In a wave of exciting news for nostalgic fans, Anne Hathaway has delivered a promising update on one of her most beloved roles. The Oscar-winning actress confirmed that a third installment in The Princess Diaries franchise is not just a dream but a project actively in the works.
During a recent interview, Hathaway was unequivocal about the film's status. "100%, we're constantly working on it," she stated. However, she provided crucial context, explaining that the sudden momentum behind The Devil Wears Prada 2 temporarily shifted the focus. "It cropped up unexpectedly and took over the space," Hathaway said, noting that managing both major sequels simultaneously became impossible.
A Sequel with Sky-High Expectations
Hathaway is approaching the potential third film with a clear understanding of the legacy she's handling. The original 2001 film, which introduced us to the clumsy San Francisco teen Mia Thermopolis who discovers she's the heir to a European throne, became an instant classic. Its 2004 sequel solidified its place in the pop culture canon. For a generation of viewers, these films are cherished comfort watches.
"The intention is to make Princess Diaries hopefully next," Hathaway revealed, while carefully tempering expectations. She clarified that the project is "not greenlit or confirmed yet," and a final script is still in development. The actress is applying lessons learned from her current work on the Prada follow-up. "If I learned anything from [it], it's that expectations are very, very high, and if you're going to do it, you have to knock it out of the park."
Hathaway's Packed Schedule
The update on Genovia comes amidst an incredibly busy period for the star. She is currently in the midst of a press tour for The Devil Wears Prada 2, which sees her reuniting with Meryl Streep and Emily Blunt. This July, she'll appear in Christopher Nolan's epic The Odyssey, starring as Penelope opposite Matt Damon's Odysseus.
Her schedule doesn't slow down there. Later this year, audiences can see her in David Robert Mitchell's The End of Oak Street with Ewan McGregor and in David Lowery's psychological thriller Mother Mary alongside Michaela Coel. This relentless pace is precisely why the Princess Diaries sequel required a strategic pause.
The Enduring Magic of a Fantasy Classic
The desire to see an adult Mia rule Genovia has been a persistent wish among millennial fans. The franchise's blend of royal fantasy and relatable coming-of-age humor carved out a unique space. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of well-told fantasy stories that resonate across generations.
While we wait for more concrete news from the kingdom of Genovia, fantasy fans have plenty to explore. For those seeking similar magical narratives, our guide to the top fantasy films since 2020 offers a modern curated list. Additionally, series like Netflix's 'The Dragon Prince' continue to prove that the appetite for epic, character-driven fantasy is stronger than ever.
What's Next for the Princess?
For now, the development of Princess Diaries 3 continues behind the scenes. Hathaway's commitment to getting it right suggests that if and when the film moves forward, it will be crafted with care for its dedicated fanbase. The promise of revisiting Mia Thermopolis offers a potent dose of nostalgia, but the challenge will be crafting a story that feels fresh and worthy of the beloved original.
In the meantime, Hathaway remains omnipresent. Catch her in The Devil Wears Prada 2 when it debuts, and in Nolan's The Odyssey this summer. Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for all the latest updates as this royal development continues to unfold.
