Anne Hathaway confirms her return as Princess Mia in the prequel to “The Princess Diaries 3.”
Fans are ecstatic as the beloved film franchise moves forward with exciting updates from Hathaway herself.
Content Highlights
- Anne Hathaway reprises her role as Princess Mia in the upcoming “Princess Diaries 3” prequel.
- Adele Lim, writer of “Crazy Rich Asians,” will direct the film.
- Hathaway teased the announcement with a nostalgic video on Instagram.
- The film has been in development since 2022, with no confirmed release date yet.
- No word yet on Julie Andrews reprising her role as Queen Clarisse.
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Anne Hathaway is making a heartfelt return to Genovia, reprising her iconic role as Princess Mia Thermopolis in the highly anticipated prequel of ‘The Princess Diaries’ franchise.
The Academy Award-winning actress took to Instagram on Friday to share the exciting news, posting a simple yet emotional message: “Miracles happen.”
The video accompanying her post featured a nostalgic countdown with scenes from the original movie, ending with Hathaway’s beloved line, “Shut up!” —a nod to the magic that began more than two decades ago.
This announcement follows the initial report from Variety, confirming that the third installment is well on its way.
A Royal Reunion on the Horizon
In the Instagram post, Hathaway shared a screenshot of the news article confirming the development, bringing fans of the franchise to the edge of their seats.
According to Variety, the new film will be directed by Adele Lim, the talented writer behind Crazy Rich Asians.
With Hathaway set to return, the upcoming prequel will serve as the third installment in the beloved series, which began in 2001 with ‘The Princess Diaries’ and followed by the 2004 sequel ‘The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.’
For Hathaway, this return is more than just a role—it’s an opportunity to revisit one of her earliest career-defining moments.
Reflecting on the film’s development earlier this year, Hathaway told ‘V Magazine’ that everything was moving in the right direction: “We’re in a good place,” she said, adding, “that’s all I can say for now.”
Honoring the Legacy of Female Empowerment
Director Adele Lim is just as excited about the project. “As a diehard fan of the original ‘Princess Diaries,’ I’m beyond thrilled to bring the third iteration to life,” Lim shared in a statement to Variety.
She also emphasized the movie’s core values of female empowerment, joy, and mentorship—qualities that have been at the heart of the franchise since its inception.
With Hathaway now 41, it’s hard not to look back on her journey with the character of Mia Thermopolis, a role she first embraced at the age of 17.
In her recent interview with V Magazine, Hathaway reflected on how the late director Garry Marshall had given her the space to grow: “He valued my take on being a teenage girl,” she said, fondly remembering the early days on set.
Marshall’s belief in her talents played a pivotal role in shaping Hathaway’s experience as a young actress, and now, two decades later, her return to Mia’s shoes is sure to feel like a full-circle moment.
Will Julie Andrews Return?
As fans eagerly await more news, many are left wondering if Julie Andrews will reprise her iconic role as Queen Clarisse Renaldi, Mia’s wise and regal grandmother.
Andrews has expressed doubt about her involvement in past interviews, including one with Access Hollywood in 2022.
She acknowledged that the time gap since the second film’s release may pose challenges: “It’s been so many years,” she said, adding that she wasn’t sure if a reunion with Hathaway was possible. “Annie the princess is much older now, and so am I.”
Though it remains uncertain if Andrews will return, her presence in the franchise is timeless.
Regardless of whether Queen Clarisse graces the screen again, her legacy, along with Hathaway’s, continues to inspire generations of fans.
A Celebration of Legacy and Love
As excitement builds for the third Princess Diaries, it’s clear that this new chapter will celebrate the values that the franchise has always stood for—empowerment, growth, and love.
Hathaway’s return signals more than just a continuation of the story; it’s a tribute to the enduring magic that made The Princess Diaries such a beloved cultural phenomenon.
Whether or not Julie Andrews returns, the royal magic of Genovia is alive and well, and fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting their next trip to the kingdom.