Just hours after it was announced that Disney had officially started work on Princess Diaries 3 with Adele Lim in the director’s throne, the princess herself, Anne Hathaway, shared the news that she would be reprising her role for the threequel.
The actress was seen smiling into the camera while clips of Mia Thermopolis’ iconic catchphrase “Shut… up!” flicked back and forth before revealing “Miracles happen. Back to Genovia with @adeleblim @disney @somewherepictures. The fairy tale continues.”
While rumours had been swirling around for years, the confirmation has sent the internet into a royal frenzy, with most fans giving up hope of ever knowing what happened next for Mia, nearly two decades after her coronation.
So what’s next for the series and when can we expect Anne Hathaway to return to her royal duties? Tiaras at the ready! Here’s everything we know so far.
Will The Original Cast Reunite For Princess Diaries 3?
Joy Ride director and co-writer of Crazy Rich Asians, Adele Lim, has signed on to direct Princess Diaries 3, following in the footsteps of the film’s original director, the late Garry Marshall.
“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,” Lim said in a statement. “We look forward to celebrating its core tenants of female power, joy and mentorship with audiences worldwide.”
One of the original producers, Debra Martin Chase has also signed on to produce the third instalment, alongside Lim’s producing partner, Naia Cucukov.
With Anne Hathaway confirming she’ll reprise her role as monarch Amelia Mignonette Thermopolis Renaldi, there’s no word on whether she’ll be joined by any of her past castmates.
Will Heather Matarazzo return as Mia’s quirky and steadfast best friend, Lilly? Is Chris Pine’s character Nicholas Deveraux still patiently waiting to marry Mia? Are Joe and Queen Clarisse still together? So many questions!
Will Chris Pine Return For Princess Diaries 3?
Making his film acting debut in the 2004 sequel Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, as Nicholas Devereaux, Chris Pine has been fielding questions about whether or not he’ll return to reprise his role for the threequel.
In an interview with Today With Hoda & Jenna, Pine reacted to the news, stating “I don’t know anything. Call Disney! Call Bob Iger!”
“The answer is I’ve gotta see,” Pine added. “I don’t know anything about it. I think it’s fantastic.”
Although he might claim to be out of the loop, it’s hard to envision a Genovian court without the presence of the ever-charming, mildly frustrating, Nicholas.
Is Julie Andrews Returning To Play Queen Clarisse?
While we know that Julie Andrews has been busy voicing Bridgerton’s Lady Whistledown, the actress is yet to comment on the current state of affairs. However, in an interview earlier this year she mused about the possibility of a third instalment.
“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. I don’t like it when people milk and milk and milk the subject, you know, ‘til it’s dead.”
However, she added, “I’d be very happy if we did do another one. But I don’t expect to.”
The comments came after a 2019 interview with Andy Cohen, where Hathaway expressed her eagerness to return to the screen for Princess Diaries 3. “I want to do it. Julie (Andrews) wants to do it. Debra Martin Chase, our producer wants to do it.”
“We all really want it to happen, it’s just we don’t want to do it unless it’s perfect, because we love it just as much as you guys love it.”
But if prior announcements are anything to go by, it’s surely only a matter of time before Clarisse enters the chat.
When Is Princess Diaries III Coming Out?
Production will officially begin in 2025, but Disney is yet to release exact timings around when we might be able to expect the third movie.
Until then, you can catch up on all the nostalgic goodness on Disney+
Stream The Princess Diaries and Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement on Disney Plus from $13.99/mth.
