Julie Andrews Confirms She Will Not Return for Princess Diaries 3

Dame Julie Andrews has declined an offer to return as Queen Clarisse Renaldi for a third Princess Diaries film, citing her retirement. The actress told Access Hollywood that a return to the role is likely not possible due to the time elapsed since the second film and the aging of the characters.

The development comes as Disney moves forward with a new installment of the franchise. According to reporting from The Hollywood Reporter in November, Aadrita Mukerji is currently writing a script for the project. Sources cited by The Hollywood Reporter indicate the film is intended as a continuation of the original series rather than a reboot.

Andrews expressed doubt regarding her participation during her interview with Access Hollywood, noting that both she and Anne Hathaway’s character, Mia Thermopolis, are significantly older now than they were during the first two films. She stated that she is unsure where the story would float or run given the passage of time.

This decision follows a history of hesitant responses from Andrews regarding the franchise. In June 2022, she told The Hollywood Reporter that while returning was a lovely thought, it was too far down the line to go back to the project. She specifically cited the 2016 death of Garry Marshall as a factor in that sentiment.

Earlier, in 2019, Andrews told Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen that she had not heard official news regarding a potential third film, despite long-standing rumors. Variety reports that her current refusal is based on her status as retired.

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Current Production Status of Princess Diaries 3

While Andrews has declined her role, other production elements are in place. Debra Martin Chase, who produced the first two films, is returning to produce the third installment, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Melissa Stack, known for Godmothered and The Other Woman, is serving as executive producer.

The status of the lead actress remains unconfirmed. The Hollywood Reporter reports that Anne Hathaway does not currently have a deal to return to the franchise, though sources suggest the studio hopes she will join the project. Hathaway has previously expressed public support for the creation of a third movie.

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Timeline of Series Developments

The gap between the second film, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, and the current development of a third movie exists. Andrews noted in her interview that discussions about a sequel occurred shortly after the second film’s release, but those plans did not materialize at the time.