The beloved Disney franchise, The Princess Diaries, is officially making a comeback with its much-anticipated third installment. Fans of the regal escapades of Mia Thermopolis, played by the talented Anne Hathaway, can rejoice as this cherished series gets ready to enchant audiences once more. Directed by Adele Lim, whose notable works include Joy Ride, Crazy Rich Asians, and Raya and the Last Dragon, the film promises to bring fresh energy while celebrating its core themes of female empowerment, joy, and mentorship.
Adele Lim expressed her enthusiasm in a statement, revealing her connection with the audience as a fan herself. “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,” she said. “We look forward to celebrating its core tenants of female power, joy, and mentorship with audiences worldwide.” Her involvement signals a promising new chapter for the franchise, aimed at capturing the hearts of both old fans and new viewers alike.
The film’s production is in the capable hands of Debra Martin Chase, who has been involved since the beginning of the Princess Diaries journey. Chase was instrumental in sourcing Hathaway for the role of Mia Thermopolis—the relatable teen-turned-queen of the fictional kingdom of Genovia. Julie Andrews also stars as Mia’s wise and regal grandmother, bringing grace and charm to the beloved character once again. Hathaway, besides reprising her iconic role, will also be wearing a producer’s hat under her production banner, Somewhere Pictures.
With Hathaway’s charismatic portrayal, the franchise has garnered a dedicated fanbase eager to see the continuation of Mia’s royal journey, from her initial struggles with crown protocols to her embracing the duties of a queen with dignity and humor. In a modern age fascinated by fictional kingdoms and strong female leads, The Princess Diaries continues to set a heartwarming standard for tales of self-discovery and transformation.
Adding to the dynamic team, Naia Cucukov, Lim’s producing partner with 100 Tigers, will step in as executive producer alongside Melissa Stack.
. Their combined expertise is expected to further enrich the storytelling, ensuring that the narrative remains faithful to the spirit of the original while exploring new dimensions within Mia’s world.
The announcement of Princess Diaries 3 stirred excitement across social media platforms, particularly after Hathaway shared the update with her fans on Instagram. She delighted followers with a clip quoting the iconic line, “Shut up!” from the first film—a clear nod to her character’s endearing awkwardness that endeared her to audiences.
Although specific plot details are still under wraps, the screenplay is being crafted by Flora Greeson. Fans are eagerly speculating how Mia’s character will have evolved, how her relationships have matured, and what new challenges await in the kingdom of Genovia. The franchise was initially developed to showcase a young woman’s transition into unexpected royalty; now, audiences are keen to see how this narrative expands for Mia as a maturing queen.
The film has been in active development since 2022. In a past interview with V Magazine, Hathaway had hinted at the progress of the third film stating, “We’re in a good place,” though at the time, specifics were yet to be revealed. Her optimism and commitment have been sources of assurance to longtime fans eager for confirmation of the movie’s advancement.
This renewal of The Princess Diaries story comes at a time when tales of empowerment and self-acceptance resonate more strongly than ever on the global stage. As the film gears up for its production phases, anticipation builds not only for the return of familiar characters but also for the introduction of new values aimed at modern viewers.
Set to encapsulate laughter, royal dilemmas, and empowering life lessons, Princess Diaries 3 is expected to resonate as profoundly with its audience today as the original did when it first premiered. With its all-star cast and talented production team, the third chapter of Mia Thermopolis’ enchanting saga looks set to make its mark on cinema history yet again. Stay tuned for further updates as the story of Genovia’s favorite queen unfolds.
