The highly anticipated follow-up to an early-2000s classic, The Princess Diaries 3, has been confirmed after the recent announcements of sequels for Freaky Friday and The Devil Wears Prada. The new installment comes over two decades after The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, which was released in 2004, and the original film in 2001.
Adele Lim has been chosen to direct the film. Lim previously wrote the scripts for Disney’s animated feature Raya and the Last Dragon and Crazy Rich Asians before making her directorial debut with the R-rated comedy Joy Ride last year. In a statement, Lim expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “As a die-hard 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.” She looks forward to celebrating the themes of female empowerment, joy, and mentorship with audiences across the globe.
Anne Hathaway confirmed her return to the franchise on Instagram, posting “Back to Genovia” along with a video where she quote lines from the previous films, stating, “The fairytale continues.”
The first two films, based on young adult novels by Meg Cabot, were directed by Garry Marshall, who passed away in 2016. The plot follows Hathaway’s character, Mia Thermopolis, as she discovers her royal lineage as the heir to Genovia and undergoes princess training with her grandmother, Queen Clarisse Renaldi, portrayed by Julie Andrews.
The development of The Princess Diaries 3 has made significant progress with Lim’s appointment as director. It was previously reported in 2022 that a third film was in the works, with screenwriter Aadrita Mukerji, known for her work on TV’s Supergirl and Quantum Leap, on board. Debra Martin Chase, a producer from the earlier films, will also return to executive-produce alongside Lim’s partners, Naia Cucukov and Melissa Stack.
Earlier this year, Hathaway hinted at the film’s progress when asked by New York Times Magazine about the possibility of a Princess Diaries 3. She responded affirmatively, saying, “Yep,” but did not provide further details.
Hathaway has shown her deep affection for the franchise, describing it as a transformative experience in her life. During an interview with Vanity Fair earlier this year, she reflected emotionally on the impact of the original film, stating that it has only grown in significance as her life has evolved.