Anne Hathaway has revealed that she campaigned hard to bring Dame Julie Andrews back for the long-awaited third film in the Princess Diaries franchise. In a recent interview, the Oscar-winning actress said she lobbied vigorously for the iconic British star to reprise her beloved role as Queen Clarisse Renaldi, going as far as to say she “pushed really hard” for the reunion. While the project has been officially confirmed, no plot details have been released yet.
The excitement around the sequel has been building since Disney and director Adele Lim were attached to the project, marking a significant moment for fans who have waited over two decades for another chapter. Hathaway, who stars as Mia Thermopolis, has been vocal about her desire to honor the original films while bringing something fresh to the table. With Lim, known for her work on Crazy Rich Asians and Joy Ride, at the helm, expectations are high for a modern yet heartfelt continuation of the royal story.
A Royal Reunion in Question
During a promotional appearance for her upcoming projects, Hathaway reflected on the process of getting the band back together. The 43-year-old actress admitted that securing Andrews’ participation was a top priority from the very beginning. “I really pushed hard for Julie to be a part of this,” Hathaway explained, according to reports from the entertainment press. “It just wouldn’t feel right without her. She is the heart and soul of these movies, and I wanted to make sure she knew how much we all wanted her back.”
Andrews, who played the stern yet loving Queen of Genovia, has been largely selective with her acting roles in recent years, focusing instead on writing and voice work. However, sources close to the production suggest that the 90-year-old actress is open to returning, though no official deal has been publicly announced. The role of Queen Clarisse was central to the first two films, serving as Mia’s guide and mentor as she navigated her duties as a princess. Fans have long speculated that any third installment would need to address the character’s absence, making Andrews’ involvement a crucial piece of the puzzle.
Hathaway also hinted that the new film would explore a more mature Mia, now navigating greater responsibilities. “This Mia is not the same girl that we left in Genovia,” Hathaway teased, though she declined to share specifics about the plot. The actress added that working with Lim has been a refreshing experience, praising the director’s vision for making the film relevant to today’s audience while preserving the fairy-tale charm that made the originals so popular.
A Franchise That Refuses to Fade
The Princess Diaries has become a cultural touchstone since its 2001 debut, largely due to the chemistry between Hathaway and Andrews. The first film grossed over $165 million worldwide, and its 2004 sequel, Royal Engagement, solidified the series as a beloved staple of early-2000s cinema. For years, fans have clamored for a third movie, with rumors swirling intermittently before official confirmation earlier this year. The addition of Chris Pine, who played Nicholas Devereaux in the sequel, and Robert Schwartzman, returning as Michael Moscovitz, suggests that the film will delve back into the love triangle that fueled much of the drama in the second outing.
However, the question of Andrews’ involvement remains the biggest talking point among devotees of the series. Hathaway’s recent comments have only intensified speculation, with fans taking to social media to express hope that the queen will be back on screen one last time. The actress’s candid admission also underscores her deep affection for her former co-star. In interviews over the years, Hathaway has often described Andrews as a mentor figure, both professionally and personally.
A New Chapter Under Adele Lim
Adele Lim’s appointment as director has been widely celebrated, with many seeing it as a sign that the franchise is in capable hands. Lim, who has become one of Hollywood’s most sought-after filmmakers, brings a sharp comedic sensibility and a warm eye for character-driven storytelling. Her involvement suggests that the third film will strike a balance between nostalgic callbacks and a contemporary edge, something that Hathaway has alluded to in her comments.
The film is currently in early development, with no release date or runtime announced. The cast has yet to confirm whether other original members, such as Heather Matarazzo or Sandra Oh, will reprise their roles. But for now, the focus remains on whether the royal matriarch will grace the screen once more. Hathaway’s insistence on Andrews’ involvement has set the stage for a potential cinematic reunion that would undoubtedly delight longtime fans.
“I have such fond memories of making those films,” Hathaway said. “And I think this one has the potential to be really special. I hope we can make it happen.” Her plea, however heartfelt, leaves the ultimate decision in the hands of Andrews and the studio. Until then, audiences will have to wait and see if Genovia’s beloved queen makes her triumphant return.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
