The Princess Diaries movies remain fan favorites for viewers who appreciate a solid princess plot. With a star-studded cast, featuring Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews, the film follows a teenage Hathaway as she navigates being less than popular at school. However, upon finding out that she’s a Genovian princess, via her royal grandmother, Andrews, everything changes. Hathaway’s portrayal of the princess, in addition to actor cameos, have become some of the most beloved details about the films.
For fans who love this movie, here are eight other facts about Princess Diaries you didn’t know.
Director Garry Marshall Made the Film for His Granddaughters
In an E News interview, Garry Marshall said, “Teenagers deserve their own version of ‘Pretty Woman’,” another film that the late screenwriter directed.
Whitney Houston Was a Producer of Princess Diaries
The film was produced by Whitney Houston’s company BrownHouse Productions. She even suggested the scene where Mia (played by Hathaway) smears ice cream on the cheerleading uniform of her arch nemesis Lana. In addition to curating the soundtrack, Houston also sang “Happy Birthday” to Marshall while on set.
Members of the Cast Also Appeared On ‘Grey’s Anatomy’
If you’ve watched the first Princess Diaries movie a time or two, you know that Sandra Oh plays Vice Principal Gupta. She is one of many cast members who went on to play main and supporting roles on the Grey’s Anatomy TV series. Héctor Elizondo, who plays Joe, went on to have a recurring role as Carlos Torres, the father of Callie. Heather Matarazzo who played Lilly, the best friend of Mia, also made appearances in episodes of the beloved show.
Former Mayor of San Francisco Willie Brown Made a Cameo As Himself
With the film being set in San Francisco, telling the story of a princess who befriends local officials, Mayor Willie Brown was casted to play himself. He can be seen arriving at the Genovia Independence Ball, a scene toward the end of the film.
The Server Who Reassures Mia At the Dinner Party Did the Same In ‘Pretty Woman’
In both films, the female leads Hathaway and Julia Roberts have a problem with breaking wine glasses. Marvin Braverman, the actor who plays the server in both movies, reassures them, saying in Princess Diaries that “It happens all the time.”
The Breakout Role Almost Ruined Hathaway’s Career
It’s no doubt that Mia was a breakout role for Hathaway, securing the admiration of Princess Diaries fans. However, it caused her to be seen solely as a princess. The assumption was made that she could not take on more serious roles until she landed a role in Brokeback Mountain. In an interview, she admitted to purposely pursuing roles that were essentially the polar opposite of Mia.
Outside Of Starring In the Film, Hathaway Contributed Creatively
A couple of the most memorable scenes in the film were ideas of Hathaway’s: the pore strip and the hairbrush breaking during her transformation.
Hathaway Confirmed ‘The Princess Diaries 3’ Prequel Is On the Way
In 2019, Hathaway shared that a third Princess Diaries movie was in the works. A script had been written, but much time would pass before its release. Now 2024, Hathaway confirmed that the prequel is on the way and fans are ready to receive it.
Director Adele Lim will take over for the late Marshall. We look forward to seeing Lim’s adaptation and having the opportunity to take the lead this time around. Miracles happen!