The Royal Return: 7 Shocking Updates About Princess Diaries 3, Including The 2025 Filming Start And Mia’s New Scandal
The Confirmed Cast and Crew: Who is Returning to Genovia?
The success of *The Princess Diaries* franchise hinges on the chemistry of its core cast, and while the full ensemble has yet to be officially announced, a few key players are locked in, while the status of others remains a major question mark.Anne Hathaway: A Confirmed Royal Return
The biggest and most crucial piece of news is the confirmation that Anne Hathaway will reprise her iconic role as Mia Thermopolis Renaldi, Queen of Genovia. Hathaway, an Oscar winner since her first turn as the awkward San Francisco teen, has been a driving force behind the sequel for years, often giving fans hope during interviews. Her official confirmation, shared on social media, signals that the script is in a "good place" and that she is ready to once again embrace the role that launched her career.
Adele Lim: The New Director
Taking over the directorial reins from the late Garry Marshall is Adele Lim, known for her work as a screenwriter on *Crazy Rich Asians* and as the director of the critically acclaimed comedy *Joy Ride*. Lim’s involvement is a fresh and exciting development, promising a modern and vibrant take on the beloved franchise while still honoring the spirit of the original films. Her background in sharp, contemporary comedy suggests the new film will maintain the humor and heart that fans expect.
The Status of Julie Andrews (Queen Clarisse Renaldi)
The question of whether Dame Julie Andrews will return as the formidable and loving Queen Clarisse Renaldi is perhaps the most discussed topic among fans. While Andrews has expressed her support for Hathaway and the project, her involvement is not yet confirmed and, disappointingly, appears less likely. She has stated in recent interviews that she was surprised to hear about a completed script and has been coy about her return, fueling rumors that the film may explain the absence of the Grandmère.
Chris Pine and Other Original Cast Members
Chris Pine, who played the charismatic Lord Nicholas Devereaux in *The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement*, has been open to a return, though he recently played coy about any official involvement, stating he "didn't know anything about it." Given his character's romantic connection to Mia, his return would be a major plot point. Other original cast members, such as Heather Matarazzo (Lily Moscovitz) and Robert Schwartzman (Michael Moscovitz), have not yet been confirmed, but their inclusion would be essential for continuity and fan service.
The Rumored Plot: Mia’s Royal Wedding and a New Scandal
While official plot details remain tightly under wraps, strong rumors and a casting call suggest that *The Princess Diaries 3* will draw inspiration from the adult novel *The Princess Diaries, Volume XI: Royal Wedding* by Meg Cabot. This would mark a significant departure from the previous films, which primarily focused on Mia's journey to accepting her royal destiny.The Royal Wedding: Michael Moscovitz Returns
The most compelling plot rumor is that the film will center around Mia's long-awaited marriage to her longtime love, Michael Moscovitz. In the *Royal Wedding* novel, Mia is a college graduate living in New York, running her own teen community center, and planning her nuptials to Michael. The cinematic sequel is expected to fast-forward Mia's life, showing her as a fully established Queen balancing her royal duties with her personal life.
A New Heir and a Royal Scandal
The novel introduces a major complication: a newly discovered, illegitimate half-sister to Mia. This potential new heir to the Genovian throne creates a "scandal of majestic proportions" that threatens to overshadow Mia's wedding and challenge her position as Queen. The casting call for a young, biracial actress to play a new character strongly aligns with this plotline, suggesting the film will introduce a new generation of Genovian royalty and a fresh conflict for Mia to resolve.
Honoring Garry Marshall's Vision
Before his passing, original director Garry Marshall had reportedly developed a concept for a third film that would feature Mia visiting the apartment of her grandmother, Queen Clarisse Renaldi, in a poignant tribute. While the film is now being directed by Adele Lim, it is widely expected that the sequel will find ways to honor Marshall's legacy and the spirit he infused into the first two movies, ensuring the story feels like a natural continuation.
Production Timeline and What This Means for Fans
The official confirmation and the hiring of a director are the strongest indicators yet that *The Princess Diaries 3* is moving from development hell to active production. After over twenty years of waiting, fans can finally look forward to a concrete timeline.Filming Expected in 2025
The most recent news indicates that filming for the Disney feature is expected to begin in 2025. This timeline, confirmed by sources close to the production, suggests that the script is finalized and the pre-production phase is well underway. The movie is not planned as a reboot, but as a direct sequel, continuing the narrative established in *The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement*.
A Shift to Adult Themes
Given the source material and the twenty-year gap, the film will naturally shift from a coming-of-age story to an adult narrative. Mia will be a mature Queen, dealing with complex political challenges, marriage, and family drama, rather than just choosing between two suitors. This evolution is a key element that makes the sequel fresh and relevant for the original audience, who have also grown up since the first film's debut.
The Topical Authority Entities to Watch
To follow the film's progress, fans should pay close attention to updates regarding the following key entities, as they will be central to the movie's success and plot:
- Genovia: The fictional European principality where much of the action is set.
- Michael Moscovitz: Mia's primary love interest from the books and the first film. His return is highly anticipated.
- Lily Moscovitz: Mia's best friend. Her role will be crucial for the film's emotional core.
- The Royal Wedding: The likely central event that triggers the main conflict.
- Disney+: The platform where the film is likely to be released, though a theatrical run is also possible.
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