The Princess Diaries 3: Why There Is Still No Official Release Date And What We Know About Filming In 2025

The long-awaited return to Genovia is officially in development, but as of today, December 18, 2025, there is still no confirmed release date for *The Princess Diaries 3* from Disney. Fans have been eagerly waiting over two decades for Queen Mia Thermopolis's next chapter, and while the film is moving forward with a new creative team and the confirmed return of its leading star, the official calendar slot remains a mystery. The most concrete information points to a major production milestone: filming is currently scheduled to begin in 2025, which, given the typical Hollywood production timeline, suggests a potential release in late 2026 or 2027. The excitement is palpable, especially since the new film is confirmed to be a continuation of the original story, not a reboot. This means we will pick up with a fully grown and reigning Queen Mia, navigating the complexities of modern royalty. The project has an official scriptwriter, director, and a massive star attached, making it one of Disney's most anticipated legacy sequels. The delay in announcing a specific release date is a typical industry practice, as the studio waits for the script and pre-production to be finalized before locking in a date.

The Current Status of Princess Diaries 3: Production, Cast, and Timeline

The journey to *The Princess Diaries 3* has been a long one, marked by years of rumors and hopeful interviews. The project officially gained traction in late 2022 when Disney confirmed a third installment was in development. Since then, key creative personnel have been attached, solidifying the film's move toward production.

Anne Hathaway's Confirmed Return as Queen Mia Thermopolis

The heart of the franchise, Anne Hathaway, has officially confirmed her return to the role of Amelia "Mia" Mignonette Thermopolis Renaldi, Queen of Genovia. Hathaway has been the most vocal proponent of the sequel for years, and her involvement is a non-negotiable for fans. The new film is set to explore Mia's life as the reigning monarch, focusing on themes of female empowerment and mentorship, suggesting she may be guiding a new, younger royal or successor. This narrative choice is a natural progression from her character’s arc in *The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement*.

New Creative Team: Director and Scriptwriter

The third installment is being helmed by a fresh and exciting creative team:

• Director: Adele Lim. Known for directing the critically acclaimed 2023 comedy *Joy Ride*, Lim is set to direct the film. Her background promises a vibrant, modern, and perhaps slightly edgier take on the Genovian world.
• Scriptwriter: Aadrita Mukerji. The script is being written by Mukerji, who has an impressive resume including work on popular television series like *Reacher* and *Supergirl*. This indicates that the script is actively in development and moving through the necessary revisions before a green light for filming.

When Will Filming Start? The 2025 Schedule

While an official release date remains elusive, the most significant production update is the targeted start for principal photography. Multiple reports indicate that filming is scheduled to begin sometime in 2025. This is the clearest indication that the film is moving from the development stage (script writing) to the pre-production and active filming stage. Typically, a major studio film like this would take:

1. Filming (Principal Photography): 3 to 5 months.
2. Post-Production (Editing, Visual Effects, Music): 12 to 18 months.

Based on a 2025 filming start, the earliest possible release date would be late 2026, with a more realistic timeframe being early to mid-2027. Disney will likely reserve a prime release slot, such as a summer or holiday weekend, once production is firmly underway.

Will Julie Andrews and Chris Pine Return to Genovia?

The return of the original cast members is a major point of curiosity for fans, and the news is mixed regarding two of the most beloved characters.

The Unlikely Return of Queen Clarisse Renaldi

Sadly, the iconic presence of Julie Andrews as Queen Clarisse Renaldi is unlikely to grace the Genovian palace once more. Andrews has been candid about her thoughts on returning. In multiple interviews, she has stated that she does not expect to be involved in the third film. The acting legend cited the significant time gap since the last film and the passing of the original director, Garry Marshall, as reasons why she feels it may be too late to return. While this news is disappointing for fans hoping to see the beloved grandmother-granddaughter dynamic, the film will likely find a respectful and heartfelt way to address Queen Clarisse's absence, potentially setting the stage for Mia's emotional growth as a leader without her mentor.

Chris Pine's Potential Role as Lord Nicholas Devereaux

Chris Pine, who played Mia's love interest Lord Nicholas Devereaux in *The Princess Diaries 2*, has expressed interest in returning. His character was last seen as Mia's potential suitor, and the sequel's plot would naturally address the status of their relationship. While his involvement has not been officially confirmed by the studio, his return would be a massive draw for fans and would provide a satisfying continuation of Mia's personal life. The themes of the new movie, focusing on Mia as Queen, may or may not center on her romantic life, but a cameo or supporting role for Pine remains a strong possibility.

What Will The Princess Diaries 3 Be About? Plot Rumors and Fan Theories

With the film confirmed as a continuation, the plot will pick up with Mia firmly established as Queen of Genovia. The official project summary mentions themes of "female empowerment and mentorship."

The Royal Wedding Connection

One of the strongest rumors suggests the film may draw inspiration from the book series' eleventh installment, *The Princess Diaries, Volume XI: Royal Wedding*. The book sees Mia planning her wedding to her long-time love interest, Michael Moscovitz (who was played by Robert Schwartzman in the first film). While the movies deviated from the books by pairing Mia with Nicholas Devereaux, the "Royal Wedding" theme remains a key element of Mia's story.

A Search for the Next Princess

Given the focus on mentorship, a popular theory is that Queen Mia will be tasked with finding and mentoring a new, young royal, much like Clarisse did for her. This new character could be a distant relative or a hidden Genovian royal, providing a fresh perspective and a new generation for the franchise. This is supported by news of open casting calls looking for a new character, which went viral among fans.

The Legacy of Garry Marshall

Any discussion of *The Princess Diaries 3* must acknowledge the legacy of the late director, Garry Marshall, who helmed the first two films. Marshall was a champion of a third film and had even discussed potential plot points with Anne Hathaway before his passing in 2016. The new creative team is undoubtedly working to honor his vision and the magical tone he established for Genovia. In summary, while the *Princess Diaries 3* release date remains unconfirmed, the current production status is highly positive. With Anne Hathaway on board, a new director and writer, and a 2025 filming schedule, fans can confidently expect a return to Genovia within the next few years. The focus on Queen Mia's leadership and mentorship promises a mature, empowering, and long-awaited chapter in the beloved royal saga.