After years of waiting, fans of The Princess Diaries have finally received an encouraging update from Anne Hathaway. The actor has revealed that Princess Diaries 3 has reached a major creative milestone after the team decided to move away from an earlier script. Although the change meant starting over, Hathaway believes the new direction has put the long-awaited sequel back on the right path. While production timelines are still being worked out, the latest update offers renewed hope that Mia Thermopolis’ return is closer than ever.
Anne Hathaway Says the Story Has Finally Clicked
Speaking during an appearance on SiriusXM’s Radio Andy, Hathaway admitted that work on the sequel has taken longer than expected because the creative team wanted to make sure the story lived up to the legacy of the first two films. She also joked that her busy schedule has delayed the project, but stressed that meaningful progress has finally been made behind the scenes.
“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,'” Hathaway said.
The actor then shared the biggest update fans have been waiting to hear, confirming that the filmmakers have discovered a fresh direction for the sequel. Rather than continuing with the previous version of the screenplay, the team chose to begin again after realising another approach better suited the story they wanted to tell.
“I can say I think we had a story breakthrough,” Hathaway added. “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.”
The Sequel Has Been Years in the Making
Development on Princess Diaries 3 has been underway since 2022, but progress has moved carefully as the filmmakers continue refining the screenplay. In 2024, Disney brought filmmaker Adele Lim on board to direct the sequel, giving the project fresh creative leadership. Known for her work on Crazy Rich Asians and Raya and the Last Dragon, Lim has repeatedly emphasised that the goal is not simply to revisit a beloved franchise but to create a story worthy of its loyal audience.
Earlier this year, Lim also spoke about the pressure of returning to Genovia after such a long gap. She explained that everyone involved understands how much the original films mean to audiences across generations, making it essential to avoid rushing the sequel simply to meet expectations.
“We just want to make the story right because it is a franchise that is so beloved by so many people,” Lim previously said.
Mia Thermopolis Returns as Queen of Genovia
Hathaway is confirmed to reprise her iconic role as Mia Thermopolis, who will now return as Queen of Genovia. The sequel is expected to explore the next stage of Mia’s journey after the events of The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, which concluded with her accepting the crown while remaining true to herself. Although plot details remain under wraps, Lim has hinted that audiences can also expect the return of familiar faces from the earlier films, adding another layer of nostalgia for longtime fans.
At present, the production schedule is still being finalised and Disney has not announced an official release date. That means filming has yet to begin, but Hathaway’s latest comments suggest the creative foundation is finally falling into place after several years of development. For many fans, a stronger script is worth the extra wait if it delivers a sequel that feels authentic to the series.
Released in 2001, The Princess Diaries introduced audiences to Mia Thermopolis, an ordinary teenager who discovers she is the heir to the throne of Genovia. The film became a global favourite thanks to its heartfelt coming-of-age story, memorable performances and Julie Andrews’ beloved portrayal of Queen Clarisse Renaldi. Its 2004 sequel, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, continued Mia’s royal journey, and together the two films earned nearly $300 million worldwide, cementing the franchise as one of Disney’s most successful live-action family series.
With the screenplay now moving in a new direction, Princess Diaries 3 appears to have overcome one of its biggest hurdles. Fans may still have to wait for filming and a release date, but Hathaway’s latest update suggests that the return to Genovia is finally gaining real momentum.
