Anne Hathaway is still speaking with awe about the incomparable Julie Andrews and hoping she might have a change of heart about “The Princess Diaries 3.”
During an Entertainment Tonight interview at D23, the actress responded with warmth and respect, while acknowledging her disappointment at Andrews’ decision not to appear in the long-awaited sequel. She also made it clear that she would still love to have the legendary actress involved. Meanwhile, Dolly Parton prepares for Broadway and has been looking back on a personal story behind one of her classic songs.
Anne Hathaway Hopes Julie Andrews Reconsiders
As reported by Entertainment Tonight, Anne Hathaway was asked how it feels to take the reins of the third movie without Julie Andrews. Her response immediately showed how much she still hopes Andrews might reconsider.
“First of all, I just want to say if she has a change of heart, we’re down.”
She then added, “Just anything really.”
The comment came after Julie Andrews confirmed that she will not be in “The Princess Diaries 3.” Anne Hathaway emphasized that she also wanted to respect Andrews’ decision.
“If anybody has contributed to the world of entertainment and to our collective joy, it’s her.”
Hathaway also revealed that the team had made a strong effort to convince Andrews to participate.
“We did push really hard to see if she would want to do it.”
Still, the actress made it clear that Julie Andrews’ wishes come first.
“Whatever she wants, we completely understand.”
Hathaway Has Deep Respect for Andrews
Anne Hathaway’s comments at D23 echoed the admiration she shared with Entertainment Weekly. In that interview, she spoke about what she will miss most when production eventually begins without Andrews.
“She’s so warm and she’s so gracious and she’s so funny.”
The actress also singled out Andrews’ “sense of humor.” She described the 90-year-old star as someone who “brings magic with her wherever she goes.”
That admiration goes back to the first “Princess Diaries” movie. Anne Hathaway was just 17 when she starred as Mia Thermopolis alongside Andrews, who played Queen Clarisse Renaldi.
The two actresses returned for “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement” in 2004. Their characters’ relationship became one of the defining parts of the franchise.
For Anne Hathaway, working with Andrews also became an important early career experience. During her Disney Legends induction speech at D23, she remembered meeting Andrews at the first read-through.
Hathaway said Andrews showed her that “kindness, patience” and “hard work” were an unbeatable combination.
Anne Hathaway Wants to Get “Princess Diaries 3” Right
While Julie Andrews remains a major part of the conversation, Hathaway is also thinking about what the new movie needs to accomplish.
According to Entertainment Tonight, Anne Hathaway said she wants the film to be fun. She also wants it to honor the fans who have grown up with the franchise.
Many of those viewers were around six years old when the first movie arrived in 2001. They are now adults, and some are parents themselves.
Hathaway wants those fans to feel that they can bring their own children to the new movie. The goal is not simply to make another sequel. It is to build something that feels worthy of the original.
The Long-Awaited Sequel
The road to The “Princess Diaries 3” has already been a long one. Disney originally confirmed plans for the film in 2022.
The latest comments confirm that The “Princess Diaries 3” is still moving forward. The biggest change is that Julie Andrews will not be returning as Queen Clarisse.
Even so, Hathaway’s D23 remarks leave a small emotional door open. If Andrews truly does have a change of heart, Anne Hathaway and the team would clearly welcome her back. For now, though, the actress appears determined to honor what Andrews brought to the franchise.
Meanwhile, “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” star Beth Broderick’s ageless appearance has also caught fans’ attention.
