Full Breakdown
Anne Hathaway's Pursuit of The Princess Diaries 3
4/21/2026, 9:55:11 PM
Current Status of The Princess Diaries 3
Anne Hathaway has confirmed that she and her team are actively working on a third installment of *The Princess Diaries*, although the project has not yet been officially greenlit. In a recent interview with *Entertainment Weekly*, Hathaway expressed her commitment to returning as Mia Thermopolis, stating, “We’re constantly working on it.” However, she noted that her focus has been diverted due to the production of *The Devil Wears Prada 2*, which has delayed progress on the *Princess Diaries* sequel.
Background and Context
The original *The Princess Diaries*, released in 2001, was based on Meg Cabot's novel and became a significant success, grossing over $165 million on a budget of $26 million. Its sequel, *The Princess Diaries: Royal Engagement*, released in 2004, also performed well at the box office, earning $135.3 million. The films established Hathaway as a leading actress and endeared her character, Mia, to audiences worldwide.
Challenges in Production
The development of *The Princess Diaries 3* has faced challenges primarily due to Hathaway's busy schedule. Meg Cabot, the author of the original book series, highlighted this issue during an appearance at BookCon 2026, stating, “I don’t know when they’re going to film it because Anne Hathaway... is making a million movies right now.” Hathaway's commitments include multiple major releases in 2026, complicating the scheduling for the new film.
Key Figures Involved
While Hathaway's return as Mia Thermopolis is anticipated, the involvement of other key cast members remains uncertain. Julie Andrews, who portrayed Queen Clarisse Renaldi, has not confirmed her participation, and Chris Pine, who played Nicholas Devereaux, has expressed interest in returning. The film is set to be directed by Adele Lim, with producers and writers already attached to the project.
Official Statements & Responses
Hathaway has emphasized the importance of meeting high expectations for the sequel, stating, “If you’re going to do it, you have to knock it out of the park.” This sentiment reflects her awareness of the franchise's legacy and the anticipation surrounding a potential third film.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the enthusiasm from fans, the uncertainty regarding casting and production timelines has raised concerns. Some critics argue that without Hathaway's involvement, the sequel would lack its core appeal. The delays have led to a mix of excitement and frustration among the franchise's loyal followers.
What's Next
As the project continues to develop, fans remain hopeful for updates regarding casting and production timelines. While the film is officially in the works at Disney, the primary focus will depend on Hathaway's availability and the resolution of her current commitments. For now, the future of *The Princess Diaries 3* remains a topic of interest, with many eagerly awaiting the return to Genovia.
