There is a new ruler of Genovia: Director Adele Lim.
The “Joy Ride” filmmaker and “Crazy Rich Asians” co-screenwriter will officially helm “Princess Diaries 3,” which will continue celebrating “female power, joy, and mentorship,” as Lim teased.
“As a diehard fan of the original ‘Princess Diaries,’ I’m beyond excited to be a part of bringing the third iteration of this beloved franchise to life,” Lim said in a press statement. “We look forward to celebrating its core tenants of female power, joy, and mentorship with audiences worldwide.”
“Princess Diaries 3” was confirmed by Disney in 2022. “Supergirl” scribe Aadrita Mukerji was announced as the screenwriter, with original “Princess Diaries” veteran Debra Martin Chase producing. “The Other Woman” screenwriter Melissa Stack is executive producing along with director Lim’s producing partner Naia Cucukov.
The third film will serve as a continuation of the original film series, which began in 2001 and was based on Meg Cabot’s novel series. The third film coincides with the 20th anniversary of the 2004 sequel, “Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.” Late director Garry Marshall helmed both films.
Anne Hathaway starred as San Francisco high schooler Mia Thermopolis, who learns she is next in line for the throne of fictional country Genovia. Julie Andrews played her grandmother, who tries to get Mia fit to rule. Sandra Oh, Mandy Moore, and Heather Matarazzo also starred in the original film; Chris Pine joined the cast in the sequel as Mia’s betrothed.
The rumored plot for a third installment has long been that Mia now has to teach her own teen daughter how to behave like a princess; however, no casting announcements have been made yet if Hathaway will reprise her role.
Hathaway did tell V magazine, though, in April 2024 that development on “Princess Diaries 3” was “in a good place” at the time, seemingly confirming she would be part of production in some capacity.
“We’re in a good place,” Hathaway said. “That’s all I can say. There’s nothing to announce yet. But we’re in a good place.”
The Oscar winner also told Entertainment Tonight in October 2022 that she is “pulling for” the third film and would “more than entertain” returning to the franchise.
Hathaway is rumored to also be revisiting another past role for a “Devil Wears Prada” sequel.
Meanwhile, Hathaway’s former “Princess Diaries” co-stars Mandy Moore and Chris Pine have stated that they have not been approached yet to return.
Moore told IndieWire that she “would be down” to be part of the “Princess Diaries 3” ensemble.
“I mean, I also understand that, like, it’s hard to think of how my character would be a part of the story now, unless it were some sort of redemption,” Moore said. “Like, she, I don’t know, sort of turned over a new leaf and she’s a kind person who volunteers, like, walking foster puppies or something. There definitely needs to be that element in the story, but it would be so fun to be involved.”
Pine said during Entertainment Weekly’s Role Call Youtube series that he hasn’t “heard anything about it.”
