, Larry Miller, Sparrow Heatley, and Gwenda Perez in The Princess Diaries (Image via Disney)

Fans of The Princess Diaries are surely excited to learn if the franchise will include a return of the original cast, Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews, in the third edition.

Hathaway is interested in playing the same role as the practical royal again. In an interview conducted by Variety in 2023, Hathaway revealed that she is in a good space regarding its development.

She added,

“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.”

And Julie Andrews? She seems more than likely enough to come back for Princess Diaries 3, but then again, will or won't she?

In December 2022, Access Hollywood attempted to get an update on whether Andrews would return for the third installment as Queen Clarisse Renaldi. She said it was unlikely because time has passed since Princess Diaries 2.

“It’s now how many years since then?” Andrews remarked, “And I am that much older, and Annie the princess, our queen, is so much older. I am not sure whether it would float or run.”

Even as Andrews demurred, Hathaway holds out optimism for finding a way to factor her into Princess Diaries 3.

Entertainment Tonight interviewed Hathaway separately and joked about using technology to get Andrews involved, saying,

"If there’s any way to get Julie Andrews involved, I think we would make it work. We would go to where she was and put a green screen behind her and just make it happen."

Where to watch Princess Diaries 3?

There is no word on when Princess Diaries 3 will be officially released, but fans can be assured that the film is in development, and the production team and cast alike are thrilled to bring this next chapter to life.