Anne Hathaway will return as Mia Thermopolis in The Princess Diaries 3, directed by Adele Lim. While Julie Andrews’ involvement remains uncertain, other cast members have expressed interest in returning. The plot is still under wraps but could be based on Meg Cabot’s later Princess Diaries novels.

Fans of The Princess Diaries have been eagerly awaiting news of the franchise’s next chapter, and the wait is finally over. More than two decades after The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement premiered, Anne Hathaway is confirmed to reprise her role as Mia Thermopolis in The Princess Diaries 3, which will be directed by Adele Lim, known for her work on Crazy Rich Asians and Joy Ride.

Adele Lim, who has taken over directing duties from the late Garry Marshall, is set to bring a fresh vision to this beloved Disney franchise. Lim shared her excitement about the project, calling herself a “die-hard fan” of the original films and expressing her enthusiasm to continue the legacy of the Genovian royal family. This new installment is expected to explore themes of female empowerment, joy, and mentorship, central to the first two films.

While Hathaway is back, Julie Andrews’ involvement remains unclear. Andrews, who portrayed Queen Clarisse Renaldi, Mia’s royal grandmother, expressed doubts about her return due to her age and the significant time gap since the last movie. However, Hathaway has been vocal about her desire to work with Andrews again, even suggesting creative workarounds like using a green screen to facilitate her return.

In addition to Andrews, other original cast members have shown interest in reprising their roles. Chris Pine, who played Mia’s love interest in The Princess Diaries 2, has previously hinted at his willingness to return, and even Mandy Moore, who portrayed the original film’s mean girl, has said she’s open to joining the project.

As for the plot, it remains a well-guarded secret. However, there is speculation that it could draw inspiration from Meg Cabot’s subsequent Princess Diaries novels, which continue Mia’s royal adventures beyond the events of the second movie. Since the release of The Princess Diaries 2, Cabot has penned several sequels, including the most recent addition, The Quarantine Princess Diaries, which debuted in 2023.

Although there is no confirmed release date, reports suggest that Disney plans to begin filming next year. Fans of the royal Genovian saga can rest assured that Mia Thermopolis’ journey is far from over.