Hathaway Confirms Effort to Recruit Andrews for 'Princess Diaries 3' Ended in Respectful Decline

Key points

• Anne Hathaway stated at D23 that the team 'pushed really hard' to recruit Julie Andrews for the third installment but respected her decision to decline.
• Julie Andrews confirmed in interviews with The Hollywood Reporter and Today that she is retired from on-screen acting and does not feel she should be part of the new film.
• Hathaway emphasized that the door remains open for Andrews if she has a 'change of heart,' expressing deep respect for her contributions to entertainment.
• The third film is directed by Adele Lim and produced by Debra Martin Chase, with author Meg Cabot praising the current script.
• Production timelines are currently paused as Hathaway focuses on her third child, though the team reports a 'story breakthrough' after rewriting the script.

Background

The original 'Princess Diaries' films were released in 2001 and 2004, starring Hathaway and Andrews. A third installment was announced in 2024, with discussions continuing for several years. Andrews, now 90, has previously cited age and a desire to focus on voiceover work and writing as reasons for stepping away from on-camera roles. The franchise has maintained a strong cultural presence, with the first film recently celebrating its 25th anniversary.

How outlets are covering it

Variety and Just Jared focused on Hathaway's public statement at D23, highlighting the team's persistent efforts to recruit Andrews and their respectful acceptance of her refusal. The Hollywood Reporter provided deeper insight into Andrews' personal reasoning, quoting her explanation that she is 'past all that' and prefers non-camera work like podcasts and voiceovers. While Variety emphasized the emotional weight of the decision, THR highlighted Andrews' active engagement with other projects and her belief that the story can flourish without her. All sources agree that the film is proceeding without Andrews, but differ in emphasis: Variety frames it as a missed opportunity for a legacy reunion, while THR frames it as a natural conclusion to Andrews' on-screen career.

Why it matters

This decision marks a definitive end to the on-screen presence of a cultural icon in a major franchise, signaling a generational shift in the 'Princess Diaries' series. It also highlights the challenges of reviving nostalgic films with aging original cast members, while demonstrating the production's commitment to honoring legacy while moving forward. The pause in production due to Hathaway's pregnancy and script rewrites adds uncertainty to the release timeline, but the confirmed involvement of director Adele Lim and author Meg Cabot suggests a dedicated effort to maintain the franchise's quality.

What to watch

The production team will continue developing the script based on the recent 'story breakthrough,' with no official release date announced. Hathaway is expected to return to filming after her pregnancy, and the team will monitor any potential change of heart from Andrews. The film's progress will likely be tracked through updates from Disney and the producers, with the next major milestone being the confirmation of a release date or additional cast announcements.