Princess Diaries 3 release date speculation: Possible cast and latest news
It looks like we'll get to revisit our favourite Princess of Genova!
More than 21 years after we were first introduced to Anne Hathaway as Mia Thermopolis, Disney has confirmed that a third Princess Diaries movie is in the works.
The 2000s cult classic that launched Hathaway's career and became a box office hit was followed by a sequel in 2004.
Supergirl and Reacher writer Aadrita Mukerji is writing the new screenplay, according to The Hollywood Reporter, while producer Debra Martin Chase returns for a third time.
Sources report the upcoming movie is a continuation of Mia Thermopolis's story, rather than a reboot of the franchise, which is based on Meg Cabot's Princess Diaries novels.
While we’re all waiting to hear whether Hathaway has returned to the cast, there’s unfortunately been some bad news.
Dame Julie Andrews has ruled out her return in the Princess Diaries sequel – and we’re gutted.
In a new interview, Dame Julie – who starred as Queen Clarisse Renaldi – was quizzed about the movie.
"I think we know that it’s probably not going to be possible," the 87-year-old said. "It was talked about very shortly after [the sequel] came out, but it’s now how many years since then?
"I’m that much older and Annie, the princess – or queen – is so much older and I’m not sure whether it would float or run."
Read on for everything we know about Princess Diaries 3 so far.
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Will there be a Princess Diaries 3?
Yes – Aadrita Mukerji is penning the script for the third instalment.
Not much else is known at this stage, including whether original cast members Hathaway and Andrews will return.
Princess Diaries 3 release date speculation
As the script is currently in the works, it will be a while yet before the movie makes it to the big screen.
Provided filming gets under way in 2o23, we could potentially see Princess Diaries 3 in cinemas at some point in 2024, though likely towards the latter half of the year.
Princess Diaries 3 cast: Will Anne Hathaway return?
According to THR, Anne Hathaway does not currently have a deal to return. However, the actress has publicly stated she would like to reprise the role of princess Mia Thermopolis and gave her support for a third outing.
"I would more than entertain it, I'm pulling for it," Hathaway told ET in October 2022. "If there's any way to get Julie Andrews involved, I think we would make it work. We would go to where she was and put a green screen behind her and just make it happen."
It may prove trickier than that, however, as Andrews previously told THR that it "would be too late to do it now."
"There was talk of a sequel many, many years ago. But I don’t think it ever came to pass. And [director] Garry [Marshall] then did leave us [he died in 2016]," she explained. "It’s too far down the line now to go back to it. It’s a lovely thought, but I don’t think it would probably be possible."
Another star who voiced her support was Mandy Moore, who played Mia's rival Lana Thomas. The This Is Us star said she "would be game" to come back during an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show.
Unfortunately, as detailed above, Dame Julie – who starred as Queen Clarisse Renaldi – has ruled out her return in the new movie.
Princess Diaries 3 plot: What could happen?
If the movie is indeed a continuation of Mia's story, there's many ways things could go. The movie's sequel veered in a completely different direction from the books, in which Mia ends up marrying her best friend's brother, Michael, after a lengthy relationship.
But Robert Schwartzman, who played Michael in the first movie, didn't return for the sequel, which saw Chris Pine star as Mia's love interest – and potential heir to the Genovian throne – Lord Nicholas Devereaux.
The film ended with Mia crowned Queen of Genovia after changing the law that meant she could only rule if she was married, and Nicholas professing his love. It also saw Julie Andrews's character propose to her bodyguard, Joe (Héctor Elizondo).
A third movie might explore how Mia's rule differs from her grand-mère's – we'd expect a lot more slumber parties – and also give us an update on her love life. Whether that means she did in fact marry Nicholas, a return for Michael, or something else entirely remains to be seen.
Is there a trailer for Princess Diaries 3?
Not yet, but we'll be sure to update this page as soon as it lands.
Looking for something else to watch in the meantime? Visit our dedicated Film hub or check out our TV Guide or Streaming Guide.
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