The Latest Casting News For ‘The Princess Diaries 3’!

It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since we last stepped into the Kingdom of Genovia in The Princess Diaries, but it feels like just yesterday we were introduced to Mia Thermopolis!

When we first met Mia in 2001, she was an average teenager dealing with typical high school problems—until her grandmother, Queen Clarisse, revealed that Mia was actually the Princess of Genovia!

 

Three years later, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement gave fans another glimpse into Mia’s life as she embraced her royal destiny. In the sequel, we learned that Mia could only become queen if she married, leading to the arrival of Nicholas Devereaux (played by Chris Pine), a charming yet complex character who turned Mia’s world upside down.

Since then, fans have been eagerly awaiting a third film, and in 2022, their prayers were answered with confirmation that The Princess Diaries 3 was in the works. However, details about the movie have been scarce—until now.

In October, Anne Hathaway—Princess Mia herself—officially announced that she would be returning for the third installment. It was also confirmed that Adele Lim, who wrote Raya and the Last Dragon (2021), would be directing the film.

With Anne Hathaway set to reprise her role, let’s take a look at what the rest of the cast from The Princess Diaries is up to and whether we can expect any familiar faces in the upcoming film!

Julie Andrews as Queen Clarisse Renaldi – A Maybe with Hope

Julie Andrews brought grace and humor to Queen Clarisse, Mia’s grandmother and royal mentor.

While fans are eager to see Andrews return, the iconic actress previously shared doubts about reprising her role, noting that it might be “too late” to step back into Genovia. But with Hathaway confirmed and Adele Lim directing, fans are hopeful that Andrews will feel inspired to bring Queen Clarisse back. Her guidance and warmth were the heart of the first two films, and her presence would be a treasured addition to the third.

Chris Pine as Nicholas Devereaux – Interested But Not Confirmed

Chris Pine, who played Mia’s charming love interest Nicholas Devereaux in The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, hasn’t confirmed his return but hasn’t ruled it out either.

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Pine has shared his enthusiasm for the franchise, saying he would love to work with Hathaway again if the opportunity arises. Pine’s chemistry with Hathaway was a memorable part of the second film, and fans would love to see where Nicholas and Mia’s relationship could go in a third installment.

Heather Matarazzo as Lilly Moscovitz – Eager to Reunite

Heather Matarazzo’s portrayal of Mia’s outspoken best friend, Lilly Moscovitz, added so much humor and heart to the original films. Matarazzo has expressed interest in returning, and Hathaway even mentioned her excitement at the possibility of reuniting with her on-screen best friend.

Matarazzo’s recent reflections on her career have sparked fan support for her comeback, and The Princess Diaries 3 might be the perfect opportunity to see the beloved Lilly back in action, supporting Mia in her royal duties.

Hector Elizondo as Joe – Ready and Willing

Who can forget Joe, Mia’s loyal bodyguard, and Queen Clarisse’s love interest? Hector Elizondo has voiced his enthusiasm for returning to the franchise and said he would gladly reprise his role if asked. Joe’s relationship with Queen Clarisse was a highlight of The Princess Diaries 2, and fans would love to see their romance blossom further in the third film.

Elizondo’s warmth and charm made Joe a fan favorite, and his return would bring a nostalgic touch to Genovia’s royal world.

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Sandra Oh as Principal Gupta – Excited For a Comeback

Sandra Oh’s role as the memorable Principal Gupta in the first film, though brief, became instantly iconic. Known for her humorous “The queen is coming!” line, Oh has expressed her excitement at the idea of reprising her role. She even joked that Disney should “call her” if they want Principal Gupta back. Fans would love to see how Principal Gupta’s life has changed since Mia left high school — and perhaps even see her moving up in Genovia’s education system!

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Mandy Moore as Lana Thomas – Open to Returning, Maybe as a Reformed Friend

Before her This Is Us days, Mandy Moore played Lana Thomas, Mia’s high school bully-turned-fair-weather friend. Moore has said that she’d be open to a return but imagines it might be a redemption arc, where Lana has transformed into a kinder person.

She expressed excitement about potentially working again with Hathaway and Andrews. A reformed Lana could bring a fresh dynamic to the cast, and Moore’s willingness to return gives fans hope she might make an appearance.

Robert Schwartzman as Michael Moscovitz – Happy to Reprise His Role

Robert Schwartzman, who played Michael Moscovitz, Mia’s first love and Lilly’s older brother, hasn’t been in the series since the original film, but he’s open to returning. Schwartzman shared that he’d love to see Michael come back, even if he and Mia are no longer romantically involved.

His presence would be a treat for fans who rooted for Michael and Mia’s teenage romance in the first movie, and it would be fascinating to see how his character has grown.

With the return of Anne Hathaway and the possibility of several original cast members coming back, The Princess Diaries 3 has fans more excited than ever. While we await more casting confirmations, one thing is certain: this film will be a royal reunion worth watching. Will Queen Clarisse return to offer Mia guidance once again? Will Nicholas Devereaux make his way back to Genovia? Only time will tell.

Who are you hoping to see return for The Princess Diaries 3? Share your thoughts in the comments below!