The long-awaited third installment of 'The Princess Diaries' is officially in the works, with acclaimed director Adele Lim at the helm. Known for her work on 'Crazy Rich Asians,' Lim is set to bring a fresh touch to the beloved franchise while preserving its core tenets of female power, joy, and mentorship.
Anne Hathaway, who played Princess Mia Thermopolis in the original film, has confirmed her return for 'The Princess Diaries 3.' In an interview with PEOPLE in 2023, Hathaway expressed her excitement about the project's development, stating, 'We're in a good place.' However, the fate of her co-star Julie Andrews remains uncertain.
Julie Andrews, who played the regal Queen Clarisse Renaldi, has expressed mixed feelings about reprising her role. In a previous interview with Today.com, Andrews acknowledged the delicate balance between nostalgia and overextending a beloved series. While she left the door open for a potential return, she also noted that it might be too late for her to participate.
The Script and Production Details
There is a script for 'The Princess Diaries 3,' written by Aadrita Mukerji. Anne Hathaway revealed in 2019 that there is a script and that she, Julie Andrews, and producer Debra Martin Chase all want to see the project happen. The film is not a reboot but a continuation of the series.
Despite the script being in place, the production timeline has been lengthy. Hathaway emphasized in an interview with PEOPLE that it's a process requiring patience, as it often does in the movie business. The delay has left fans eagerly awaiting any updates on the project's status.
The Debate Over Michael and Nicholas
Fans are divided over whether Michael or Nicholas should be the love interest for Mia Thermopolis in 'The Princess Diaries 3.' Robert Schwartzman played Michael in the first film, while Chris Pine portrayed Nicholas in the sequel. Both actors have expressed interest in returning, but their roles remain uncertain.
Chris Pine, who played Nicholas Devereaux, recently stated that he doesn't know if he'll be back for 'The Princess Diaries 3.' He directed fans to call Disney or Bob Iger for more information, adding that he thought the news of the third film was 'fantastic.' The debate between Team Michael and Team Nicholas continues online, with passionate fans advocating for their preferred storyline.
Future Plans and Fan Excitement
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Julie Andrews' return, Anne Hathaway remains committed to the project. Hathaway's enthusiasm has been echoed by other cast members, including Sandra Oh, who expressed her readiness to return as Vice Principal Gupta. The cast's collective interest in reprising their roles has kept fans excited about the potential for a new installment.
The anticipation for 'The Princess Diaries 3' reflects the enduring popularity of the franchise. Fans continue to speculate about the plot and character developments, hoping that the new film will live up to the charm and humor of its predecessors.
As production moves forward under Adele Lim's direction, fans can look forward to a fresh yet nostalgic take on the beloved series. Whether Julie Andrews will reprise her role remains to be seen, but one thing is certainGenovia is about to come to life once more.
