‘Crazy Rich Asians’ screenwriter Adele Lim to direct ‘The Princess Diaries 3’

Nostalgic millennials will soon get to return to Genovia. On Friday, Disney announced that Adele Lim, screenwriter of “Crazy Rich Asians” and director of “Joy Ride,” has signed on to direct “The Princess Diaries 3,” per Variety. The film will return Anne Hathaway as Mia Thermopolis, Queen of Genovia, for the first time since 2004.

“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,” Lim said in a statement to Variety. “We look forward to celebrating its core tenants of female power, joy and mentorship with audiences worldwide.”

Hathaway confirmed Lim’s involvement with an enthusiastic Instagram post, sharing the Variety story with the caption “Miracles happen,” a reference to the first movie’s theme song.

2001’s “The Princess Diaries,” based on a novel of the same name by Meg Cabot, launched then-teenage Hathaway’s career and grossed over $165 million. It was followed in 2004 by “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.” The films tell the story of Mia Thermopolis, an awkward American girl who learns she’s the heir to a European nation ruled by her grandmother, Queen Clarisse (Julie Andrews). The new film is expected to continue the story. The late Garry Marshall directed the first two films. The first was written by Gina Wendkos and the second by Shonda Rhimes. The third, which has been in development since 2022, is being written by Flora Gleeson (“The Rhythm Section”). Debra Martin Chase is a producer.

Lim is best known for writing “Crazy Rich Asians,” the groundbreaking hit romantic comedy that earned a Best Picture nomination at the Golden Globes. She also co-wrote the screenplay for the Academy Award-nominated animated film “Raya and the Last Dragon” and co-wrote and directed the comedy “Joy Ride,” her directorial debut. Before transitioning to film, she put in years in the TV trenches, working as a writer on shows including “Las Vegas,” “One Tree Hill,” and “Lethal Weapon.”