Anne Hathaway Provides Update on Princess Diaries 3 as Devil Wears Prada Sequel Takes Priority
Anne Hathaway has shared a significant update regarding the long-awaited third instalment of The Princess Diaries franchise, confirming that the project remains actively in development despite facing delays due to the upcoming sequel to The Devil Wears Prada.
Production Status and Cast Confirmations
In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Hathaway stated that The Princess Diaries 3 is "100 per cent" in the works, with the intention to produce it "hopefully next." The Oscar-winning actor explained that while the team is "constantly working on it," the unexpected emergence of The Devil Wears Prada 2 has temporarily shifted focus.
"It became impossible to focus on both at the same time," Hathaway remarked, noting that the high-profile sequel "cropped up unexpectedly and took over the space." However, she assured fans that collaborators are diligently "chopping away at the script" for the Genovia-based film.
Returning Fan Favourites and Creative Team
Author Meg Cabot, who created the original Princess Diaries world, has confirmed that several key cast members will reprise their roles. Robert Schwartzman and Chris Pine are set to return as Hathaway's love interests, characters featured prominently in the first two films released in 2001 and 2004.
Speaking at BookCon in New York, Cabot teased, "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." Adele Lim remains attached to direct the project, which continues the story of Mia Thermopolis navigating royal life.
Historical Context and Previous Success
The original Princess Diaries film, released in 2001, introduced audiences to Mia Thermopolis (Hathaway) as she learned about her royal heritage from her grandmother, Queen Clarisse Renaldi (Julie Andrews). The 2004 sequel, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, was written by Shonda Rhimes, later known for creating Bridgerton.
Regarding a potential return, Andrews expressed mixed feelings in 2022, stating she would be "happy" to participate but cautioning that "sometimes it's best to leave a good thing alone." The veteran actor added, "I don't like it when people milk and milk and milk the subject, you know, 'til it's dead."
Current Projects and Industry Expectations
Hathaway emphasised the heightened expectations for franchise sequels, drawing from her experience with The Devil Wears Prada 2. "If I learned anything from The Devil Wears Prada 2, 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," she advised.
The Devil Wears Prada 2, starring Hathaway and Meryl Streep, is scheduled for release on 1 May. Hathaway will also appear in Mother Mary from 24 April and Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey on 17 July this summer.
Despite the temporary delay, the commitment to The Princess Diaries 3 remains strong, with the creative team working to meet fan anticipation while managing multiple high-profile projects simultaneously.
