Princess Diaries 3 producer reveals where third film stands... two years after Anne Hathaway confirmed return

When will fans be seeing Princess Mia Thermopolis back on the big screen?

A third Princess Diaries has been in development for years, and now the film's producer has offered an exciting update on where production stands. 

Debra Martin Chase revealed 'a lot of groundwork' had been done when asked if a third film was incoming during an interview with People earlier this month. 

'We are more than hopeful,' Chase, who also produced the first two films, told the publication at the Black Women on Broadway Awards. 'We are moving in that direction. We've done a lot of groundwork.'

'We had hoped to be shooting this year. So, it's coming. We're intent upon making it happen. And we're excited that the people are excited.'

A third film was confirmed back in 2024, with star Anne Hathaway announcing her return as the once-reluctant princess Mia Thermopolis shortly thereafter.  

Hathaway shared a video of herself counting from one to three with snippets from the first two movies of her character and Julie Andrews' character Queen Clarisse Renaldi both saying: 'Shut up!'

When she reached number three, the actress said: 'Shut up!' before blowing a kiss to the camera and giggling. Hathaway captioned the post: 'Miracles happen. Back to Genovia with @adeleblim @disney @somewherepictures. The fairy tale continues.'

Hathaway and Andrews starred in 2001's The Princess Diaries plus its 2004 sequel, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, and both films were directed by the late Garry Marshall, who died in 2016.

Princess Diaries 3 will be directed by Adele Lim, who is best known for writing Crazy Rich Asians, and she told Variety in a statement: 'As a diehard fan of the original Princess Diaries, I’m beyond excited to be a part of bringing the third iteration of this beloved franchise to life.

'We look forward to celebrating its core tenants of female power, joy and mentorship with audiences worldwide,' Lim added.

The script is being written by Flora Greeson, while the film is set to be produced by Chase, who originated the film franchise which tells the story of schoolgirl Mia Thermopolis, who is stunned in the first movie when she discovers she is the heir apparent to the throne of Genovia.

Hathaway's fans were quick to comment on the video as one person said: 'Thank you for such wonderful news, I honestly still can't believe it,' and another wrote: 'This is perfect!!! Can’t wait!'

A third emotional fan admitted: 'Actual tears are rolling down my face,' and a fourth added: 'I immediately burst into tears.'

Princess Diaries 3 has been in development since 2022 and just last year, Hathaway shared her enthusiasm about the highly-anticipated film’s progress.

During an interview with V Magazine, the Hollywood star said: 'We’re in a good place. There’s nothing to announce yet. But we’re in a good place.'

More fans took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their excitement, with one person posting: 'I just learned that there’s a Princess Diaries 3 in the works and I’m so excited that I’m too stunned to speak.'

Another said: 'I’ve wanted another Princess Diaries film my whole life no one will ruin this moment for me,' and a third person commented: 'WE’RE GETTING PRINCESS DIARIES 3. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT I'M SO HAPPY.'

A fourth posted: 'PRINCESS DIARIES 3 IS IN THE WORKS WE’RE GETTING PRINCESS DIARIES 3 YES YES YES YES YES THIS IS EVERYTHING TO ME!!!!!!! MY DREAMS CAME TRUE MY PRAYERS WERE ANSWERED THANK YOU!!!!!!!'

Someone else predicted the storyline and questioned: 'I wonder if Mia will have a child of her own in Princess Diaries 3.'   

And a different fan commented: 'Ok and now they're announcing Princess Diaries 3 is coming wtf EXCUSE ME????? WHAT IN THE WORLD IS HAPPENING RN not that i'm complaining bUT OMG OK LET ME JUST CATCH MY BREATH.'