Mandy Moore's Royal Redemption: Why Her Return As Lana Thomas In 'The Princess Diaries 3' Is The Story We Need

Few film roles are as instantly iconic—or as deliciously villainous—as Lana Thomas, the snobbish, manipulative cheerleader from the 2001 Disney classic, *The Princess Diaries*. For millions of fans, the character represents the ultimate high school antagonist to Anne Hathaway’s awkward-turned-royal Mia Thermopolis. Flash forward to today, December 18, 2025, and the conversation surrounding the long-awaited *The Princess Diaries 3* is dominated by one burning question: will Lana Thomas make a comeback? The answer, according to the actress who brought her to life, is a resounding yes, with a surprising twist that promises a powerful "redemption arc" for the former mean girl.

Mandy Moore, who has since transitioned from a pop sensation to an Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated dramatic powerhouse, has recently confirmed her enthusiasm for reprising the role. Her vision for Lana’s return is not just a nostalgic cameo but a fully realized journey that could redefine the character for a new generation, injecting fresh life and thematic depth into the Genovian saga.

Mandy Moore: Full Biography and Career Trajectory

Amanda Leigh "Mandy" Moore is an American singer-songwriter and actress whose career spans over two decades, marked by a rare and successful transition from teen pop idol to critically acclaimed dramatic lead.

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• Full Name: Amanda Leigh Moore
• Born: April 10, 1984, in Nashua, New Hampshire, U.S.
• Early Career: Rose to fame in 1999 with her debut single "Candy," which became a major pop hit. She followed this with her debut album, *So Real*, establishing her as a prominent figure in the late '90s teen pop wave.
• Film Debut: Moore made her feature film debut in 2001, first with a minor voice role in *Dolittle 2*, and then her breakout live-action role as Lana Thomas in *The Princess Diaries*.
• Breakthrough Film Roles: Her career pivoted with the emotional 2002 romantic drama *A Walk to Remember*, cementing her status as a serious actress. She later starred in films like *Saved!* (2004), *Licensed to Wed* (2007), and voiced the lead character Rapunzel in Disney's *Tangled* (2010).
• Television Success: From 2016 to 2022, Moore starred as the matriarch Rebecca Pearson in the critically acclaimed NBC family drama series, *This Is Us*. This role earned her nominations for both a Golden Globe Award and a Primetime Emmy Award, showcasing her dramatic range.
• Recent Music: Despite her acting success, she has continued her music career, releasing albums like *Silver Landings* (2020) and *In Real Life* (2022).

The Iconic Mean Girl: Lana Thomas and The Princess Diaries

*The Princess Diaries* (2001), directed by the late Garry Marshall, remains a cultural touchstone for a generation. It was a pivotal moment for both its stars, launching Anne Hathaway’s career and marking Mandy Moore’s first major foray into acting.

The Role That Defined Early 2000s Antagonism

Lana Thomas was the quintessential high school bully. As the head cheerleader at Grove High School, she was beautiful, popular, and relentlessly cruel to Mia Thermopolis, particularly after Mia's sudden transformation into the Princess of Genovia. Her most infamous moment—performing the "Lana's Got a Posse" song—is a scene that lives in pop culture infamy.

Moore has often reflected on the experience of playing Lana, noting that the film, which she shot at a young age, was a foundational moment that "set the stage" for her future acting career. The opportunity to be part of a major film with other young actors was a crucial "dipping [her] toe" into the world of cinema.

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Interestingly, despite the character's malicious nature, Moore has expressed regret not about the role itself, but about her fashion choices at the film's premiere, joking in a 2024 interview that her outfit was "terrible." This lighthearted retrospective view shows how far removed she is from the high school drama, yet how fondly she views the experience.

The Princess Diaries 3: The Case for Lana's Redemption Arc

The news of a third *Princess Diaries* film has been circulating for years, with Anne Hathaway and other original cast members, including John Rhys-Davies (who played Viscount Mabrey) and possibly even Chris Pine, expressing interest. With the passing of director Garry Marshall in 2016, the project has taken time to coalesce, but recent updates suggest it is moving forward.

Mandy Moore’s Vision for Lana Thomas’s Return

The most compelling and fresh piece of information regarding the sequel centers on Moore’s specific pitch for Lana. In recent interviews, including an appearance on Kylie Kelce’s podcast in mid-2024, Moore revealed that she would only be interested in returning if her character, Lana Thomas, was given a true "redemption arc."

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Moore’s idea stems from a desire to show how people can change and evolve over time—a theme that aligns perfectly with her work on *This Is Us*. She envisions a scenario where Lana has matured and perhaps even apologized for her past actions.

The actress suggested that Lana might now be a successful adult, but one who is willing to confront her high school bully past. This narrative choice would not only provide a satisfying conclusion to Lana’s story but also offer a modern, complex take on the former mean girl trope, moving beyond simple villainy.

Why a Redemptive Storyline is Crucial for the Sequel

Incorporating a redemption arc for Lana Thomas would serve several key purposes for *The Princess Diaries 3*:

• Topical Authority: It reflects contemporary storytelling, which often favors nuanced characters over flat antagonists. A grown-up Lana could offer a powerful message about accountability and personal growth.
• Narrative Closure: It provides a full circle moment for both Mia Thermopolis and Lana, allowing them to fully move past their high school rivalry.
• Cast Chemistry: It would allow Moore and Hathaway to share the screen again, but with a completely different dynamic—moving from rivalry to perhaps an uneasy, but mature, truce.
• Emotional Depth: Given Moore's success as the emotionally resonant Rebecca Pearson, her presence would naturally elevate the dramatic weight of the film, ensuring the sequel is more than just a nostalgic retread.

As discussions about the plot and casting of *The Princess Diaries 3* continue, Mandy Moore’s enthusiastic willingness to return, coupled with her insightful vision for Lana Thomas’s growth, has become a major highlight. Her potential return as a redeemed—or at least reformed—Lana Thomas is one of the most exciting prospects for fans hoping to revisit the world of Genovia.