S Poddar
It’s official – Anne Hathaway is coming back for the third part of The Princess Diaries series, nearly 20 years after the last film, which captured the hearts of many. The gorgeous actress first won over millions of hearts as Mia Thermopolis in the original 2001 film; she portrayed a relatable, awkward teenager who suddenly discovers she’s the heir to the fictional throne of Genovia. The lovely story, full of unexpected twists, quickly became a favorite among many.
The excellent performances by Mia, as played by Hathaway, and Queen Clarisse Renaldi by Dame Julie Andrews became unforgettable. The supporting cast included Mandy Moore, Heather Matarazzo, and Hector Elizondo to complement the cast in making the world of Genovia come alive through humor, heartwarming moments, and some royalty elegance. Fans of the two original films have been holding their breath ever since news started surfacing about a possible sequel, and Hathaway’s latest confirmation has reignited a spark in excitement, cutting across generations of watchers.
Actress Anne Hathaway had been teasing about the sequel when she posted on Instagram with the message, “Miracles happen,” referring, of course, to the song in the first movie that had become iconic. In that regard, she also tagged some key collaborators, such as the director of the new film, Adele Lim, and Disney, signaling that the much-loved story is officially making a comeback. Its production has been assigned to Debra Martin Chase, who handled the previous films, so the essence of the original films would be preserved.
Fans immediately reacted with excitement online, as comments flooded in from all corners of the internet. The transfer from an ordinary girl to a princess made many grow up watching Mia; for those who have been following the series since its first movie, the third one seems like a step back to a bit of their childhood. The thing that really gets people excited is that Dame Julie Andrews, now in her late 80s, is indeed part of the Princess Diaries universe and may appear in the third installment, though that has yet to be confirmed. But what adds extra speculation to this sequel is the new creative direction by Adele Lim, the filmmaker behind hits like Crazy Rich Asians and Joy Ride.
Lim echoed her own excitement through her Instagram post, with a thrilled reaction to Hathaway’s announcement. “SHUT UP!!! Here to celebrate the Queens and Princesses in all of us.” As it is always the case, her excitement has further opened the avenues of interest in fans’ minds regarding how Mia’s life will pan out under Lim’s direction. The series of the Princess Diaries has stayed in many hearts with its warm sentiments: self-discovery, personal growth, and remaining true to self.
Mia’s journey from hapless teenager to confidently leading the crowd accompanied those who watched her navigate through the struggles of royalty while staying true to her authentic self. The return of this beloved series marks the circle’s completion for many who have followed the years along with Mia’s story. Now 41, Hathaway looks poised to tackle her character that catapulted her to stardom.
Since her starring role in The Princess Diaries, Hathaway’s career has evolved into better acting roles within blockbuster films such as Les Misérables, The Devil Wears Prada, and Interstellar, but her role as Mia Thermopolis stands to be one of the most loved performances from her. That Hathaway is as enthusiastic about getting back into Genovia as the fans are in welcoming her back gives out how much the role still holds for her. As if there were so many unknowns surrounding the third film, from the full list of its cast lineup to details of the storyline, the return alone of Hathaway was enough to set wave after wave of nostalgia.
The public is keen on seeing what Mia has ended up to be two decades after she took up her royal life from the first film. Will the film see Mia as a queen, or will it find new dilemmas with being the royalty of Genovia? These are all still open questions, but fans trust Hathaway and the team behind her to deliver a worthy continuation of the movie’s legacy. This new chapter in the Princess Diaries saga would bring all that magic, humor, and heart back into the silver screen to compel the hearts of audiences, hence entertaining them to the fullest. “Miracles happen,” and for fans of The Princess Diaries, such a sequence would be a long, long-awaited miracle. With Hathaway’s confirmation now set in motion, there is sure to be a good deal of nostalgic and joyous reunion with characters that have left an impact around the world.
