During a D23 fan event in Anaheim, California, Anne Hathaway accepted her induction as a Disney Legend. The actress also confirmed that development for the third installment of her iconic franchise is progressing, despite the retirement of her former co-star.
The Princess Diaries 3 moves forward without Julie Andrews
Production on The Princess Diaries 3 is officially moving forward, according to the report, marking a major milestone for the Disney franchise . However, the news comes with a significant caveat: legendary actress Julie Andrews will not be returning to the cast. The announcement follows Andrews' recent decision to retire from acting, leaving a massive void in the series that fans are already beginning to contemplate.
This shift represents a pivotal moment for the Disney brand as it attempts to sustain legacy sequels without their original pillars. While the audience at the Anaheim event met the production news with cheers,the absence of Andrews remains the primary talking point for those invested in the continuity of the character Mia Thermopolis.
Induction as a Disney Legend alongside Dana Walden and Josh D'Amaro
Anne Hathaway’s appearance at the D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event served multiple purposes beyond film announcements. The 43-year-old actress was honored with induction into the Disney Legends circle , appearing alongside high-ranking executives including Dana Walden, President and Chief Creative Officer of The Walt Disney Company, and CEO Josh D'Amaro.
As the report notes, the massive, multi-day event is held every two years to showcase upcoming releases and celebrate the studio's biggest stars. Hathaway shared the spotlight with a massive roster of talent, including Kristen Bell, Josh Gad, and Idina Menzel for Frozen 3, as well as Robert Downey Jr and Chris Evans for upcoming Marvel projects. This high-profile setting underscored Hathaway's enduring importance to the Disney ecosystem.
Social media backlash over red halter dresses and maternity styling
The actress's choice of maternity fashion has become a point of intense debate among celebrity watchers on social media . At the D23 event, Hathaway wore a red, ribbed halter dress paired with cream-colored slacks, a look that drew a mixture of admiration and sharp criticism. This follows a previous controversy at the Los Angeles premiere of The End of Oak Street, where she wore a sleeveless, baby-blue and red satin-lined top with wide-legged jeans.
Critics on platforms like X and Instagram were notably vocal, with some users describing the styling as "ridiculous" or "tacky." While some fans defended her, calling her "radiant," others expressed frustration with her stylists, suggesting the outfits did not do justice to her appearance. This tension highlights the intense scrutiny often placed on high-profile celebrities during pregnancy.
Who will fill the void left by Julie Andrews in the new film?
Despite the excitement surrounding the new production, several critical questions remain unanswered. The source does not clarify how Disney plans to navigate the narrative without Julie Andrews, nor does it mention if a new character will be introduced to fill her role. Additionally, while Hathaway has confirmed she knows the sex of her third child with husband Adam Shulman, she has declined to share that information with the public, even during a recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
With her older children, Jonathan and Jack, reportedly "over the moon" about a new sibling, Hathaway is balancing a major career resurgence with an expanding family. Whether the new Princess Diaries film can maintain its magic without its original matriarch remains the most significant question for the franchise's future.
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