Culture

“Real cinema is back”: Fans celebrate Anne Hathaway’s return for The Princess Diaries 3

By Jordan Robledo

6th October 2024

Anne Hathaway is set to reprise one of her most iconic roles – and fans are gagging.

Since bursting onto the scene in 1999, the beloved talent has curated an incredible filmography with career-defining performances in Les Misérables, The Dark Knight Rises, and Brokeback Mountain.  

However, one of Hathaway’s biggest and most memorable films is The Princess Diaries.

Released in 2001 and based on Meg Cabot’s novel of the same name, the movie follows Mia Thermopolis, a high school student who discovers that she’s the sole heir to the throne of a European kingdom.

Dame Julie Andrews co-starred as Mia’s grandmother, Clarisse Renaldi, the reigning queen of Genovia.

The film received positive reviews from critics, grossing over $165 million worldwide, and received a sequel in 2003 sub-titled Royal Engagement, which was also a success at the box office.

Over the last 20 years, fans have called on Disney to continue The Princess Diaries’ story with a third film.

In 2019, Hathaway revealed that she was open to the idea when appearing on Andy Cohen’s Watch What Happens Live.

“I wanna do it, Julie [Andrews] wants to do it, Debra Martin Chase our producer wants to do it,” she said.

“We all really want it to happen, it’s just we don’t wanna do it unless it’s perfect because we love it just as much as you guys love it, and it’s as important to us as it is to you. We don’t wanna deliver anything until it’s ready, but we’re working on it.”

Earlier this year, Hathaway gave fans another glimmer of hope when she teased a promising update about the project to V Magazine.

 

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A post shared by Anne Hathaway (@annehathaway)

“We’re in a good place. That’s all I can say. There’s nothing to announce yet. But we’re in a good place,” she added.

Since that fateful day, fans have waited with bated breath over an official confirmation of The Princess Diaries 3.

Fortunately, on 4 October, Hathaway answered the prayers of millennials worldwide when she officially confirmed her return to Genovia.

“Miracles happen. Back to Genovia with @adeleblim @disney @somewherepictures. The fairy tale continues,” she wrote alongside clips from the first two films.

Hathaway’s post also included a screenshot of a Variety article – which named Adele Lim (Crazy Rich Asians and Joy Ride) as the film’s director.

Of course, the confirmation of The Princess Diaries 3 has been a hit with fans, resulting in many celebratory posts on social media.

One fan on X wrote: “Finally some good news during these god forsaken times we’re living in.”

A second fan added: “Anne Hathaway bringing the princess diaries back, I’ve never been happier in my life, I got chills.”

A third fan added: “I’m going to be 100% real and say I will not be normal about this whatsoever.”

As of this writing, additional details regarding a release date or filming date has yet to be announced.

Check out more fan responses to Hathaway’s Princess Diaries return below.