In an exciting announcement for fans of the beloved franchise, Anne Hathaway has confirmed her return for the much-anticipated Princess Diaries 3. The film is set to be directed by Adele Lim, known for her work on hit projects such as Crazy Rich Asians and Joy Ride. This news marks a significant step forward in the development of the film, which has been in the works since 2022.
Adele Lim expressed her enthusiasm about directing the sequel, stating, “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 tenets of female power, joy, and mentorship with audiences worldwide.” Lim’s vision promises to honor the spirit of the original films while introducing fresh elements to the story.
The production of Princess Diaries 3 will be led by Debra Martin Chase, who played a pivotal role in the original films. Hathaway will also take on a producing role through her company, Somewhere Pictures. Alongside her, Naia Cucukov, Lim’s producing partner at 100 Tigers, will serve as executive producer, with Melissa Stack also joining the team in a producing capacity.
Hathaway shared her excitement about the project on social media, posting a video that recites the iconic quote, “Shut up!” from the original film. This nostalgic reference has delighted fans and reignited their enthusiasm for the upcoming sequel.
The screenplay for the third installment is being penned by Flora Greeson. While specific plot details remain under wraps, it is expected that the film will continue the narrative established in the first two movies, The Princess Diaries (2001) and The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004), rather than rebooting the franchise. This approach is likely to resonate well with audiences who have cherished Mia Thermopolis’s journey from a relatable teenager to the queen of the fictional kingdom of Genovia.
Adele Lim’s previous work has set a high bar for storytelling. Her writing for Crazy Rich Asians achieved remarkable success, grossing $174 million domestically against a $30 million budget. The film not only became one of the most profitable romantic comedies of all time but also garnered critical acclaim, receiving nominations for prestigious awards including the Golden Globes and the Producers Guild Awards. Lim also contributed to Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon, which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Fans of the Princess Diaries series have been eagerly awaiting updates about the third film. Last year, Hathaway hinted at positive developments in an interview with V Magazine, stating, “We’re in a good place. There’s nothing to announce yet. But we’re in a good place.” This optimism suggests that the creative team is making significant progress towards bringing the sequel to life.
As anticipation builds for Princess Diaries 3, the combination of Hathaway’s return, Lim’s directorial vision, and the rich legacy of the franchise sets the stage for what could be a memorable continuation of Mia Thermopolis’s story. The film aims to resonate with both long-time fans and new audiences, celebrating themes of empowerment, friendship, and self-discovery.
The Princess Diaries franchise has left an indelible mark on popular culture, and the return of its beloved characters promises to reignite the magic that captivated audiences two decades ago. As production moves forward, fans can look forward to more updates and eventually, a new chapter in the enchanting world of Genovia.
