If you’ve been waiting for a foot-pop moment since 2004, you aren’t alone. For over two decades, the question of when does princess diaries 3 come out has been the internet’s favorite "what if." We’ve lived through rumors, fake trailers, and Julie Andrews politely telling us she’s getting a bit too old for the crown. But the vibe changed recently. The silence finally broke.
The Real Status of the Genovian Throne
Basically, the movie is happening. For real this time. After years of development hell and scripts that went nowhere, Disney officially greenlit the project. In late 2024, Anne Hathaway—our forever Queen Mia—posted that iconic Instagram video that sent the millenial internet into a full-blown meltdown. She didn’t just hint at it; she tagged Disney and the new director.
Right now, the film is in active pre-production.
Disney has tapped Adele Lim to direct. You might know her work from Crazy Rich Asians or the wild R-rated comedy Joy Ride. It’s a smart move. Lim knows how to balance heart with actual humor, which is exactly what a modern Genovia needs. We aren’t looking at a reboot here. It’s a direct continuation.
When Will We Actually See It?
Disney is playing this one close to the vest. As of early 2026, there is no fixed release date on the calendar, but the industry math is fairly simple. Filming was rumored to kick off in late 2025. When you factor in post-production and the heavy lifting of a Disney marketing campaign, we are looking at a late 2026 or early 2027 release.
Movies like this love a holiday window. It’s "comfy" cinema. Don't be surprised if Disney aims for a Thanksgiving or Christmas 2026 theatrical run to maximize that nostalgia-driven box office.
Who Is Coming Back to Genovia?
This is where things get kinda tricky and honestly a bit emotional.
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Anne Hathaway is the only 100% lock. She’s producing the film as well as starring in it, so Mia Thermopolis is definitely leading the charge. But what about the rest of the crew?
- Julie Andrews (Queen Clarisse): This is the big "maybe" that keeps fans up at night. Julie has been very candid about her age (she’s 90 now) and the loss of the original director, Garry Marshall. However, she’s also said she’d never say never if the script was right. Recent buzz suggests they might be looking at a smaller, more regal "mentor" role or even a high-tech cameo if she isn't up for a full shoot in Europe.
- Chris Pine (Nicholas Devereaux): Chris has gone on record saying he’d be down to return. The "Royal Engagement" fans are desperate to see if Mia and Nicholas actually made it or if being a Queen is just too much for a long-distance relationship.
- Heather Matarazzo (Lilly Moscovitz): You can't have Mia without Lilly. While not officially confirmed by the studio yet, Heather has always been supportive of the franchise. It’s hard to imagine a version of this world where Lilly isn’t still causing some kind of political chaos in the background.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Plot
There’s a massive misconception that this movie will be about Mia’s daughter. While that’s a popular fan-fiction trope, the current word is that the story focuses on Mia herself navigating the complexities of being a modern ruler.
Think about it. Mia would be in her 40s now. Genovia in 2026 is a lot different than Genovia in 2004. We’re likely going to see a story about legacy. How do you maintain a monarchy in a world that doesn't really want them anymore? Adele Lim has mentioned she wants to focus on "female power and mentorship," which suggests Mia might be the one doing the teaching this time around.
The Garry Marshall Legacy
One reason this took twenty years is the passing of Garry Marshall in 2016. He was the heart of the first two films. Anne and Julie were incredibly close to him, and for a long time, it felt disrespectful to move on without him.
The production team has made it clear that PD3 will be a tribute to his style. It’s going to be bright, hopeful, and probably a little bit goofy. That "Miracles Happen" energy is the brand.
What You Can Do While You Wait
Since we’re still a ways off from a trailer, here’s how to stay in the loop:
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- Watch the Instagram accounts: Anne Hathaway and Adele Lim are the primary sources. If a table read happens, that’s where you’ll see the first blurry photo of a script.
- Revisit the Meg Cabot books: The movies took a sharp turn away from the books after the first one, but the "Royal Wedding" adult novel gives a great glimpse into what an older Mia might look like.
- Check Disney+ schedules: Usually, Disney will start "refreshing" the old movies in the algorithm about six months before a new release. When you see The Princess Diaries popping up in your "Recommended" feed out of nowhere, the marketing machine has officially started.
The wait for when does princess diaries 3 come out is finally moving from "never" to "soon." It’s been a long road from the high school bleachers to the Genovian palace, but it looks like the crown still fits.
Actionable Next Steps:
Keep an eye on the official Disney production calendars for late 2026. If the film misses that window, the next likely spot is Summer 2027. You should also follow Adele Lim’s production company, "About This Town," for casting calls if they decide to film on location in Europe or San Francisco again.