Julie Andrews, the beloved actress and icon, recently made headlines by announcing her decision not to reprise her role as Queen Clarisse in the much-anticipated “The Princess Diaries 3.” In an interview with InStyle magazine, the 90-year-old star revealed that Disney had been reaching out to her throughout last year to gauge her interest in returning for the sequel to the popular films, which originally released in 2001 and 2004. However, Andrews feels her time in front of the camera may have come to an end, stating simply, “I think I probably passed… I think I’m retired, really.”
Reflecting on a Cherished Career
Despite declining the offer, Andrews expressed gratitude for her time in the franchise. “It was very, very hard to say ‘no,’ but I did because I thought I had a wonderful ride, and this one I felt would flourish very well and wouldn’t need Granny going in there at my age,” she explained. This sentiment marks a poignant chapter in the life of an actress whose career spans decades.
A Voice for New Generations
While Andrews may be stepping back from live-action roles, she has continued to lend her voice to various animated films and TV series. Over the past decade, she has appeared in projects like “Minions: The Rise of Gru,” “The King’s Daughter,” and the hit Netflix series “Bridgerton,” where she serves as the voice of Lady Whistledown. In her words, these roles allow her to “keep my brain alive,” as she enjoys the convenience of working from home.
Continuing the Legacy of “The Princess Diaries”
Disney’s plans for a third “Princess Diaries” installment were confirmed back in November 2022, with screenwriter Aadrita Mukerji attached to the project. Andrews voiced her skepticism about returning during a subsequent interview with Access Hollywood, saying, “I think we know that it’s probably not going to be possible,” given her age and the time elapsed since the last film.
The Future of the Franchise
Even without Andrews, excitement for the sequel continues to build. Anne Hathaway, who stars as Mia Thermopolis, remains committed to the project and mentioned during an interview on SiriusXM’s “Radio Andy” that the script is making progress. “I think we are moving in the right direction,” she shared, noting that they had to revisit their initial ideas for the film. “We all feel really good that this is gonna be the one.”
Next Steps and Production Updates
With director Adele Lim—known for her work on “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Raya and the Last Dragon”—set to guide “The Princess Diaries 3,” details regarding the production schedule are still being finalized, and no release date has yet been announced.
A Lasting Impact
The original “Princess Diaries,” based on Meg Cabot’s novel, debuted in 2001 and struck a chord with audiences despite mixed reviews, grossing $165 million worldwide. Its sequel, released in 2004, didn’t disappoint either, bringing in $134 million and further solidifying the franchise’s legacy. While Andrews may not return, the essence of her character will undoubtedly remain a cherished element of the beloved series.
