'Princess Diaries 3' director reveals new details about Genovia sequel

Princess Diaries 3 director Adele Lim has shared a promising update on the highly anticipated sequel, teasing that fans can expect several familiar faces to return alongside Anne Hathaway’s Mia Thermopolis.

Speaking to Variety at the Gold Gala, Lim said development on the Disney sequel is progressing well as the creative team focuses on getting the story right for longtime fans of the beloved franchise.

“We just want to make the story right because it is a franchise that is so beloved by so many people,” Lim said.

The filmmaker explained that this next chapter will present a more mature story, reflecting Mia’s evolution from an awkward teenager discovering her royal identity to a fully empowered queen leading Genovia.

“There are so many wish-fulfilment stories for princesses,” Lim said. “We don’t have many wish-fulfilment movies for queens.”

Anne Hathaway is confirmed to reprise her role as Mia Thermopolis, now expected to rule Genovia as queen. While production schedules are still being finalised, Lim hinted that fans of the original two films can “look forward to a lot of fun returns” from cast members, although specific names have not yet been confirmed.

The sequel will reportedly film in Europe, allowing audiences to see Genovia on a larger scale than ever before.

The original Princess Diaries debuted in 2001 and became a global hit, followed by 2004’s The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. Both films helped establish Hathaway as one of Hollywood’s leading stars.

With nostalgia for the franchise still strong, Princess Diaries 3 is shaping up to be one of Disney’s most anticipated upcoming releases.