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‘The Princess Diaries 3’: Characters We Wish to See in the New Sequel

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Oct 13, 2024 / 5999 Views

Evan Walker

Tiaras at the ready: the royal family of Genovia is returning to our screens with The Princess Diaries 3 movie. The adaptations of Meg Cabot’s young adult novels are nostalgic pick-me-ups for every millennial. If there is better news, we’re still determining what is!

While there was talk of a sequel for years, the film never came to fruition. So finally, about two years after the makers first teased it, the third movie is officially in the works.

On 4 October 2024, Anne Hathaway, who played Princess Mia Thermopolis in the first two films, confirmed that she is returning for The Princess Diaries 3.

In a video posted on Instagram, Hathaway performed a countdown with snipPets from the first The Princess Diaries movie from 2001 with the famous line “Shut up!”

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A post shared by Anne Hathaway (@annehathaway)

The third film will be directed by Adele Lim, best known for directing Crazy Rich Asians (2018).

“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 said in a statement, according to Variety.

The film was first announced in 2022, but there was very little buzz around it till Hathaway’s Instagram post. Reports suggest that the film will go on floors later this year. There is no release date for The Princess Diaries 3 yet.

The Princess Diaries: The dreamy plot

The Princess Diaries Anna Hathaway — Image credit: IMDb

For some context, The Princess Diaries franchise follows a shy American teenager, Mia Thermopolis (Hathaway), who learns she’s heir to the throne of a small European country. With the guidance of Genovia’s Queen and her grandmother (Julie Andrews), Mia must decide if she wants to claim the crown she inherited.

Alongside Hathaway and Andrews, the first film featured a stellar cast of Mandy Moore, Heather Matarazzo, Erik von Detten, Hector Elizondo and Sandra Oh, among others.

It became an instant box office hit, grossing USD 165 million worldwide, and quickly entered the Pop Culture Hall of Fame. It led to a sequel, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004), which grossed USD 134 million.

Mia has since become one of the most loved characters in The Princess Diaries. And while we see her slipping off on several occasions, her clumsiness is largely endearing. We love how Mia remains true to herself despite acquiring fame and stunning tiaras overnight.

A couple of years before the recent announcement, Hathaway had expressed interest in reprising the character. “I would more than entertain it. I’m pulling for it,” she told Entertainment Tonight in 2022.

Now that she is part of The Princess Diaries 3 movie fans believe that they will get to see more of her reign as the Queen of Genovia, which she became at the end of The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004). Does this mean there could be a new princess? Alas, the makers are mum about the plot.

While Hathaway has confirmed she is returning, many fans are wondering if Julie Andrews will reprise her role as the always-poised former Queen Clarisse.

And what about Mandy Moore’s scathing cheerleader Lana Thomas? We’ve crossed our fingers for more glittering balls, brutal quips, and plenty of mattress surfing on The Princess Diaries 3.

Characters we wish to see in The Princess Diaries 3 movie

Queen Clarice — Julie Andrews

Everyone loves Queen Clarice, thanks to the legendary actress Julie Andrews. While it’s evident from the beginning that the Queen loves Mia, every scene with the Queen is full of cheerful spirit. Clarisse is unsparing in her initial assessment as Mia returns to the Genovian embassy for princess lessons. In addition, Clarice is a wealth of knowledge, and many fans still take royal classes from her to this day.

While fans hope to see Andrews back in the role (maybe, Queen Emeritus?), the Oscar-winner had in an interview with Access Hollywood in December 2022 said that she was not sure about a third film.

“I think we know that it’s probably not going to be possible. It was talked about very shortly after two came out, but it’s now how many years since then? And I am that much older and Annie the princess, or queen, is so much older. And I am not sure where it would float or run,” she said at the time.

Joe — Hector Elizondo

The Princess Diaries Joe — Image credit: Ron Batzdorff, SMPSP – © 2004 – Walt Disney Studios. All rights reserved. via IMDb

This royal journey introduced fans to an epic love story between Queen Clarisse and Joe, her bodyguard. Yes, Mia and Michael’s romance may get most of the attention, but the true love story throughout this narrative has always been between the Queen and Joe. Besides, Joe has some of the best dialogues in The Princess Diaries. He left us in splits when he said, “This is a non-riot hearse. And if it were a hearse, there would be silence in the backseat.”

Jeremiah Hart — Patrick Flueger

Despite having few lines in The Princess Diaries, Jeremiah is a standout character in the franchise’s first film. Jeremiah is a magician in training, and we love his little tricks, like finding a coin in Lilly’s hair. Not missing a beat, Lilly tells him she’s not a vending machine. But, of course, this line wouldn’t seem half as hilarious if it wasn’t for Jeremiah’s antics.

Lilly Moscovitz — Heather Matarazzo

Introducing Lilly Moscovitz, Mia’s best friend and an activist icon. Lilly Moscovitz is the friend we need in our life! She’s quick to say what’s on her mind, “Are you sure you can’t help me with my spotted owl Petition today?” However, she has great intentions, and fans can totally relate to her flaws.

Charlotte Kutaway — Kathleen Marshall

As the Queen’s assistant Charlotte Kutaway probably has a lot to do. However, Charlotte is kind and gracious and oversees Mia’s lessons with Queen Clarice without judgment. In addition, Charlotte is the person anyone would want by their side should a relative ever summon them to a royal ball.

Fat Louie — Fat Louie

Fat Louie, Mia Thermopolis’s cat, turns in one of the most fabulous feline performances in cinematic History. Naturally, we would love to see more of Fat Louie in the third instalment.

BRB, we are re-watching The Princess Diaries and Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.

This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Hong Kong