Miracles Happen! Everything We Know AboutThe Princess Diaries 3So Far (Including Who Will Return to Genovia!)

Mar. 15, 2025

Anne Hathaway in ‘The Princess Diaries’.Photo:AJ Pics/ Alamy

AJ Pics/ Alamy

Get ready to return to Genovia!

Nearly 25 years afterThe Princess Diariesfirst premiered, a third film is officially in the works. In October, Anne Hathaway announced thatThe Princess Diaries 3is on its way to audiences, with filming expected to begin in 2025, according toThe Hollywood Reporter.

And while Hathaway is the only confirmed cast member for the third film, several of her former costars have expressed their excitement to return to the franchise if given the opportunity. From who else will join Hathaway on screen to who is sitting the director’s chair, here’s everything to know aboutThe Princess Diaries 3, so far!

How didThe Princess Diaries 2end?

‘The Princess Diaries 2’.Entertainment Pictures/ Alamy Stock Photo

Entertainment Pictures/ Alamy Stock Photo

A smash hit with fans upon its release in 2004,The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagementfollows Mia (Hathaway) five years after the events of the first film. When Mia arrives in Genovia to celebrate her 21st birthday, it’s revealed that she needs to be married within a month of her birthday or she will not be crowned queen upon her grandmother’s upcoming abdication of the throne.

As Mia quickly tries to find a suitable husband, she develops a romance with the charming Nicholas Devereaux (Pine), though it’s revealed that Nicholas’ uncle is scheming to have him crowned king instead. Nicholas, having fallen in love with Mia, rejects the crown. Mia makes a rousing speech that convinces the parliament to allow her to rule as an unmarried woman and is finally crowned queen of Genovia.

What has Anne Hathaway said aboutThe Princess Diaries 3?

Anne Hathaway in February 2024.Monica Schipper/Getty Images

Monica Schipper/Getty Images

Even before the third film was confirmed, Hathaway expressed her eagerness to revisit the iconic franchise. Speaking toVanity Fairin April 2024, she calledThe Princess Diaries“the film that changed my life.”

She previously told PEOPLE in 2023 that it was“thrilling” to “see the level of excitement for a third film.“While she admitted that the 20-year wait could be “frustrating,” she clarified that it was a normal part of the moviemaking business. “It’s a process that requires patience … this is how long it actually takes to make things.”

Will Julie Andrews appear in the third film?

Andrews’thoughts on returningas Queen Clarisse Renaldi have varied over the years and it is not confirmed if she will return for the upcoming movie.

In 2020, Andrews was wary butready for a third film. “I think I would. I’m getting awfully old and crotchety. I’m not sure if it’s the right timing, but I think to work with Annie would be lovely again,” she shared onThe Talk @ Home.

However, in 2024, Andrews told Today, “It’s quite a long time now since the twoDiarieswere done, and I’m not sure, but sometimes it’s best toleave a good thing alone. I don’t like it when people milk and milk and milk the subject, you know, ‘til it’s dead.”

“I’d be very happy if we did do another one,” the British actress added.

What has Chris Pine said about returning as Nicholas Devereaux?

Anne Hathaway and Chris Pine in ‘The Princess Diaries 2’.Walt Disney/Buena Vista/Shutterstock

Walt Disney/Buena Vista/Shutterstock

With Hathaway as the only confirmed cast member so far, fans are hoping that Pine will reprise his role as the handsome Nicholas Devereaux, Mia’s love interest from the second film — and it seems like Pine is hoping to return as well.

Before the announcement, Pine toldEntertainment Weeklyin May 2024, “Princess Diaries 3, where is it? Have you been reading my diary? I don’t know. I haven’t heard anything about it.”

What have other cast members said about returning?

Sandra Oh in 2024; Mandy Moore in 2024.Robin L Marshall/Getty Images; John Nacion/Getty Images

Robin L Marshall/Getty Images; John Nacion/Getty Images

The Princess Diariesstarted the careers of some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. When asked about returning as the high school’s Vice Principal Gupta,Grey’s AnatomyandKilling Evestar Sandra Oh is definitely in. “Yeah, that would be hilarious. Are you kidding? Sure. Yeah,” Oh told PEOPLE in Mary 2024.

Singer-actress Mandy Moore, who starred as mean girl Lana, also has fond memories of her time on the first film, tellingInStylethat it was a “remarkable experience.”

“I kind of feel like my character was sort of the nemesis to Anne Hathaway’s character in the first film and she was so mean, I feel like maybe there’s no place for her [in a third film],” she shared during an appearance onThe Drew Barrymore Show. “I would love, love, love to join those ladies again, anytime, but I also understand if there’s no room for my awful character."

What isThe Princess Diaries 3about?

Julie Andrews, Hector Elizondo and Anne Hathaway in ‘The Princess Diaries’.Maximum Film/Alamy

Maximum Film/Alamy

According toThe Hollywood Reporter, Flora Greeson, the writer behindThe High Note, which starredDakota JohnsonandTracee Ellis Ross, wrote the latest script forThe Princess Diaries 3. However, no plot details have been revealed.

Previously, in 2016, the director of the first two films,Garry Marshall,told PEOPLEthat he and Hathaway had been in touch and discussing potential plot ideas. “I was with Anne Hathaway a couple weeks ago, it looks like we want to doPrincess Diaries 3in Manhattan.” At the time, Hathaway waspregnant with her son Jonathan, However, Marshall diedlater that year.

A few years later, Hathaway revealed that plans for a third film were still on and that a scriptwas already writtenduring an appearance onWatch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. “We don’t want to deliver anything until it’s ready, but we’re working on it," the actress said.

Who is directingThe Princess Diaries 3?

Adele Lim in May 2024.Monica Schipper/Getty Images

With credits for films likeJoy Ride,Crazy Rich AsiansandRaya and the Last Dragon, director Adele Lim has been hired to carry on Marshall’s legacy in the newly announced third film.

“As a die-hard fan of the originalPrincess 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 said in a statement.

source: people.com