Anne Hathaway pushed hard for Julie Andrews to return in ‘Princess Diaries 3’

Anne Hathaway says she pushed hard for Julie Andrews to return, but Andrews chose retirement instead

Anne Hathaway has revealed that she made a strong effort to bring Julie Andrews back for The Princess Diaries 3, but the veteran actress has decided against reprising her role as Queen Clarisse Renaldi. Hathaway said the door would remain open if Andrews ever changed her mind, while stressing that the decision deserves to be respected.

Speaking to Entertainment Tonight at D23, Hathaway explained that she and the creative team had made significant efforts to persuade Andrews to return to the Disney franchise. Hathaway, who is set to reprise her role as Mia Thermopolis, said, "We did push really hard to see if she would want to do it."

The actress also made clear that there was no pressure on Andrews to reconsider. Hathaway praised Andrews for her enormous contribution to entertainment and said that the 90 year old actress should be able to decide what feels right for her.

"Whatever she wants, we completely understand," Hathaway said, while adding that the team would still welcome Andrews if she had a change of heart.

Andrews previously confirmed that she would not appear in The Princess Diaries 3. In an interview with InStyle, she explained that she had been approached about the project and found it difficult to turn down the opportunity, but ultimately felt retirement was the right choice.

"I think I probably passed. I think I'm retired, really, would be about the best description for that," Andrews said. She explained that the production had asked her during the previous year whether she would be interested in returning, but she believed the new story could move forward without Queen Clarisse.

Andrews also indicated that her current creative work is centred on projects that do not require the demands of a major live action film production. She has continued recording voice work, including her role as Lady Whistledown in Bridgerton, while remaining active in writing and other creative projects.

Her decision marks a significant change for a franchise built around the relationship between Mia and Clarisse. Andrews played Mia's grandmother in both The Princess Diaries, released in 2001, and The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, released in 2004. The two films established the central relationship between the inexperienced teenager who discovers she is a princess and the poised grandmother who teaches her how to handle royal responsibilities.

Hathaway is now returning as Mia, who is expected to continue her story as the ruler of Genovia. The Princess Diaries 3 is being directed by Adele Lim, who previously directed Crazy Rich Asians and Raya and the Last Dragon. The screenplay has also undergone changes as the filmmakers continue developing the story.

The third film remains in development, with no confirmed release date announced at this stage.