Anne Hathaway has been confirmed to join The Princess Diaries 3, with Adele Lim directing. The revelation appeared in an Instagram post that also touched on ongoing development. The post mentions Meta, the platform’s owner, and notes that the topic has sparked discussion about the platform in Russia. The announcement signals that production is moving forward and that the beloved Genovian-adjacent fairy tale will continue with Hathaway back in the lead.
In a short video accompanying the news, Hathaway explains that Lim has begun work on the new installment. The clip shows the star counting to three while footage from the first two films plays, featuring moments where characters shout phrases such as Shut up! and No way!, punctuated by familiar lines from Mia Thermopolis and her circle.
Hathaway captioned the post with the line Miracles happen. We return to Genoa. The fairy tale continues, hinting that the story will return to the fictional Genovian setting as Mia’s royal journey resumes.
The original Princess Diaries film arrived in 2001, introducing 15-year-old Mia Thermopolis, who learns that her father is the prince of the European country of Genoa and the sole heir to the throne. Mia’s grandmother, portrayed by Julie Andrews, travels from Europe to California to guide her granddaughter toward princess-hood. In the sequel, Mia must secure a suitable husband to safeguard her throne and ensure her place in the royal line.
Disney has long woven through various projects and franchises, and the piece notes that Disney reportedly rejected a project from the Star Wars universe. The Princess Diaries series has remained a cherished favorite for families and fans who grew up with Mia’s adventures, fueling anticipation for a refreshed take on the classic tale.
News of The Princess Diaries 3 continues to generate excitement across North America, where Hathaway’s return is viewed as a significant boost for the franchise and for audiences seeking a modern revival of a beloved story. Lim’s involvement adds a contemporary voice to the project, and fans are eager to learn more about the film’s direction, tone, and potential timeline. No official release date has been announced, but development is advancing as a priority for Disney and the creative team.
The enduring appeal of the Princess Diaries franchise lies in its blend of lighthearted humor, coming-of-age moments, and a fairy tale makeover that resonates with generations. Mia Thermopolis’s journey—from ordinary teenager to princess—has always balanced warmth with humor, and the forthcoming third installment aims to honor that balance while bringing fresh perspectives to a new era. For longtime fans, the reunion with Hathaway promises familiar charm, while Lim’s creative vision is expected to push the story into new territory, inviting both nostalgia and novelty into the Genovian world.
As anticipation builds, audiences can expect further updates from Disney and the production team. The project’s progress will hinge on script development, casting specifics, and a clear directorial approach that honors the spirit of the earlier films while embracing contemporary storytelling sensibilities. Until official details are released, fans can revisit the first two films and replay the moments that sparked the princess myth to life, waiting for a new chapter that stays true to Mia Thermopolis while inviting new generations to dream along the line of succession to Genoa’s throne.