Anne Hathaway has confirmed that a third instalment of The Princess Diaries is officially in development, more than two decades after the original film helped launch her into global stardom.
The actress, who played Mia Thermopolis in the beloved franchise, revealed that work is actively underway on the long-awaited sequel, though progress has taken time due to competing projects.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, she said: “One hundred percent, we’re constantly working on it.” She added: “[Devil Wears Prada 2] cropped up unexpectedly and took over the space – it became impossible to focus on both at the same time.”
Anne Hathaway Confirms 'Princess Diaries' Sequel
Released in 2001, The Princess Diaries became an immediate commercial success, grossing more than $165 million (€150m) worldwide against a modest budget of around $26 million (€24m).
Its 2004 sequel, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, also performed strongly at the box office, bringing in over $134 million (€125m) globally. Combined, the two films generated close to $300 million (€275m) and cemented their place as defining family comedies of the early 2000s.
Beyond the numbers, the franchise had a cultural impact that far exceeded its box office.
It turned Anne Hathaway, then a relatively unknown teenager, into a household name almost overnight, marking one of the most successful breakout roles of its era. Her portrayal of the awkward, relatable Mia navigating royal life resonated with audiences worldwide and laid the foundation for a career that would go on to include an Academy Award win, multiple blockbuster roles, and critical acclaim across genres.
View this post on Instagram
The films also benefited from the presence of Dame Julie Andrews as Queen Clarisse Renaldi, whose performance added gravitas and charm, helping elevate the series into a multi-generational favourite that continues to find new audiences through streaming and reruns.
Hathaway acknowledged the pressure surrounding a third instalment, particularly given the enduring popularity of the originals. “If I learned anything from [Devil Wears Prada 2], it’s that expectations are very, very high,” she said. “If you’re going to do it, you have to knock it out of the park.”
While The Princess Diaries 3 remains in development, Hathaway is currently enjoying renewed attention for her return as Andy Sachs in The Devil Wears Prada 2, the sequel to the 2006 fashion drama widely regarded as one of the most iconic films of its generation.
The original movie grossed over $326 million (€300m) worldwide and became a cultural touchstone, particularly within fashion and media circles.
Anne Hathaway and Stanley Tucci attend world premiere of 'The Devil Wears Prada' at Lincoln Center in New York, NY on April 20, 2026
The sequel reunites Hathaway with Meryl Streep and Emily Blunt, as well as director David Frankel and screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna, bringing audiences back into the high-stakes world of Runway magazine and its formidable editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly.
The film’s European premiere in Leicester Square, London, drew significant attention this week, with its cast delivering headline-grabbing fashion moments on the red carpet.
Meryl Streep, now 76, arrived in a striking red satin Prada coat paired with tailored black trousers and her signature sunglasses, continuing a run of carefully curated looks that have dominated the press tour.
Hathaway, reprising her role as Andy Sachs, wore a corseted, strapless Versace gown with sheer panel cut-outs and a velvet skirt, while Emily Blunt opted for a coordinated red ensemble featuring a strapless top and cigarette trousers.
View this post on Instagram
The event followed a similarly high-profile premiere in New York, where the cast once again drew widespread attention.
In The Devil Wears Prada 2, Andy Sachs returns to Runway at a time when traditional magazine publishing is in decline, reconnecting with former colleague Emily Charlton, now a powerful figure within the luxury fashion industry.
The storyline reflects broader shifts in media and fashion, blending nostalgia with a contemporary edge.
The film’s global press tour has further underlined Hathaway’s enduring star power, with appearances across Mexico, Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, and New York, showcasing a series of high-fashion looks from major design houses including Valentino, Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton, and Stella McCartney.
