Fans eagerly awaiting The Princess Diaries 3 may have to wait a little longer, but Anne Hathaway believes the long-awaited sequel is finally on the right path.

Anne Hathaway's The Princess Diaries, directed by Gary Marshall, became an instant hit back when it released in 2001. It paved the way to a sequel, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement in 2004. However, ever since a third film was announced back in October 2024, no significant development has been announced from the film's team.

During a recent appearance on SiriusXM's Radio Andy, Hathaway revealed that the creative team has found a fresh direction for the film after deciding to abandon an earlier version of the script. While admitting that the rewrite was not the kind of update fans would have hoped for, she said it ultimately strengthened the project.

"I can say I think we had a story breakthrough," Hathaway said, adding, "We are moving in the right direction." She explained that the team chose to begin again with a new creative approach because they now feel confident they have found the version that works best.

The actor also joked that her current priority is "making baby number three", making it difficult to predict exactly when filming will begin. Development on the third instalment has been underway since 2022, with filmmaker Adele Lim, known for Crazy Rich Asians and Raya and the Last Dragon, joining the project as director in 2024.

Earlier this year, Lim stressed that the filmmakers were taking their time because they wanted to do justice to a franchise that has remained popular for over two decades. She also hinted that audiences can expect the return of several familiar faces alongside Hathaway, who will reprise her role as Mia Thermopolis, now the Queen of Genovia.

While production timelines are still being finalised, the makers are yet to announce an official release date.