The Princess Diaries Revisited: Author Meg Cabot Discusses New Graphic Novel and “Amazing” Script for ‘Princess Diaries 3’
Meg Cabot, the celebrated author of The Princess Diaries, has revealed her excitement over the upcoming third installment of the beloved film series and her new graphic novel adaptation. Cabot has seen multiple scripts for The Princess Diaries 3, in which Anne Hathaway is set to reprise her iconic role as Mia Thermopolis, the Queen of Genovia.
Cabot expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I read a script, and it was amazing. I told them not to send anymore, because I love it so much.” She humorously noted that she has a tendency to share too much, prompting her to request fewer scripts to avoid any potential spoilers.
Adele Lim, known for her work on Crazy Rich Asians and Joy Ride, will direct the third film. Debra Martin Chase, a producer from the original films, is returning to produce, alongside executive producers Naia Cucukov and Melissa Stack. Hathaway previously hinted at the continuation of the fairy tale on her Instagram, stating, “The fairy tale continues.”
Cabot confirmed that discussions about returning to the Princess Diaries universe have been ongoing for quite some time. “There have been a lot of scripts, and I think this one that I most recently read is my favorite,” she said. While she declined to provide further details about the film, she did mention that she is “very happy” with the direction it is taking, teasing that some elements from the books are incorporated into the latest script.
In addition to her involvement with the film, Cabot is also revisiting the character of Mia Thermopolis in her new graphic novel, The Princess Diaries: The Graphic Novel, which is set to be released on June 30. This adaptation retells the original story set in the ’90s, now illustrated by Bethany Crandall. Cabot shared her process of adapting the book into a graphic novel format, stating, “I spent a couple of months adapting the book, trying to get all the most important parts into the graphic novel.”
Reflecting on her experience at DC University, where she learned how to write graphic novels, Cabot noted that she had to adapt the story into a script format, distinct from the movie script. She emphasized the importance of retaining the essence of the original book while making it visually appealing.
The graphic novel remains true to the original story, set in 1999, capturing the nostalgia of that era. Cabot believes that readers who grew up with the books will appreciate the return to Mia’s world. “I think readers who love the books for nostalgia and who maybe were alive in the ’90s are going to really get a lot out of this,” she remarked.
Cabot also discussed the challenges she faced when her original book was rejected by numerous publishers. She recalled how the book eventually gained traction in the UK before becoming popular in the U.S., especially after the release of the Harry Potter series, which demonstrated that children were eager for entertaining stories.
The author expressed pride in her readers, many of whom have gone on to pursue careers in various fields, including writing, medicine, and politics. She finds fulfillment in knowing that her work has inspired others to make positive changes in their communities.
As the landscape of young adult romance continues to evolve, Cabot noted the resurgence of LGBTQ romance, which she finds encouraging. She emphasized the importance of representation and the accessibility of diverse stories in today’s literary market.
Cabot’s reflections on her journey as an author and the enduring appeal of The Princess Diaries highlight the universal themes of self-discovery and the challenges of adolescence. The character of Mia resonates with readers for her relatable struggles, making her a timeless figure in young adult literature.
The graphic novel adaptation of The Princess Diaries is set to release on June 30, promising to bring a fresh perspective to Mia’s story while maintaining the charm that has captivated readers for over two decades.
For more information, visit Hollywood Reporter.
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Published on 2026-06-26 20:15:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk