The Princess Diaries 3has found its director withJoy Ride’s Adele Lim at the helm, and Anne Hathaway has confirmed her return. Released in 2001,The Princess Diarieswas a breakout film for star Anne Hathaway. In the film, Hathaway played Mia Thermopolis, a young woman living in America who discovers she is heir to the throne of the fictional kingdom of Genovia, and is taught her royal duties by her grandmother, Clarisse Renaldi (Julie Andrews). The film was a box office hit, grossing $108 million domestically and $165 million worldwide against a $26 million budget. A sequel,Princess Diaries 2: The Royal Engagement, was released in 2004, and for over twenty years, fans have been waiting for news of a third entry.
Varietyhas reported that Lim has signed on to direct the movie, which is one of the biggest updates the film has had to date. Lim is best known as the screenwriter for 2018’sCrazy Rich Asians, and she released her directorial debut,Joy Ride, in 2023. Lim also has a history of working with Disney, as she was one of the writers on the animated movieRaya and the Last Dragon. Lim is stepping in for director Garry Marshall, who directed both previousPrincess Diariesfilms and passed away in 2016. In a statement released by Lim, she addressed how excited she is to be joining the film.
“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.”
Princess Diaries: Best Moments in the Franchise, Ranked
As Anne Hathaway becomes Queen of Genovia again, here’s a look back at the best moments in the Princess Diaries franchise.
Shortly after the announcement, franchise star Anne Hathaway shared a video of herself teasing her return to the franchise, something that is not surprising as she has expressed an interest in reprising her role on several occasions. Chris Pine, who appeared inThe Princess Diaries 2: The Royal Engagementas Nicholas Deveraux, has alsoexpressed interest in reprising his role in the franchise. There is also no word on whether Julie Andrews will return, as she has primarily moved into voice work, such as Lady Whistledown inBridgertonand Gru’s mother Marlena inMinions: Rise of Gru.
Disney Is Going All-In on 2000s Nostalgia
Disney has started to invest heavily in long-awaited sequels to beloved films from their 1990s and 2000s slate. While bothHocus Pocus 2andDisenchantedwere Disney+ Original streaming films,The Princess Diaries 3could be one that will get a theatrical release.The Princess Diaries 3will likelyfollowFreakier Fridaydown the theatrical release route instead of becoming streaming exclusives. BothThe Princess Diaries 3andFreakier Fridayseem to be Disney’s attempts to reinvest in mid-budget movies and films aimed at a female demographic.
The Princess Diaries 3is also one of two Anne Hathaway-starring movies to get a legacy sequel after two decades, asThe Devil Wears Prada 2is also in development. Released by 20th Century Fox,The Devil Wears Pradais now under the Disney umbrella. While Hathaway has not signed on to return for either movie as yet, Disney will do everything possible to bring her back, as her involvement in both films is very important to their marketability and box office success.
