Disney has confirmed The Princess Diaries 3 is moving forward with Adele Lim directing, and Anne Hathaway is already set to return as Princess Mia Thermopolis. Beyond that, the cast picture is still forming as multiple former stars weigh in—some are interested
The Princess Diaries fandom has been waiting so long that “someday” started to feel like a punchline. Then Disney finally made it real—confirming a third movie in the beloved franchise is moving forward, with Adele Lim set to direct.
The biggest piece of good news came even before the rest of the cast answers began rolling in. Anne Hathaway has already confirmed she’ll be returning as Princess Mia Thermopolis, the role that made Genovia feel like home for millions of viewers.
More than two decades after The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement hit theaters, the question now isn’t whether the story can return—it’s which faces will join Hathaway as the cast list continues to come together.
Over the years. several former cast members have spoken about the possibility of reprising their roles. while others remain less certain about whether they’ll return to Genovia. Most recently. another actor shared that they still don’t know if they’ll be involved in the new movie. adding to the uncertainty surrounding who will actually make the trip back to the palace.
Then there’s the one franchise favorite hinting they may not be part of the next installment at all. Many fans will recognize the tension here: interest is spreading, but hesitation is too.
Even with the uncertainty, plenty of familiar names have expressed interest in returning. Stars who haven’t appeared in the franchise since the original 2001 movie have also weighed in, keeping the door open for a full reunion if Disney can align schedules and decisions.
The franchise has always been powered by its ensemble energy—so the real suspense now is what happens if the cast comes together completely. If Disney can reunite everyone who wants in, The Princess Diaries 3 could deliver more than just royal plot twists. It would bring back the group dynamic fans have missed just as fiercely as Mia herself.
The Princess Diaries 3 Disney Adele Lim Anne Hathaway Princess Mia Thermopolis Genovia cast updates Princess Diaries franchise