Anne Hathaway confirmed that "The Princess Diaries 3" is progressing toward development, revealing the project has achieved a significant narrative milestone. The actress, known for her roles in "The Devil Wears Prada" and the "Odyssey" series, told reporters that the filmmaking team experienced "a story breakthrough" on the long-gestating sequel.
Hathaway's comments mark the most concrete update on the threequel in years. Disney has been pursuing "The Princess Diaries 3" for over a decade, with writer Meg Cabot originally scripting an early draft back in 2015. The project gained new momentum when director Adele Lim, who helmed the box office success "Crazy Rich Asians," signed on in 2022 to helm the film.
The original "Princess Diaries" (2001) became a cultural touchstone for millennial audiences, establishing Hathaway as a comedic leading woman opposite Julie Andrews' Clarissa Potts. The 2004 sequel maintained strong box office returns, grossing over $270 million globally combined. Both films traded on fish-out-of-water charm and royal fantasy fulfillment that continues to resonate with audiences.
The franchise carries considerable nostalgia currency in Hollywood's current IP-dependent landscape. Disney recognizes the built-in fanbase willing to revisit Genovia's fictional monarchy, particularly given the success of other legacy sequels like "Ticket to Paradise" and "Mean Girls" (2024). The studio has bet heavily on Hathaway's enduring appeal and the property's proven commercial viability.
Timing remains uncertain. "The Princess Diaries 3" has suffered multiple delays and script revisions, typical of studio productions navigating post-pandemic production schedules and creative departments. Industry observers note