Fans may have to wait a little longer to return to Genovia, but Anne Hathaway says The Princess Diaries 3 has finally found its footing. During a recent appearance on SiriusXM’s Radio Andy, the Oscar winner shared her biggest update yet on the long-awaited sequel, revealing that the creative team abandoned an earlier version of the screenplay in favor of a new direction that has everyone feeling optimistic.
“I can say I think we had a story breakthrough,” Hathaway said. “I think we are moving in the right direction. The script that we were working on—we kind of had to start over with this new direction, which is not the update I think anybody wants, but we all feel really good that this is gonna be the one.” Asked when production could begin, Hathaway laughed that she had another priority first: “I’m busy making baby number three, and that has sort of taken the place of knowing when exactly I can make Princess Diaries 3.” The actress, who recently announced she is expecting her third child with husband Adam Shulman, said there is still no production schedule in place.
Released in 2001, The Princess Diaries introduced Hathaway as Mia Thermopolis, an awkward San Francisco teenager who discovers she is the heir to the throne of Genovia. Julie Andrews co-starred as Queen Clarisse Renaldi, whose lessons transform Mia into a future monarch. The family comedy became a surprise hit with $165.3 million worldwide and launched Hathaway into stardom. The 2004 sequel, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, followed Mia as she prepared for her coronation while confronting an old law requiring her to marry before taking the throne. Together, the two films earned more than $300 million at the global box office.
Disney officially announced The Princess Diaries 3 in 2024 with Joy Ride director Adele Lim attached to direct. Hathaway is set to return as Mia and will also produce alongside longtime franchise producer Debra Martin Chase. Author Meg Cabot has praised the latest screenplay, calling it “amazing.” While Genovia’s royal return still lacks a release date, Hathaway’s latest update suggests the sequel may finally land on the story it wants to tell.