The Royal Return: 7 Shocking New Details About Anne Hathaway’s ‘Princess Diaries 3’ And When Filming Starts

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The wait is finally over. After two decades of speculation, rumors, and hopeful wishes, *The Princess Diaries 3* is officially in development at Disney, and the Queen of Genovia herself, Anne Hathaway, has confirmed her highly anticipated return as Mia Thermopolis. The news, which broke in late 2024, has ignited fan excitement worldwide, promising a fresh, modern continuation of the beloved fairy tale.

As of late 2025, the project is moving forward rapidly, with a director attached and filming expected to begin soon. The new film is set to answer the burning question of what royal life looks like for Mia in her adulthood, exploring the challenges of ruling a modern kingdom while balancing personal life, a journey that promises to be both hilarious and heartwarming. This article compiles the most recent, confirmed details and crucial updates you need to know about the next chapter in the Genovian saga.

Anne Hathaway: The Confirmed Queen of Genovia (Biography Profile)

Anne Hathaway is the only officially confirmed cast member for *The Princess Diaries 3*, making her return the cornerstone of the entire project. Her journey from awkward teenager to Hollywood royalty mirrors her character's transformation, grounding her performance in the film's core themes. Here is a brief profile of the acclaimed actress:

  • Full Name: Anne Jacqueline Hathaway
  • Date of Birth: November 12, 1982
  • Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
  • Breakthrough Role: Mia Thermopolis in *The Princess Diaries* (2001)
  • Major Accolades:
    • Academy Award (Oscar) for Best Supporting Actress (*Les Misérables*, 2012)
    • Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress (*Les Misérables*, 2012)
    • BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actress (*Les Misérables*, 2012)
  • Other Notable Films: *The Devil Wears Prada* (2006), *The Dark Knight Rises* (2012), *Interstellar* (2014), *Ocean's 8* (2018).
  • Confirmed Status for PD3: Confirmed to reprise her role as Mia Thermopolis.

The Production Status: Filming Timeline, New Director, and The Script

The development of *The Princess Diaries 3* has accelerated dramatically following Anne Hathaway's October 2024 announcement, confirming the film is "in a good place." The project is no longer just a rumor; it is an active production with key creative personnel in place.

When Will Filming for Princess Diaries 3 Begin?

This is the most critical question for eager fans. Current production updates indicate that filming for *The Princess Diaries 3* is expected to begin sometime in 2025. While an exact release date has not been set, a 2026 or 2027 premiere seems likely, depending on the production schedule and post-production timeline.

A Fresh Voice: Adele Lim Takes the Helm

In a major update, Disney has tapped an exciting new director for the franchise: Adele Lim. Lim is best known as the screenwriter for the critically acclaimed and commercially successful film *Crazy Rich Asians*. She also made her directorial debut with the raucous comedy *Joy Ride* (2023). Her involvement signals a commitment to a fresh, modern, and perhaps more mature comedic tone for Mia's next chapter, moving the franchise beyond its early 2000s roots.

The Status of the Script

Anne Hathaway had previously confirmed that a script for a third movie was in existence. The new film is not a reboot but a continuation of Mia's story, picking up years after *The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement*. The plot is rumored to draw inspiration from the Meg Cabot book series, specifically *The Princess Diaries, Volume XI: Royal Wedding*, which sees Mia facing adult royal challenges and potentially a new Genovian heir.

The Returning Cast: Who is Going Back to Genovia?

While Anne Hathaway is the only star officially confirmed, the status of other core cast members has been a major point of discussion, with some surprising news regarding the franchise's most iconic figure.

The Heartbreaking News About Julie Andrews

For many fans, the magic of *The Princess Diaries* is inseparable from Julie Andrews' portrayal of Queen Clarisse Renaldi. However, the legendary actress has indicated that she does not believe she will be involved in the third installment. Andrews, now in her late 80s, has gracefully stepped back from major film roles, citing the long gap between the films as a reason for her reluctance. Her absence would mark a significant shift in the dynamic of the Genovian royal family, suggesting Mia will be navigating the pressures of the throne without her beloved grandmother's direct guidance.

Will Chris Pine Return as Lord Nicholas Devereaux?

Chris Pine, who played Mia's love interest Lord Nicholas Devereaux in the second film, has repeatedly expressed his enthusiasm for a return. Although his involvement is not officially confirmed, the actor has publicly stated he is ready to come back to Genovia. Given that Mia ended *Royal Engagement* with Nicholas, his return is highly anticipated to see how their relationship has evolved over two decades.

Other Potential Returning Cast Members

While no one else is confirmed, several other key actors have voiced interest in reprising their roles, which would add crucial topical authority and nostalgia to the sequel:

  • Heather Matarazzo (Lilly Moscovitz): Mia’s best friend and a fan favorite.
  • Mandy Moore (Lana Thomas): The former high school bully who could potentially make a comedic cameo.
  • Robert Schwartzman (Michael Moscovitz): Lilly's brother and Mia's original love interest from the first film.

The Modern Mia Thermopolis: What Will The Plot Be?

The new film faces the challenge of updating a classic fairy tale for a 21st-century audience. The focus will undoubtedly be on Mia's life as an adult, reigning monarch of Genovia.

The Search for a New Heir

One of the strongest plot rumors, backed by casting call speculation, suggests that the story will center on the search for a new Genovian heir. If Mia and Nicholas have not had children, or if the plot follows the *Royal Wedding* book, Mia could be tasked with finding and mentoring a long-lost cousin or a new member of the royal family. This would mirror the original film's premise, but with Mia in the role of Queen Clarisse.

Mia's Adult Royal Challenges

The film will likely explore the complex reality of being a modern queen. Mia is no longer a clumsy teenager; she is a powerful world leader. The plot could involve a political crisis, a threat to Genovia's sovereignty, or a struggle to maintain the kingdom's quirky, old-world charm in a globalized world. The LSI keywords "Genovia" and "royal responsibilities" will be central to the narrative.

A New Generation of Princesses

The casting call rumors hint at the introduction of new, younger characters, potentially a new princess or a group of diverse young royals. This would allow the film to explore contemporary themes of identity, social media, and modern royalty, ensuring the franchise remains relevant to a new generation of Disney fans while satisfying the curiosity of the original audience.

anne hathaway princess diaries 3
anne hathaway princess diaries 3

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