Grab some popcorn, curl up on your comfiest couch, and prepare for a dose of pure nostalgia because The Princess Diaries franchise is officially making a comeback! Yes, you read that right—Disney has confirmed that The Princess Diaries 3 is in development. Fans of Genovia and all its charming royal chaos are buzzing with excitement. But the hottest question on everyone’s mind? Will Chris Pine return to reprise his role as the swoon-worthy Nicholas Devereaux?
If you’ve been yearning for updates about this long-awaited sequel, we’ve got you covered. Below, we explore what makes The Princess Diaries such a timeless franchise, everything we know about The Princess Diaries 3 so far, and why the possible return of Chris Pine is causing such a stir.
Why We Still Love The Princess Diaries
For the uninitiated (although truly, where have you been?), The Princess Diaries franchise is the heartwarming story of Mia Thermopolis, a socially awkward yet lovable teenager whose life turns upside down when she discovers she is heir to the throne of the fictional kingdom of Genovia.
Starring Anne Hathaway as Mia and the legendary Julie Andrews as Queen Clarisse Renaldi, the films are a perfect blend of humor, heart, and royal hijinks. For many fans, the franchise holds a special place in their hearts—not only for its laugh-out-loud moments but also for its empowering themes of personal growth, self-confidence, and finding one’s voice.
It’s been nearly two decades since The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement graced our screens in 2004, but fans have never stopped hoping for more. The beloved films remain a comfort-watch staple, bursting with memorable quotes (“Shut up!” “I beg your pardon?!”) and iconic scenes (who can forget Mia’s makeover or the mattress-surfing escapade?).
Now, with The Princess Diaries 3 officially in the works, it seems our royal dreams are closer than ever to coming true!
What Do We Know About The Princess Diaries 3?
1. It’s Officially Happening!
Back in November 2022, Disney confirmed that The Princess Diaries 3 is in development. Aadrita Mukerji (Reacher, Supergirl) has been tapped to write the script, and the project is being developed as a continuation of Mia’s story rather than a reboot or spinoff.
While Anne Hathaway hasn’t officially signed on just yet, the Oscar-winning actress has expressed her enthusiasm for returning. During a recent interview, Hathaway gushed about her love for the franchise and her co-stars, saying, “If there’s any way to get Julie Andrews involved, I think we would make it work.”
2. Will Julie Andrews Return?
Speaking of Julie Andrews, the thought of The Princess Diaries without Queen Clarisse feels incomplete. However, Andrews herself has hinted that her involvement may depend on timing and logistics. “I think it would be lovely,” she shared, “but I’m a little bit older and not sure what the story would entail.”
While her potential return remains uncertain, fans are keeping their fingers crossed for at least a cameo appearance from the legendary star.
3. The Chris Pine Question
Now, let’s talk about the elephant—or rather, the Nicholas Devereaux—in the room. One of the many highlights of The Princess Diaries 2 was the introduction of Chris Pine as Lord Nicholas, Mia’s dashing (and initially conniving) love interest. Pine’s undeniable charm and sizzling chemistry with Hathaway became an instant hit with fans, making Nicholas one of Genovia’s most adored characters.
With Pine’s career skyrocketing since his days as Lord Nicholas (hello, Star Trek, Wonder Woman, and Don’t Worry Darling), there’s no official word yet on whether he’ll return for The Princess Diaries 3. However, fans are rallying on social media, making it clear that their excitement for the sequel hinges on seeing Nicholas back in Mia’s life.
Honestly, is there any love story more royal—or more worthy of a sequel—than Nicholas and Mia’s? We think not.
Why Chris Pine’s Return Would Be Game-Changing
While The Princess Diaries was always centered around Mia’s personal growth, the addition of Nicholas brought an undeniable spark to The Princess Diaries 2. Watching their adversaries-to-lovers dynamic unfold was nothing short of magical. Plus, Pine’s natural charisma perfectly complemented Hathaway’s performance, elevating the romance to iconic status.
For fans, Nicholas’s presence in The Princess Diaries 3 wouldn’t just be a welcomed throwback; it could also provide narrative depth and closure to his and Mia’s story. Did they get their happily-ever-after? Could their relationship survive the demands of royal duty? Imagine the possibilities!
Whether it’s a grand royal wedding, another mischief-filled bromance moment with Joe (Genovia’s trusty bodyguard), or just a cheeky smirk from Pine, his return would undoubtedly add the perfect dose of charm to the sequel.
What We’d Love to See in The Princess Diaries 3
While details about the plot of The Princess Diaries 3 remain under wraps, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few things fans are hoping for:
- Mia as a Modern Queen: Picture Mia navigating the trials and triumphs of ruling Genovia in a digital age. How would she balance tradition with progress?
- Nicholas and Mia’s Relationship: Even if it’s just a cameo, fans would love to see how Lord Nicholas fits into Mia’s life after all these years.
- New Characters: One fun rumor is that Mia might have a younger sibling or cousin introduced into the mix, creating fresh opportunities for royal chaos.
- The Iconic Genovian Pear Trees: Admit it—we all want an update on Genovia’s national treasures!
And, of course, plenty of heartfelt moments between Mia and Queen Clarisse (if Julie Andrews says yes, which we hope she does!).
What This Revival Means for Fans
The fact that Disney is reviving The Princess Diaries franchise speaks volumes about the cultural impact it has had. For many, these films defined an era and continue to serve as a cherished reminder of growing up, finding confidence, and staying true to oneself. By bringing a new chapter to life, The Princess Diaries 3 has the potential to unite longtime fans with a new generation of viewers who are just discovering Genovia’s charm.
For fans, this sequel isn’t merely a film—it’s a celebration of everything that makes The Princess Diaries so special. And if Chris Pine returns? Well, that’s the royal cherry on top.
The Royal Countdown Begins!
While we eagerly await more updates on The Princess Diaries 3, one thing is certain—Genovia is about to take center stage all over again, and fans couldn’t be more excited. Whether you’re here for Anne Hathaway’s triumphant return, the possibility of Chris Pine as Nicholas, or simply the magic of Genovia, this royal sequel is shaping up to be worth the wait.
Until then, why not revisit the first two films for a refresher on all the laughs, love, and lessons they brought us? Stay tuned as we continue to share updates on The Princess Diaries 3—because, as Mia herself once said, “The courage of one person can change the world.”
