Why Dame Julie Andrews Won’t Reprise Her Role in The Princess Diaries 3
Despite Disney officially moving forward with The Princess Diaries 3, legendary Oscar winner Dame Julie Andrews has repeatedly confirmed that she will not be returning to play Queen Clarisse Renaldi, the regal grandmother of Anne Hathaway’s character, Mia Thermopolis.
Key Reasons for Her Decision
Too Much Time Has Passed: The original film debuted in 2001 and its sequel, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, premiered in 2004. Andrews noted that over two decades have passed, making a return feel unnatural for her character’s timeline.
Loss of Director Garry Marshall: Director Garry Marshall, who helmed both original films and was a close personal friend of Andrews, passed away in 2016. Andrews has expressed that continuing the franchise without him doesn’t feel the same.
Age & Career Stage: Andrews, now in her late 80s, has shifted toward voice roles (such as Lady Whistledown in Bridgerton and Gru’s mother in Despicable Me) and selective projects rather than physically demanding live-action feature films.
Julie Andrews’ Own Words
“I think it would be too late to do it now. There was talk of a sequel many, many years ago, but I don’t think it ever came to fruition… It’s a lovely thought, but I don’t think it would probably be possible.”
— Julie Andrews (Speaking to Access Hollywood)
Status of The Princess Diaries 3
Anne Hathaway’s Involvement: Anne Hathaway has expressed enthusiasm for returning as Mia Thermopolis, contingent on a solid script and story direction.
Production & Script: Disney tapped Adele Lim (Crazy Rich Asians, Joy Ride) to direct the third installment, with Flora Greeson writing the screenplay.
