Anne Hathaway’s Campaign to Bring Julie Andrews Back for *The Princess Diaries 3*

The central development concerns Anne Hathaway’s public effort to persuade Julie Andrews to reprise her role as Queen Clarisse Renaldi in the upcoming third installment of *The Princess Diaries* franchise. Hathaway has repeatedly said the production team “did push really hard” to secure Andrews’ participation, while Andrews has confirmed she will not return, citing retirement from on-camera acting.

Hollywood Reporter

*The Princess Diaries* began in 2001 as a Disney comedy in which a teenage Mia Thermopolis (Hathaway) discovers she is heir to the fictional European kingdom of Genovia. Julie Andrews portrayed Mia’s grandmother, Queen Clarisse Renaldi, in the first two films (2001, 2004). A third film was announced in late 2022, with Hathaway slated to reprise Mia. The project remains in development with no release date announced.

Hollywood Reporter

• Anne Hathaway told Entertainment Tonight at the D23 Expo that the team remains “down” if Andrews changes her mind, emphasizing respect for Andrews’ legacy and wishes. She added that the goal is to make the sequel “fun” for the original audience, now adults who may be bringing their own children to the film.

Variety Magazine

• Julie Andrews, age 90, explained in an interview with *The Hollywood Reporter* that she feels “past all that now.” She described her current work as writing books, recording podcasts, and doing voice-over work, and concluded she does not believe she should be part of the new movie.

People Magazine

• The production has tapped Adele Lim to direct and Flora Greeson to write the script, with an earlier draft by Aadrita Mukerji. No further plot details have been disclosed.

Hollywood Reporter

Hathaway highlighted that many viewers were six when the original film debuted and are now mothers themselves. She expressed a desire for the sequel to serve as a “core memory” that families can share, stressing the importance of honoring the original’s spirit while building the new film “right.” The absence of Andrews, a beloved Disney Legend, has generated disappointment among long-time fans who associate her character with the series’ charm.

Anne Hathaway addresses Julie Andrews’ absence from The Princess Diaries 3

• No official release window has been provided for *The Princess Diaries 3*.

Hollywood Reporter

• While multiple outlets report Andrews’ refusal, none indicate any alternative arrangement (e.g., narration) for her character.

Variety Magazine

• Details about the film’s plot, tone, and whether Andrews might appear in a non-on-camera capacity remain undisclosed.

Anne Hathaway addresses Julie Andrews’ absence from The Princess Diaries 3

• “We did push really hard to see if she would want to do it.” — Video However

Hollywood Reporter

• “Just anything, really. But we also want to be respectful. Like, for goodness sakes, if anybody has contributed to the world of entertainment and to our collective joy, it’s her. Whatever she wants, we completely understand.” — Related Video However

Hollywood Reporter