Princess Diaries 3 is moving forward, and director Adele Lim is already making fans excited. Speaking to Variety on the Gold Gala carpet, Lim confirmed the project is “going well” and teased a wave of original cast comebacks.
“If you were a fan of the original first two movies, I think you can look forward to a lot of fun returns,”
“We’re going to be able to shoot in Europe and really show the audience Genovia in its full glory.”
Adele Lim
According to Lim, the logistics regarding shooting and production schedules are still being worked out. Anne Hathaway is definitely returning as Mia Thermopolis. This time, she will be the Queen of Genovia.
The tone of this installment is shaping up to be notably different from its predecessors. Rather than following a young girl finding her footing, the story will center on Mia as a mature woman in her full power. Lim, who co-wrote Crazy Rich Asians, said she wanted to create a “wish fulfillment” movie for queens, pointing out that far fewer films depict women leading with real authority.
Lim noted that some of the fans from the 2001 original are mothers now, including herself. That personal connection is clearly driving her creative vision for the threequel.
The broader cast looks promising.
Last month, author Meg Cabot teased the sequel. She penned the books the films are based on. She stated Chris Pine would definitely have a spot in the film.
“There is a part for everybody, because there’s a thing that happens where everyone has to show up. Robert Schwartzman’s in it. Chris Pine, obviously, is in it. Although he says he’s not, but he is.”
Cabot said at New York City’s Book Con
Lim didn’t have any concrete updates to share regarding Pine’s return as Nicholas Devereaux, Mia’s love interest from The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. His involvement still appears to be in limbo, with conflicting reports, though the most recent update leans positive.
Hathaway’s return is already confirmed, while Julie Andrews is also in talks.
The road to this point has been long. Rumors of a sequel have circulated since 2016. Director Garry Marshall revealed plans for a third film before his death. His passing led to the project being shelved. In 2022, Disney revealed they were ready to move forward. In October 2024, Lim signed on as director. Hathaway was officially confirmed to reprise her role.
In August 2025, Lim shared an open casting call for the film, which gave fans clues about the potential plot. The studio was reportedly seeking an actor to play a 15-year-old character named Olivia Robinson.
At the time of writing, there is no official release date for Princess Diaries 3. Still, with Lim’s enthusiasm and the promise of familiar faces, the Genovia faithful have plenty of reason to stay tuned.
