“The Princess Diaries 3” may finally be closer to reality. More than two decades after audiences first saw Mia Thermopolis transform from awkward teenager to royal icon, producer Debra Martin Chase says the long-awaited third installment is actively moving forward.
Chase, who produced the first two “Princess Diaries” movies, recently shared an encouraging update while attending the Black Women on Broadway Awards in New York City.
talking with PEOPLEsaid the long-time producer that the long-awaited sequel is underway. “We’re more than hopeful,” Chase said. “We’re moving in that direction. We’ve done a lot of groundwork.”
The producer added that the team had originally hoped cameras would start rolling this year. “We were hoping to shoot this year. So it’s coming. We’re determined to make it happen. And we’re glad people are excited,” she said. “Every time something happens and we get the thing, it’s like, ‘Yay, okay, keep going!’ “
Anne Hathaway is expected to return as Mia Thermopolis
Although plot details remain tightly under wraps, Anne Hathaway is expected to reprise her beloved role as Mia Thermopolis. Fans last saw the character in 2004’s “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement,” where Mia officially stepped into her role as Queen of Genovia.
The third installment was officially confirmed for 2024, sending longtime fans of the Disney series into celebration mode.
Garry Marshall’s daughter recently shared another encouraging update
Earlier this year, Kathleen Marshall, daughter of the late “Princess Diaries” director Garry Marshall, also hinted that the project was making real progress. While attending the opening of Beaches on Broadway in April, Kathleen shared an optimistic update about the film’s future.
“We are working on ‘Princess Diaries 3,'” she said, adding that she is “excited to be a part of everything” associated with the franchise. “It’s working out,” Kathleen added, noting that they hope the film is “the next thing” for Hathaway.
“We’re moving it forward,” she continued. “I mean, there’s just an incredible team in place. So it’s coming. It’s coming.”
Anne Hathaway has previously admitted that she wants to return
Long before Disney officially announced the sequel, Hathaway made it clear that she was eager to return to Genovia. speaks to Vanity Fair in April 2024, the Oscar winner described “The Princess Diaries” as “the movie that changed my life.”
“It’s so weird watching it, I haven’t seen this movie in maybe 20 years and it’s, I’m a bit speechless with this one,” she continued. “Actually, it’s very emotional to watch.”
She also addressed fans’ anticipation during a 2023 interview with PEOPLEadmitting the long wait for a third film could understandably feel frustrating. Still, Hathaway reminded fans that film development takes time. “It’s a process that requires patience … that’s how long it actually takes to make things,” she said.
Anne Hathaway previously reflected on Julie Andrews’ lasting influence
Also during her April 2024 Vanity Fair cover, the actress looked back at the filming of 2001’s “The Princess Diaries,” where she starred opposite Julie Andrewswho famously played Queen Clarisse Renaldi. “I’ve learned that I want to handle myself in a way that I’m going to be proud of later,” Hathaway said, recalling Andrews’ kindness on set.
According to Hathaway, Andrews made a point of staying back after filming each day to sign autographs for fans, something that left a lasting impression on the actress. “She respected that they had a relationship with her work that spanned their entire lives and made it a beautiful experience for them,” Hathaway said of the Oscar-winning “Mary Poppins” star.
As fans eagerly await her return to Genovia, Hathaway has remained booked and busy in Hollywood. Recently, the Oscar-winning actress returned to another fan-favorite franchise, reprising her role as Andy Sachs in “The Devil Wears Prada 2.” The long-awaited sequel brought Hathaway back alongside original stars Meryl Streep, Emily Bluntand Stanley Tuccimore than 20 years after the beloved 2006 film first hit theaters.
“The Devil Wears Prada 2” proved to be a huge box office hit, earning an impressive $675.9 million globally against its $100 million production budget. Of the total, approximately $217 million came from domestic ticket sales in North America, while international markets contributed another $458.6 million.
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