Princess Diaries 3 Is Finally Happening—Returns With New Director After 20-Year Wait

The world of Genovia is about to open its gates once again, and this time, the magic comes with a fresh touch of female power and joy.

Two decades after the last royal adventure, The Princess Diaries 3 is not just a rumor anymore; it’s officially happening! Fans—both old and new—are already buzzing with excitement.

At the helm of this long-awaited sequel is director Adele Lim. She is known for her work on the laugh-out-loud comedy Joy Ride and acclaimed screenplays like Crazy Rich Asians and Raya and the Last Dragon.

Lim brings her unique voice and a deep love for the franchise, which makes this next chapter even more promising. She’s determined to honor the heart of The Princess Diaries—themes of female empowerment, friendship, and growth—while giving it a contemporary twist that resonates with today’s audiences.

"As a die-hard 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 shared. "We look forward to celebrating its core tenets of female power, joy, and mentorship with audiences worldwide," she added.

The first two films, starring Anne Hathaway and the legendary Julie Andrews, charmed audiences in 2001 and 2004 under the direction of Garry Marshall, who passed away in 2016. While it's unclear whether Hathaway or Andrews will reprise their roles, fans are holding their breath for their return.

With Lim’s passionate leadership and Disney’s backing, The Princess Diaries 3 is shaping up to be a royal return to the screen. And you can be sure that it will inspire another generation of princesses-in-training.

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The delectable Anne Hathaway

Chris Saucedo/SXSW Conference & Festivals via Getty

Back in April, Anne Hathaway gave fans a glimmer of hope about the long-awaited Princess Diaries 3. Speaking to V Magazine, she revealed that "we’re in a good place" when it comes to the film’s development.

Though she kept things mysterious, she added, "That’s all I can say. There’s nothing to announce yet. But we’re in a good place." Hathaway, who famously portrayed Mia Thermopolis, left us eagerly waiting for more but confident that exciting news might be just around the corner.

Cultural Impact on Storytelling

As the entertainment landscape evolves, the role of female directors is becoming increasingly significant. Adele Lim, known for her fresh comedic voice, embodies this shift. Experts like Dr. Michele Gelfand, a cultural psychologist, emphasize that diverse narratives not only entertain but also foster empathy and understanding across cultures.

She states, 'Stories are powerful tools that shape societal norms and beliefs.' Lim's direction in The Princess Diaries 3 is a brilliant opportunity to explore themes of identity and empowerment, especially for younger audiences.

Julie Andrews, a.k.a. Queen Clarisse Renaldi

Walt Disney

Julie Andrews shared her thoughts with TODAY on the possibility of returning to Genovia. Reflecting on the gap since the last Princess Diaries movie, she said, "It’s quite a long time now since the two Diaries were done, and I’m not sure, but sometimes it’s best to leave a good thing alone."

Andrews didn’t mince words, adding, "I don’t like it when people milk and milk and milk the subject, you know, till it’s dead."

Yet, at 89, the Mary Poppins legend still left the door open, saying, "I’d be very happy if we did do another one."

Anne Hathaway, on the other hand, is just as excited as the fans. Speaking to PEOPLE in 2023, she expressed how "thrilling" it was to "see the level of excitement" surrounding the potential third film.

Ever pragmatic, she reminded everyone that making a movie takes time: "It's a process that requires patience, and so everybody should consider themselves a part of the movie business now, because this is how long it actually takes to make things."

Hathaway, who has become a Hollywood favorite since her breakout role as Princess Mia, also has another fan-favorite sequel in the works—the much-anticipated follow-up to 2006’s The Devil Wears Prada. Fans of both films are eagerly awaiting more news.

In the realm of film, the importance of character development cannot be overstated. Dr. John Gray, a relationship expert, notes that relatable characters often lead to deeper audience engagement. He suggests filmmakers focus on developing complex, multi-dimensional characters that reflect real-life struggles.

This approach not only enhances storytelling but can also resonate with viewers on a personal level, fostering a sense of connection.

As The Princess Diaries 3 unfolds, incorporating these insights can elevate the narrative, making it more impactful and relevant to contemporary audiences.

In conclusion, the revival of The Princess Diaries 3 under Adele Lim's direction presents a remarkable opportunity to blend humor with meaningful discussions about identity and empowerment. Experts like Dr. Michele Gelfand highlight the significance of diverse narratives, which can foster greater empathy among audiences. Moreover, drawing from the insights of relationship professionals like Dr. John Gray can lead to richer character development. By focusing on relatable and multi-dimensional characters, filmmakers can create a deeper connection with their audience, making the film not just entertaining, but also transformative.