Chris Pine, who gained fame as Nicholas in “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement,” admitted he has no knowledge about the highly anticipated sequel, “The Princess Diaries 3,” which Disney recently confirmed is in development. The film is expected to continue the storyline from the original movies, but Pine’s absence from the loop has raised eyebrows among fans and co-stars alike.
During an appearance on NBC’s “Today With Hoda & Jenna,” Pine was taken by surprise when the topic of the sequel arose. “I don’t know anything,” he stated candidly. “Call Disney! Call Bob Iger!” His playful response highlighted the disconnect between him and the project, leaving co-hosts Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager visibly astonished. Hager pressed, “You don’t know anything?” to which Pine responded, “The answer is I’ve gotta see. I don’t know anything about it. I think it’s fantastic.”
Pine’s character, Nicholas, served as the romantic interest for Anne Hathaway’s Mia Thermopolis in the 2004 film. The movie concluded with Mia and Nicholas in a relationship, which makes Pine’s involvement in the sequel critical. If he does not reprise his role, the film will need to address Nicholas’s absence, a challenge that could prove tricky for the storyline.
The development of “Princess Diaries 3” is progressing, with Adele Lim, known for her work on “Crazy Rich Asians,” signed on as the director. Flora Greeson is tasked with writing the screenplay, although specific plot details remain under wraps. What is clear is that this new installment will not reboot the beloved franchise but will instead continue the narrative from the 2001 original and its 2004 follow-up.
Lim expressed her enthusiasm about taking the helm of the project. “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,” she said in a statement. “We look forward to celebrating its core tenets of female power, joy, and mentorship with audiences worldwide.”
The buzz around “Princess Diaries 3” has been simmering since 2022, with updates trickling in sporadically. Hathaway herself provided a glimmer of hope last year during an interview with V Magazine. She stated, “We’re in a good place. There’s nothing to announce yet. But we’re in a good place.” This comment fueled fans’ anticipation, but it also highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the film’s timeline and production status.
Fans of the franchise have been eagerly awaiting a continuation of Mia’s story since the last installment, which solidified the series’ place in pop culture. The original “The Princess Diaries,” based on the books by Meg Cabot, was released in 2001 and quickly became a fan favorite. It introduced audiences to the charming and awkward Mia, played by Hathaway, who learns she is the heir to the throne of a small European principality.
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The sequel, “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement,” released in 2004, deepened Mia’s story as she navigated her royal duties and personal relationships, particularly with Nicholas. Given that both films have maintained a strong fanbase over the years, the announcement of a third installment was met with enthusiasm, particularly among those who grew up with the franchise.
While Pine may be out of the loop for now, the excitement around “Princess Diaries 3” continues to build. The blend of nostalgia and new storytelling promises to captivate both longtime fans and a new generation of viewers. With production details still unfolding and a cast of beloved characters potentially returning, the film is poised to bring magic back to the big screen.
As fans wait for more updates, Pine’s lighthearted acknowledgment of his unawareness serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of Hollywood. With the involvement of seasoned filmmakers and the original cast members, “The Princess Diaries 3” aims to honor the legacy of the first two films while offering fresh narratives that resonate with audiences today.
