Mia Thermopolis returns

Fans of The Princess Diaries franchise have a reason to celebrate—Adele Lim, the creative genius behind Crazy Rich Asians and Raya and the Last Dragon, is set to direct the highly anticipated Princess Diaries 3, Variety reported. The third film in the beloved series, originally starring Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews, is moving ahead with Lim at the helm, promising to deliver a new chapter in the tale of Mia Thermopolis and the fictional kingdom of Genovia.

"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 expressed in a statement. She emphasised that the film will continue to focus on the core themes of "female power, joy, and mentorship," which have resonated with audiences since the series' inception.

The film is being produced by Debra Martin Chase, who launched the franchise back in 2001, and Hathaway herself will also step in as producer under her Somewhere Pictures banner. Naia Cucukov and Melissa Stack are joining as executive producers.

Hathaway shared her excitement for the project by posting the announcement on her social media, quoting the famous line from the first movie, "Shut up!"—a callback that instantly sparked nostalgia for fans. The film has been in development since 2022, and in a previous interview with V Magazine, Hathaway had hinted at its progress, saying, "We're in a good place."

While plot details remain under wraps, Princess Diaries 3 is expected to pick up where the 2004 sequel, Royal Engagement, left off. In the last film, Mia Thermopolis fully embraced her role as the queen of Genovia, thwarting plots and even finding love. The new installment will likely explore Mia's reign, her evolving responsibilities as queen, and the personal and political challenges she now faces. Fans can expect more royal adventures, heartwarming moments, and the signature charm that made the first two films beloved classics.

Lim's impressive background has fans buzzing. She co-wrote Crazy Rich Asians, which became a cultural phenomenon, and followed it up with the critically acclaimed Raya and the Last Dragon. Her directorial debut came in 2023 with the comedic hit Joy Ride, making her a rising force in Hollywood.

With Lim's talent and Hathaway's charm back in the mix, it's no wonder anticipation is sky-high. The return of The Princess Diaries feels like the perfect cinematic reunion, celebrating girl power, royalty, and a dash of romance.