Chris Pine, who starred as Nicholas Devereaux in The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, is as much in the dark as his fans regarding his potential return in the upcoming Princess Diaries 3. The third installment in the beloved Disney franchise was confirmed by Variety and Anne Hathaway on October 4, yet Pine remains uncertain about whether his character will be included.
Appearing on Today with Hoda & Jenna on October 8, Pine responded to the hosts’ questions about the highly anticipated sequel. The actor commented:
"I don’t know anything," he said. "Call Disney! Call Bob Iger!"
His comments have prompted fans to speculate whether his character’s storyline will continue, especially given the romance between Nicholas and Anne Hathaway's Mia Thermopolis that concluded the second film.
Pine added, "The answer is I’ve gotta see... I think it’s fantastic," showing his willingness to return, but also emphasizing that he has yet to be approached by Disney.
Princess Diaries 3 is in development with new creative team
While Chris Pine may be uncertain about his involvement, Disney’s development of The Princess Diaries 3 is well underway. Crazy Rich Asians screenwriter and Joyride director Adele Lim is set to direct the sequel, with Flora Greeson writing the script. Though specific plot details have yet to be revealed, the film is expected to continue the story from the first two movies rather than serve as a reboot.
"As a diehard fan of the original Princess Diaries, I’m beyond excited to be a part of bringing the third iteration of this beloved franchise to life," Lim said in a statement.
She also said that the movie would celebrate themes of female empowerment, joy, and mentorship, continuing the tone established by the original films.
The Princess Diaries franchise first began in 2001, with Anne Hathaway playing Mia Thermopolis, a shy teenage girl who learns she is the heir to the throne of Genovia. Hathaway has already confirmed her return to the role of Mia for the third film, thrilling longtime fans of the series.
In a video posted on Instagram on October 4, Anne Hathaway confirmed her involvement in the much-anticipated sequel Princess Diaries 3, delighting fans with her declaration, "Miracles happen," referencing one of the iconic songs from the first film. The video included nostalgic moments from The Princess Diaries, reminding viewers of the lighthearted yet heartfelt nature of the franchise.
In a previous interview with V Magazine, Hathaway also hinted at the progress of the film, stating:
"We’re in a good place. There’s nothing to announce yet, but we’re in a good place."
Her comments fueled speculation about the project, though no further details have been confirmed beyond her participation.
One of the most significant questions surrounding Princess Diaries 3 is whether Julie Andrews will return to reprise her role as Queen Clarisse Renaldi, Mia’s grandmother. In an interview with Access Hollywood in December 2022, Andrews expressed doubts about her involvement, citing the time that has passed since the previous films.
"I think we know that it’s probably not going to be possible," Andrews said, acknowledging the challenges of reprising her role nearly two decades later.
Despite Andrews' hesitations, her absence in Princess Diaries 3 remains unconfirmed, and fans continue to hope for her return to the beloved royal role.
For now, fans will have to wait for official announcements from Disney as the project progresses, but Chris Pine’s comments have certainly stirred excitement about the next chapter in the Princess Diaries saga.