Anne Hathaway said the production team made significant efforts to convince Julie Andrews to return for the upcoming film *The Princess Diaries 3* [1].
The potential return of Andrews is critical for the franchise because the studio seeks continuity and fan appeal for the sequel [1, 2].
Hathaway said the team attempted to secure the actress for the Disney production, which is currently in development in the U.S. [1, 4]. "We pushed really hard to get Julie Andrews back for the sequel," Hathaway said [1].
Despite these efforts, Andrews has indicated she will not participate in the project [1]. Regarding her involvement, Andrews said, "I don't think I should be a part of it" [1].
While the actress has expressed her reluctance, some reports suggest the door remains open for a change of heart. An unnamed franchise star said the offer is still on the table if she ever changes her mind [2].
The project remains in development with no specific release date announced [1, 3]. The studio continues to move forward with the sequel while managing the absence of one of its most iconic original cast members.
“"We pushed really hard to get Julie Andrews back for the sequel."”
The absence of Julie Andrews presents a creative challenge for Disney, as her role as the grandmother provides the emotional core of the series. The production must now decide whether to write the character out of the script or find a narrative way to explain her absence without alienating a nostalgic fanbase.
