After years of anticipation and speculation, Anne Hathaway has finally hinted at her return to one of her most iconic roles – Mia Thermopolis – in The Princess Diaries franchise. Fans of the beloved Disney series are in for a royal treat as the long-awaited third installment is now officially in the works. The exciting news came directly from Anne herself in a playful yet nostalgic Instagram post on October 4, which has sent fans buzzing with excitement.
In her video, the Oscar-winning actress, known for her versatility on screen, brings back memories of her character Mia. She counts to three while showing clips from the previous Princess Diaries movies, which feature her and her iconic co-star, the legendary Julie Andrews. The video ends with Anne blowing a kiss to the camera before delivering one of Mia’s most unforgettable lines, “Shut up!” — a catchphrase that fans immediately recognized from the original film. The post was accompanied by the caption, “Miracles happen. Back to Genovia with @adeleblim, @disney, @somewherepictures. The fairy tale continues.” This simple yet significant gesture from Anne Hathaway signals that she’s ready to step back into the shoes of the beloved Genovian princess, and fans couldn’t be more thrilled.
Disney Confirms: ‘The Princess Diaries 3’ is Officially Happening
The Instagram post wasn’t the only exciting development of the day. Earlier, E! News officially confirmed that The Princess Diaries 3 is moving forward at Disney, marking the return of the much-loved franchise nearly two decades after the release of The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement in 2004. For fans who have been eagerly waiting for Mia Thermopolis’ story to continue, this news felt nothing short of a fairytale come true.
But that’s not all. The highly-anticipated sequel will have a new, exciting creative team at the helm. It was announced that the third installment will be directed by Crazy Rich Asians screenwriter Adele Lim, who has already established a solid reputation in the film industry. Lim’s previous work includes writing Disney’s animated feature Raya and the Last Dragon (2021), which was praised for its stunning visuals and empowering storytelling. Additionally, she made her directorial debut with the 2023 comedy Joy Ride, earning widespread acclaim for her sharp, witty, and inclusive approach to storytelling.
In an official statement, Adele Lim expressed her enthusiasm about joining The Princess Diaries family. “As a diehard fan of the original Princess Diaries, I’m beyond excited to be part of bringing the third iteration of this beloved franchise to life,” Lim shared. “We look forward to celebrating its core themes of female empowerment, joy, and mentorship with audiences worldwide.”
Her words have further increased the excitement, as fans are now eager to see how the third film will celebrate these powerful themes while continuing Mia’s journey.
Anne Hathaway Has Teased the Sequel for Years
The news of The Princess Diaries 3 is certainly thrilling, but it’s not entirely unexpected for dedicated fans who have followed Hathaway’s updates over the years. The actress has long been vocal about her desire to return to Genovia, and she has teased the possibility of a third film multiple times.
In a 2019 appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Hathaway revealed for the first time that there was already a script for The Princess Diaries 3 in the works. During the interview, she expressed her enthusiasm for reprising her role and emphasized that the entire original team was on board for the project.
“There is a script for the third movie,” Hathaway confirmed to Cohen at the time. “There is a script. I want to do it, Julie wants to do it, Debra Martin Chase, our producer, wants to do it. We all really want it to happen.”
This revelation sent waves of excitement through the fanbase, and ever since, people have been patiently waiting for an official announcement. However, progress on the film remained relatively quiet until now, as Hathaway herself recently shared a promising update in early 2024.
During an interview with V Magazine in April, Hathaway reassured fans that the project was still moving forward, even if there wasn’t anything concrete to share at the time. “We’re in a good place,” she said coyly. “That’s all I can say. There’s nothing to announce yet, but we’re in a good place.” Hathaway’s cautious optimism left many hopeful that the wheels were still turning behind the scenes.
And now, with her Instagram post and Disney’s official confirmation, it’s clear that The Princess Diaries 3 is finally becoming a reality.
What Can Fans Expect from ‘The Princess Diaries 3’?
Although the plot details of The Princess Diaries 3 remain tightly under wraps, there are a few hints about what fans can expect from the upcoming film. First and foremost, the return of Anne Hathaway as Mia Thermopolis seems almost certain, especially following her Instagram post, which essentially confirmed her involvement.
Additionally, Julie Andrews, who played Queen Clarisse Renaldi, Mia’s wise and regal grandmother, has previously expressed her willingness to return for a third film. In the past, Andrews, now 88, has been an essential part of the franchise, and her return would be a major draw for longtime fans. Her dynamic chemistry with Hathaway was one of the defining features of the first two films, and fans are eagerly anticipating more heartwarming and humorous moments between the two.
As for the direction of the story, it’s likely that The Princess Diaries 3 will continue to explore Mia’s life as she navigates her royal responsibilities as Queen of Genovia, building on the character development from the first two films. Considering that both Hathaway and Lim have emphasized themes of female empowerment, joy, and mentorship, it’s possible that the third film will focus on Mia’s growth as a leader and her efforts to bring positive change to Genovia. Perhaps we will even see Mia mentoring a new generation of royals or leaders, further solidifying the franchise’s legacy of highlighting strong female characters.
Adele Lim’s involvement as director also promises a fresh perspective, with her experience in crafting stories that celebrate cultural diversity, strong female leads, and complex characters. Fans can likely expect a modern twist on the classic fairytale, blending nostalgia with contemporary themes.
The Legacy of The Princess Diaries
It’s no wonder that the news of The Princess Diaries 3 has generated so much excitement. The franchise has left an indelible mark on pop culture since the release of the original film in 2001. Based on the popular book series by Meg Cabot, The Princess Diaries introduced audiences to Mia Thermopolis, a quirky, clumsy teenager who suddenly discovers that she is heir to the throne of the fictional kingdom of Genovia. With the guidance of her grandmother, Queen Clarisse, Mia must learn the ropes of royalty while navigating the ups and downs of adolescence.
The film resonated with audiences for its humor, heart, and relatable protagonist. Anne Hathaway’s breakout performance as Mia Thermopolis quickly made her a fan favorite, while Julie Andrews’ elegant portrayal of Queen Clarisse added a touch of class and gravitas to the story. The film’s message of embracing one’s individuality and finding confidence in oneself struck a chord with viewers of all ages.
The success of the first movie led to the release of The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement in 2004, which further explored Mia’s journey as she prepared to take on her royal duties. Now, nearly two decades later, the third film promises to continue the story of Genovia and its beloved Queen Mia, bringing the franchise full circle for both new and longtime fans.
As Anne Hathaway said, “Miracles happen.” After years of rumors, teases, and anticipation, the Princess Diaries franchise is officially returning with a third movie, and fans couldn’t be happier. With Hathaway and Julie Andrews likely reprising their roles, and the talented Adele Lim directing, The Princess Diaries 3 is shaping up to be a magical continuation of a story that has touched the hearts of millions.
