Anne Hathaway says she wanted Julie Andrews to star in ‘Princess Diaries 3’
Anne Hathaway really did try to bring Julie Andrews back for Princess Diaries 3.
Hathaway spoke about Andrews not returning as Queen Clarisse Renaldi in the upcoming threequel and said the filmmakers did everything they could to include her.
‘Pushed really hard’ for Julie Andrews
The star of The Odyssey was asked about Andrews’ absence before her Disney Legends ceremony at the recent D23 convention.
She said the choice is ultimately Andrews’ and that they’ll respect whatever she decides. “First of all, I just want to say if she has a change of heart, we’re down,” she told Entertainment Tonight.
“But we also want to be respectful. … For goodness sakes, if anybody has contributed to the world of entertainment and to our joy, it’s her. Whatever she wants, we completely understand,” she added.
Hathaway also noted that it wasn’t for lack of trying that Andrews is not involved. “We did push really hard to see if she would want to do it,” she claimed.
Anne Hathaway remembers Garry Marshall
Hathaway also took a moment to remember the late Garry Marshall, director of the first two Princess Diaries films. Marshall played a big role in Hathaway’s early career when he cast her as Mia Thermopolis.
She highlighted “the connection that I felt with him” because “he trusted me with this character and he trusted me to be the young actor that was going to stand opposite legend Julie Andrews.”
The actress also recalled how comfortable Marshall made her feel while filming. “He just gave me everything — so much love, so much understanding. So I felt so safe on that set,” she said.
“And I think — you know, the world being the world — I think any place that brings you joy and safety feels like magic. And if that’s Disney magic, then that’s my kind of magic,” she added.
Julie Andrews confirmed she won’t return
Andrews recently confirmed she won’t appear in Princess Diaries 3.
In an interview with Today, she explained that the story has taken a different direction and that it’s time for the next chapter to focus on just Mia.
“I’m not going to be in it,” she said of the third film. “I think the story is slightly different, and I’m not quite sure how they’re dealing with that.”
“But it’s too late for me to do it. I think the story has to continue in Princess Mia. It’s her story. It’s not really mine,” she added.
Lots of love
Hathaway has kept the love for Andrews going even though they won’t costar in the new movie together. Earlier this month, she told Entertainment Weekly that the cast will miss her when they reunite.
“She’s so warm, and she’s so gracious, and she’s so funny,” Hathaway said, adding that she would miss Andrews’ “sense of humor” on set.
“She brings magic with her wherever she goes. She’s this amazing love conductor,” she continued. “People feel so safe loving her, and she’s so beautiful at receiving love and giving it back to people. And who doesn’t want to be around people like that.”