The Royal Truth: When Is The Princess Diaries 3 Coming Out? (Release Date & Production Status Update For 2025)

The crown is being polished, but the official coronation date remains a mystery. As of today, December 18, 2025, the highly anticipated threequel, The Princess Diaries 3, does not have an official release date, though industry speculation points to a potential premiere in late 2026 or early 2027. This is a significant shift from earlier 2025 production targets, indicating the project is taking its time to ensure a script worthy of the beloved Genovian royal family.

The good news is that the film is officially in active development at Disney, with major milestones recently confirmed. Oscar-winner Anne Hathaway is confirmed to return as Queen Mia Thermopolis Renaldi, and a director, Adele Lim, has been secured. Despite the lack of a firm date, the flurry of recent updates—including casting rumors and director announcements—confirms that The Princess Diaries 3 is indeed a priority, not just a fantasy.

The Current Status of The Princess Diaries 3 (December 2025)

The journey to a third installment of The Princess Diaries has been a two-decade-long royal affair, but the project gained significant momentum in late 2024 and throughout 2025. Here is the freshest, most up-to-date information on the film’s status:

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• Official Status: In active development/Pre-Production at Disney. The film is confirmed to be a continuation of the story, not a reboot.
• Confirmed Star: Anne Hathaway is officially back as Mia Thermopolis.
• Director: Adele Lim, known for co-writing Raya and the Last Dragon and directing the hit comedy Joy Ride, has been tapped to direct. Her involvement was confirmed in October 2024, signaling a fresh, exciting vision for the franchise.
• Production Timeline: Earlier in 2025, a target shoot date of August 1, 2025, was reported with plans to film in Europe. However, as of December 2025, the film is widely reported to be still in the writing or advanced pre-production stages, suggesting the August target was missed or production was delayed.
• Release Date Prediction: Given the current timeline, a realistic release window for The Princess Diaries 3 is now late 2026 or sometime in 2027, likely streaming on Disney+ or a major theatrical release.

The fact that the film has secured both its lead star and a director is the clearest sign that the project is moving forward, even if the timeline is more flexible than fans initially hoped. Producer Debra Martin Chase remains attached to the project, continuing her role from the first two films.

Which Original Cast Members Are Returning to Genovia?

The success of the first two films, The Princess Diaries (2001) and The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004), was deeply rooted in the chemistry of its ensemble cast. While Anne Hathaway’s return is confirmed, the status of other core characters has been the subject of intense fan speculation, creating a major buzz across social media and entertainment news outlets.

The Confirmed Return: Queen Mia Thermopolis

Anne Hathaway has consistently expressed her enthusiasm for revisiting the role that launched her career. Her confirmation in October 2024 was the official green light for the threequel. Her character, Mia Thermopolis, was last seen being crowned Queen of Genovia, having successfully changed the law to rule without a husband. The third film is expected to explore the challenges of her reign and her life as a married Queen, potentially with a family of her own.

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The Ambiguous Royals and Love Interests

The biggest question mark hangs over the return of the franchise's most iconic figures, Queen Clarisse Renaldi and Lord Nicholas Devereaux.

Julie Andrews (Queen Clarisse Renaldi)

The status of the legendary Julie Andrews is currently unconfirmed. In early 2024, she admitted she believed the plans for the third film had been shelved, and she has previously expressed reservations about returning without original director Garry Marshall, who passed away in 2016. However, the project's official progression with a new director has reignited hope. Fans are desperate to see Grandmère's return, as her character is the emotional heart and comedic anchor of the Genovian court. Her involvement is likely dependent on the script and her personal schedule.

Chris Pine (Lord Nicholas Devereaux)

The handsome Lord Nicholas Devereaux, played by Chris Pine, ended the second film as Mia’s romantic interest. Pine has been open to returning, telling reporters in late 2024 that he was unaware of any official casting but was willing to reprise his role. Given Mia's marriage to Nicholas was implied at the end of Royal Engagement, his return is highly anticipated to continue the romantic storyline.

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Potential and Rumored Returning Cast

Several other fan-favorite actors have commented on their willingness to return, adding to the excitement and the growing list of potential entities for the film:

• Mandy Moore (Lana Thomas): The actress who played the original mean girl, Lana Thomas, has publicly stated she would love to return for a "redemption" arc, potentially as an ally to Mia.
• Robert Schwartzman (Michael Moscovitz): Mia's original love interest and Lilly's brother, Robert Schwartzman, confirmed in December 2025 that he has had "early" talks about reprising his role as Michael Moscovitz. This is a massive update for fans of the original books by Meg Cabot, where Michael is Mia's true love.
• Heather Matarazzo (Lilly Moscovitz): Lilly, Mia’s best friend, is another essential character. While Matarazzo’s return is not officially confirmed, it is widely expected, as her character is vital to Mia’s personal life outside of her royal duties in Genovia.

What We Know About The Princess Diaries 3 Plot and Story Details

While the script is still in development, the director and producer have confirmed that The Princess Diaries 3 will not be a reboot. It will be a direct continuation of Mia’s story, set over 15 years after the events of Royal Engagement. This time jump allows for a story that addresses the complexities of a modern monarch who is now a mature woman and Queen.

The central theme is expected to revolve around Mia’s family life and the future of the Genovian throne. Rumors, fueled by a casting call announcement, suggest a potential storyline involving Mia being pregnant with twins and a possible custody battle over a young royal relative named Olivia. This would be a significant dramatic shift, moving away from the "ugly duckling" trope and into a more mature, political, and family-focused drama.

Key plot elements and entities expected to be explored include:

• Queen Mia's Reign: The challenges and successes of ruling Genovia as an unmarried Queen (a law she changed in the second film).
• Mia's Family: The dynamic between Mia and Nicholas Devereaux, and the introduction of their children or the next generation of Genovian royalty.
• Political Intrigue: The plot may involve new political threats or challenges to Mia’s progressive rule, potentially bringing back an element of villainy or opposition.
• The Legacy of Clarisse: If Julie Andrews does not return, the film will likely address Queen Clarisse’s absence and the impact of her legacy on Mia.

Producer Debra Martin Chase has stressed that the team is dedicated to honoring the spirit of the previous films, including the late Garry Marshall’s vision, while bringing a fresh, contemporary feel with director Adele Lim. The long wait suggests a commitment to a high-quality script that will satisfy both long-time fans and a new generation of viewers, ensuring the royal saga of Mia Thermopolis is told with the grace and humor it deserves.