“The Princess Diaries 3” may finally be closer to reality. More than two decades after audiences first watched Mia Thermopolis transform from awkward teen to royal icon, producer Debra Martin Chase says the long-awaited third installment is actively moving forward.

‘The Princess Diaries 3’ Is Reportedly Moving Forward

Chase, who produced the first two “Princess Diaries” films, recently shared an encouraging update while attending the Black Women on Broadway Awards in New York City.

Speaking with PEOPLE, the longtime producer said momentum on the highly anticipated sequel is building. “We are more than hopeful,” Chase said. “We are moving in that direction. We’ve done a lot of groundwork.”

The producer added that the team had originally hoped cameras would begin rolling this year. “We had hoped to be shooting this year. So, it’s coming. We’re intent upon making it happen. And we’re excited that the people are excited,” she said. “Every time something happens and we get the thing, it’s like, ‘Yay, okay, keep going!’ ”

Anne Hathaway Is Expected To Return As Mia Thermopolis

Though plot details remain tightly under wraps, Anne Hathaway is expected to reprise her beloved role as Mia Thermopolis. Fans last saw the character in 2004’s “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement,” where Mia officially stepped into her role as Queen of Genovia.

The third installment was officially confirmed in 2024, sending longtime fans of the Disney franchise into celebration mode.

Garry Marshall’s Daughter Recently Shared Another Encouraging Update

Earlier this year, Kathleen Marshall, daughter of late “Princess Diaries” director Garry Marshall, also hinted that the project was making real progress. While attending the opening night of Beaches on Broadway in April, Kathleen shared an optimistic update about the film’s future.

“We’re working on ‘Princess Diaries 3,’” she said, adding that she’s “excited to be a part of anything” connected to the franchise. “It’s working out,” Kathleen added, noting that they hope the movie is “the next thing” for Hathaway.

“We’re moving it along,” she continued. “I mean, there’s just an incredible team in place. So it’s coming. It’s coming.”

Anne Hathaway Previously Admitted She Wants To Return

Long before Disney officially announced the sequel, Hathaway made it clear she was eager to return to Genovia. Speaking to Vanity Fair in April 2024, the Oscar winner described “The Princess Diaries” as “the film that changed my life.”

“It’s so weird to watch it, I haven’t seen this movie in maybe 20 years, and it’s, I’m a little bit speechless with this one,” she continued. “Actually, it’s very emotional to see it.”

She also addressed fan anticipation during a 2023 interview with PEOPLE, admitting the long wait for a third movie could understandably feel frustrating. Still, Hathaway reminded fans that movie development takes time. “It’s a process that requires patience … this is how long it actually takes to make things,” she said.

Anne Hathaway Previously Reflected On Julie Andrews’ Lasting Influence

Also during her April 2024 Vanity Fair cover story, the actress looked back on filming 2001’s “The Princess Diaries,” where she starred opposite Julie Andrews, who famously played Queen Clarisse Renaldi. “I’ve learned that I want to handle myself in a way that I’m going to be proud of at a later date,” Hathaway said while recalling Andrews’ kindness on set.

According to Hathaway, Andrews made a point to stay behind after filming each day to sign autographs for fans, something that left a lasting impression on the actress. “She respected that they had a relationship to her work that spanned their entire lives and made it a beautiful experience for them,” Hathaway said of the Oscar-winning “Mary Poppins” star.

While fans eagerly await her return to Genovia, Hathaway has remained booked and busy in Hollywood. More recently, the Oscar-winning actress returned to another fan-favorite franchise, reprising her role as Andy Sachs in “The Devil Wears Prada 2.” The highly anticipated sequel brought Hathaway back alongside original stars Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci, more than 20 years after the beloved 2006 film first hit theaters.

“The Devil Wears Prada 2” proved to be a major box office hit, earning an impressive $675.9 million globally against its $100 million production budget. Of that total, approximately $217 million came from domestic ticket sales in North America, while international markets contributed an additional $458.6 million.