The Royal Return: 7 Shocking New Updates On The Princess Diaries 3 Filming In 2025
The long-awaited return to Genovia is officially underway! After two decades of speculation, Disney has finally confirmed that The Princess Diaries 3 is moving forward, with star Anne Hathaway set to reprise her iconic role as Princess Mia Thermopolis. The news, which broke in late 2024, has set the internet ablaze, with fans eager to know what happened to Mia, Queen Clarisse, and the rest of the beloved cast.
As of December 21, 2025, the project is rapidly taking shape, with filming expected to begin sometime this year. This highly-anticipated sequel will not be a reboot, but a continuation of the story left off in The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, promising a blend of nostalgic charm and fresh, modern royal challenges for the newly-crowned Queen of Genovia.
Royal Profiles: The Main Cast Biographies and Current Status
The heart of the Princess Diaries franchise lies in its unforgettable cast. Here is a look at the two leading ladies and their current involvement in the upcoming sequel.
Anne Hathaway (Princess Mia Thermopolis)
- Born: Anne Jacqueline Hathaway, November 12, 1982, in Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
- Career Highlights: American actress known for her versatility across genres. Her accolades include an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award (BAFTA), and a Golden Globe Award. She achieved global fame with her debut film, The Princess Diaries (2001).
- Current Status in PD3: Confirmed to return as Mia Thermopolis. Hathaway herself confirmed the sequel's progress in late 2024.
Dame Julie Andrews (Queen Clarisse Renaldi)
- Born: Julia Elizabeth Wells, October 1, 1935, in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, England.
- Career Highlights: English actress, singer, and author, a true Hollywood icon. Noted for her crystalline four-octave singing voice and roles in classics like Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music. She was made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II in 2000.
- Current Status in PD3: Her return is not officially confirmed, but Andrews stated in March 2025 that she would be "open to" reprising her role as the Queen Dowager of Genovia. Her involvement is highly desired by fans and the production team.
The Genovian Royal Decree: Confirmed Details and Major Changes
While the kingdom of Genovia is fictional, the details surrounding the third film are very real. Here are the most significant, confirmed, and highly-credible updates for The Princess Diaries 3.
1. A New Royal Era: Adele Lim Takes the Director's Chair
The late, great director Garry Marshall, who helmed both The Princess Diaries (2001) and The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004), passed away in 2016. Stepping into his formidable shoes is director Adele Lim, known for her screenwriting work on the global hit Crazy Rich Asians. Lim's appointment signals a fresh, contemporary vision for the franchise, while the producers have vowed to honor Marshall's legacy.
2. Filming is Expected to Start in 2025
The project officially gained momentum in late 2024, with Anne Hathaway confirming her participation. Reports indicate that the production is aiming to begin filming in 2025, which means fans could see the film released as early as late 2026 or early 2027.
3. It Will Be a Continuation, Not a Reboot
Fans can breathe a sigh of relief: The Princess Diaries 3 is confirmed to be a continuation of Mia Thermopolis's story, not a franchise reboot. The sequel will explore Mia's life after she was crowned Queen of Genovia, having successfully convinced the Genovian Parliament to allow her to rule as an unmarried woman.
The Return of Fan Favorites: Status of Chris Pine, Mandy Moore, and Lilly Moscovitz
A major question looming over the sequel is the return of Mia's best friend, Lilly Moscovitz, and her love interests, Michael Moscovitz and Lord Nicholas Devereaux.
4. Chris Pine is Playing Coy About Lord Nicholas Devereaux
Chris Pine, who played the charming, rival-turned-love-interest Lord Nicholas Devereaux in the second film, has not officially confirmed his return. In late 2024, Pine told reporters he "[didn't] know anything about it," a typically coy response that leaves the door wide open for his character to return and potentially complicate Mia's royal life. Given his current Hollywood status, securing Pine would be a massive win for the sequel.
5. Mandy Moore is Open to a Cameo as Lana Thomas
Mandy Moore, who played the high school bully Lana Thomas in the first film, has publicly expressed her interest in returning for a cameo. Moore has suggested it would be fun to revisit the character who famously sang "Stupid Cupid" and was Mia's high school nemesis. Her return would provide a perfect nostalgic nod to the franchise's humble San Francisco beginnings.
6. Heather Matarazzo (Lilly Moscovitz) is Eager to Come Back
Mia's fiercely loyal best friend, Lilly Moscovitz, played by Heather Matarazzo, has long been a fan favorite. While no official announcement has been made regarding her casting, Matarazzo has expressed interest in reprising her role, which is seen as essential to the film's success. Fans hope the sequel will reveal what Lilly has been up to since her college radio show days.
The Future of Genovia: Plot Rumors and New Characters
The new film is expected to bridge the gap between the original films and the current decade, introducing new challenges and a new generation of Genovian royalty.
7. A New Character and Potential Custody Battle
A major rumor, potentially based on an open casting call, suggests the introduction of a new character named Olivia. Unconfirmed plot details hint that the story may involve Mia being pregnant with twins, planning a royal wedding, and facing a custody battle over the young Olivia. This would align with the new director's focus on fresh storytelling while maintaining the royal drama that defined the original films, which were based on the popular book series by author Meg Cabot.
The official confirmation and the 2025 filming timeline have transformed The Princess Diaries 3 from a long-running rumor into a reality. With Anne Hathaway leading the charge and new creative talent at the helm, the next chapter in Mia's story promises to be a nostalgic, heartwarming, and thoroughly modern royal adventure for a new generation of fans.
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