Anne Hathaway confirms ‘The Princess Diaries 3’ script work amid ongoing development push

Actress explains the sequel remains unconfirmed while writers continue shaping story ideas behind the scenes at Disney

Anne Hathaway has offered a fresh update on the long discussed possibility of The Princess Diaries 3, confirming that development is still ongoing but remains in an early stage. Speaking in a recent interview, the Oscar winning actress explained that while creative work continues, the project has not yet been officially greenlit by Disney.

Hathaway, who first played Mia Thermopolis in the 2001 adaptation of Meg Cabot’s novel and returned for 2004’s The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, said her team is actively working on shaping a third film. However, she noted that progress has been gradual, particularly as attention within the studio has also been directed towards other high profile projects.

The actress pointed out that renewed interest in The Devil Wears Prada 2 temporarily shifted focus within her professional schedule, making it more difficult to advance parallel development on the Genovia based story. Despite this, she stressed that there is continued intent to move forward once the timing aligns across all creative teams involved.

Hathaway described the current phase as one of refinement, with writers continuing to develop the script while exploring how best to return to the world that originally established her breakout role. She acknowledged that expectations for a third instalment are particularly high, given the lasting popularity of the franchise and its continued cultural relevance.

The original film, directed by Garry Marshall, introduced audiences to Mia Thermopolis, a shy teenager who discovers she is heir to the throne of a fictional European kingdom. Its success helped launch Hathaway’s career, while the sequel expanded the story as Mia embraced her royal responsibilities alongside a broader romantic narrative.

Although speculation about returning cast members has circulated online, including discussions around Julie Andrews and Chris Pine, no official casting confirmations have been made. Hathaway herself has indicated that participation from original stars remains uncertain at this stage.

The actress also emphasised the importance of ensuring any future instalment meets audience expectations, noting that revisiting beloved characters requires careful storytelling. Her comments suggest that while enthusiasm is strong, the project is being approached with caution to preserve the tone and legacy of the original films.

For now, The Princess Diaries 3 remains in development rather than active production, with its future dependent on studio approval and final script completion. Still, Hathaway’s remarks indicate that interest behind the scenes has not faded, and work continues toward potentially bringing Mia Thermopolis back to the screen.