Long awaited sequels have a way of testing fan patience, and few franchises illustrate that better than The Princess Diaries.
Word of a third film has circulated for years, with script drafts reportedly cycling through and Anne Hathaway repeatedly confirming she's still on board. Just as momentum seems to be building again, one of the series' most cherished stars has confirmed she won't be part of it. Julie Andrews, who brought Queen Clarisse Renaldi to life across the first two films, has made it clear her time in Genovia has come to a close. Here's what she said about stepping away, along with the latest on where the long delayed third installment currently stands.
Andrews Explains Why She's Stepping Aside
In a conversation with TODAY.com, Julie Andrews addressed her absence from the upcoming film without hesitation. “I'm not going to be in it,” the 90 year old actress said plainly. “I think the story is slightly different, and I'm not quite sure how they're dealing with that. But it's too late for me to do it. I think the story has to continue in Princess Mia. It's her story. It's not really mine.”
That framing tracks with how the franchise left things narratively. Clarisse had already handed over the throne of Genovia to Mia by the time the second film wrapped, and Andrews appears to see that handoff as a complete ending for her character. Returning now, in her view, isn't necessary to finish a story that was already resolved, even though fans would likely welcome one more appearance from her in a heartbeat.
A Quick Look Back at How the Franchise Got Here
The Princess Diaries, adapted from Meg Cabot's novels and directed by the late Garry Marshall, arrived in theaters in 2001 and turned into a career defining moment for Anne Hathaway. She played Mia Thermopolis, a San Francisco teenager who suddenly learns she's next in line to rule the fictional kingdom of Genovia. Andrews took on the role of Clarisse, Mia's grandmother and Genovia's reigning queen, and the performance instantly made her a favorite among a new generation of viewers who hadn't grown up with her earlier classics.
The film brought in $165 million at the box office, easily enough to greenlight a follow up. Marshall reunited with both stars for 2004's The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, written by Shonda Rhimes, which ended with Clarisse formally stepping down so Mia could officially become queen. That conclusion effectively wrapped up Clarisse's storyline, which makes Andrews' recent comments feel less like an unexpected departure and more like confirmation that her character's arc was already finished.
What's Actually Happening With the Script
Anne Hathaway has stayed attached to the project for years, first confirming her involvement back in 2023. She gave Entertainment Weekly a status update earlier this year, saying, “We're constantly working on it. Expectations are very, very high, and if you're going to do it, you have to knock it out of the park.” Comments like that suggest the ongoing delays have more to do with getting the story right than any lack of enthusiasm behind the scenes.
Crazy Rich Asians director Adele Lim previously signed on to helm the film, and author Meg Cabot has offered some of the most promising updates yet regarding the screenplay itself. Cabot has read several drafts over the years and recently reviewed what she considers her favorite version so far. “I read a script, and it was amazing,” she said. “I told them not to send anymore, because I love it so much. Fingers crossed that's the one they're going to use, but it's a really fun idea, and I'm one hundred percent behind it.” Given that Cabot created the source material, her enthusiasm carries genuine weight for anyone hoping the film finally comes together.
Andrews' Absence Fits a Broader Pattern
Andrews stepping back from Princess Diaries 3 isn't especially surprising once you consider her recent filmography. She hasn't taken on a live action role since 2010's The Tooth Fairy, so this decision lines up with a trend that's held steady for more than a decade rather than marking some sudden change of heart. Fans looking to reconnect with her career still have something to look forward to, though. Andrews will be the subject of an upcoming documentary landing on Disney+ next year, offering a fresh way for longtime fans to revisit her legacy outside of a traditional film role.
For anyone who grew up watching The Princess Diaries, this news lands with a bit of bittersweetness. Clarisse was every bit as central to what made the films work as Mia was, and her absence will be noticeable in whatever comes next. At the same time, Andrews' own explanation makes clear this isn't a decision made lightly, and she seems genuinely at peace handing the story fully over to Hathaway's character.
Following Genovia's Story From Here
With Hathaway still committed, Adele Lim attached to direct, and Meg Cabot growing more confident about the script with each new draft, there's reason to believe The Princess Diaries 3 really is moving closer to becoming a reality, even without Andrews back as Clarisse. Anyone following this story closely should keep an eye on future interviews with Hathaway and Cabot specifically, since both have consistently offered real details rather than vague hints about the project's status.
Are you disappointed to hear Julie Andrews won't be back for the third film, or does the story feel like it genuinely belongs to Mia at this point? Tell us in the comments what you're hoping to see once The Princess Diaries 3 finally arrives.
