Anne Hathaway Returns To Her Best Role

The movie was originally announced in 2022, but it’s Anne Hathaway’s Instagram post confirming her return for Princess Diaries 3 that has fans excited about the project. The live-action Disney movie helped establish the actress’s career back in 2001 and many still consider it her best movie. While the 2004 sequel wasn’t received as well, many fans are happy to see that the franchise is coming back after so long. 

While Anne Hathaway’s return is the most exciting news about Princess Diaries 3, Adele Lim’s involvement is also huge news. Lim is best known for her writing, cutting her teeth on TV shows like Xena: Warrior Princess and Reign before transitioning to film with the breakout hit Crazy Rich Asians. She made her directorial debut with the 2023 road trip comedy Joy Ride, which was a critical darling. 

Outside of Anne Hathaway’s return and Adele Lim’s role as director, little is known about Princess Diaries 3. Flora Greeson has been announced as the movie’s writer, but no plot details have been revealed. With the movie still seemingly in pre-production details like a potential release date and whether other original cast members will return remain unknown. 

Of course, Anne Hathaway’s return for Princess Diaries 3 is generating so much buzz because the original movie has become a classic for the generation who grew up with it. It followed high schooler Mia Thermopolis who suddenly learns she’s the heir to the throne of a small country called Genovia. A fish out of water comedy ensues as Mia is taught how to become a proper lady by her Queen grandmother, played by Julie Andrews. 

Despite Anne Hathaway becoming a major star and the reputation of the original movie, Princess Diaries 3 has had a long, hard road. Garry Marshall, who directed the first two movies, pitched a third movie in the franchise back in 2016, but those plans ended when he passed away later that year. In 2019 it was announced that a script had been written for the movie, though it’s unclear if that script has any relationship to the version finally being produced.

With Anne Hathaway returning, it’s unlikely Princess Diaries 3 will be a reboot, it’s much more likely it will be a legacy sequel. Hollywood has found some success with that formula, with Maverick and Alien: Romulus being recent major hits. On the other hand, other legacy sequels like Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny have been flops. 

It’s been 20 years since the last entry in the franchise, which has allowed nostalgia and anticipation to build up. Now fans will just have to wait and see if Disney can successfully turn that energy into a successful movie. Anne Hathaway’s return and Adele Lim’s involvement are certainly signs that Princess Diaries 3 is on the right track.