Third Princess Diaries film appears to be moving closer

ISLAMABAD: A third instalment of The Princess Diaries appears to be edging nearer after years of speculation, with producer Debra Martin Chase saying significant preparatory work has already been done and that the team remains committed to bringing the project to the screen.

The first film, released in 2001, quickly became popular and helped establish Anne Hathaway as a major name in Hollywood. It followed an awkward San Francisco teenager who learns she is the heir to a European kingdom. The 2004 follow-up, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, took Mia further into her royal life and ended with audiences left wondering whether the story would continue.

That question remained unresolved for years as rumours surfaced from time to time, cast members signalled interest in returning and the films continued to build a lasting reputation as family favourites. Chase has now indicated that although the team had initially hoped to begin production this year, the project is still progressing.

Interest remains high around Mia's return

The renewed attention around a possible third film is tied both to nostalgia for the earlier movies and to curiosity about where Mia's life has gone since viewers last saw her accept her role and become ruler of Genovia. More than two decades after the original film, audiences are now interested in seeing what that character's life looks like as a queen rather than as a princess.

Hathaway has repeatedly spoken positively about the franchise that launched her career. She has described the original film as a major turning point in her life and has also recognised the unusually strong anticipation surrounding a third chapter.

Recent delays were linked in part to scheduling issues, including Hathaway's work on The Devil Wears Prada 2. With those commitments now largely completed, focus appears to be shifting back to Genovia.

Director attached as former cast members express interest

The project received a boost when Disney chose filmmaker Adele Lim, known for Joy Ride, to direct the sequel. Lim has suggested that longtime followers of the series can expect returning characters as well as a wider view of Genovia than the earlier films were able to show.

Plans reportedly include filming in Europe to present the fictional kingdom on a broader scale. Several former cast members have also publicly said they would be open to returning if approached, including Chris Pine, Robert Schwartzman and John Rhys-Davies.

Despite the latest signs of progress, some key matters remain unsettled. The film has not yet received final approval, and no plot details have been disclosed. Even so, the recent developments point to the strongest momentum in years for a return to Genovia.