Disney reportedly wants to revisit the world of The Princess Diaries. THR reports that a new sequel is in development at the House of Mouse with Aadrita Mukerji (Supergirl, Reacher, Quantum Leap) writing the screenplay. According to the report, the plan is for the film to serve as a new sequel to the previous movies featuring Anne Hathaway. While Hathaway isn't currently signed on for this planned third installment, word is she's wanted by the filmmakers to return for the movie. Hathaway has previously expressed interest in a return, making it seem likely she'd be on board.
"I would more than entertain it, I'm pulling for it," Hathaway told Entertainment Tonight in October when asked about The Princess Diaries 3. "If there's any way to get Julie Andrews involved, I think we would make it work. We would go to where she was and put a green screen behind her and just make it happen."
The third Princess Diaries movie will be produced by Debra Martin Chase, who also produced the previous installments. Godmothered scribe Melissa Stack is executive producing. A director hasn't yet been named for the project; Garry Marshall, who helmed the previous two movies, passed away in 2016.
The Princess Diaries 3 Moves Forward
Released in 2001 and written by Gina Wendkos, The Princess Diaries was based on the original novel by Meg Cabot, albeit loosely. The film marked Anne Hathaway's feature debut, starring her as a shy American teenager who learns she's the heir to the throne of a European kingdom. Her estranged grandmother and the reigning queen is played by Julie Andrews with the cast also including Hector Elizondo, Heather Matarazzo, Mandy Moore, and Caroline Goodall. The film was a box office hit with more than $165 million earned against its budget of around $26 million. It was also widely praised by critics and instantly established Hathaway as a Hollywood superstar and box office draw.
Hathaway and Andrews would both return for 2004's The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, which was written by Shonda Rhimes. While not hitting quite as well with the critics as the original, the film was still a big hit, scoring more than $134 million with a budget of $45 million. The sequel follows Hathaway's character, Mia, coming to terms with her new life as a princess when she learns that she cannot become queen unless she finds someone to marry within 30 days.
Andrews' acting is much more limited these days, though she has provided voiceover work in recent films like The King's Daughter and Minions: The Rise of Gru, as well as the Netflix series Bridgerton. If The Princess Diaries 3 really ends up happening, perhaps there will be a way to include her as well in some way to make the sequel that much more special.