The return to Genovia is officially underway, and fans of the beloved Princess Diaries franchise are buzzing with excitement. As development moves forward on The Princess Diaries 3, actress Mandy Moore has revealed she is more than ready to reprise her role as the iconic early-2000s high-school villain Lana Thomas—this time envisioning a very different version of the character.
In a recent conversation with USA TODAY, Moore shared her enthusiasm about returning to the story that launched her acting career. “I would so be down,” she said, adding that she hopes Lana would receive “some sort of redemptive arc” in the new film. For fans who remember Lana as the stylish yet ruthless cheerleader, the idea of a reformed version of the character adds an intriguing new possibility to the franchise’s next chapter.
Anne Hathaway Already Confirmed Her Return as Princess Mia
While Moore’s potential comeback is still in the discussion phase, one royal return is official. Anne Hathaway confirmed in October 2024 that she will once again play Princess Mia Thermopolis. Her return instantly reignited excitement for the series, which has remained a cultural favorite for more than two decades.
The Princess Diaries 3 is currently being positioned not as a traditional sequel but as a prequel-style extension that expands on the existing universe. It will follow the original two films—2001’s The Princess Diaries and its 2004 sequel The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement—movies that became global favorites for their heartfelt storytelling, humor, and empowering transformation themes.
Moore had previously hinted that Lana might make a comeback during her July appearance on the “Not Gonna Lie With Kylie Kelce” podcast, where she said she had “heard” ideas circulating about her character’s return. However, she admitted she had not received an official update since then.
Lana Thomas: One of the Most Iconic Mean Girls of the 2000s
In the original film, Lana Thomas embodied the classic early-2000s teen movie antagonist—popular, polished, and painfully mean to Mia long before the haircut makeover and royal revelations. Lana delighted in humiliating Mia publicly, only to change her tune once Mia’s princess status elevated her social capital.
Though she exits the first movie after being called a “jerk,” Lana continues to live on in fan discussions, TikTok edits, and nostalgic movie rewatches. Interestingly, Meg Cabot’s book series offers Lana a more layered storyline, including an eventual apology and even a genuine friendship with Mia—something the films never explored.
Moore believes a return to the franchise could give Lana new dimension.
“Maybe she peaked in high school and had a real come-to-Jesus moment post-college,” she joked. She imagines Lana as someone who went through major personal growth and is now “a lovely human” eager to make amends.
This character evolution aligns perfectly with Hollywood’s current trend of revisiting old characters with new emotional arcs—especially those who once fit the one-dimensional “mean girl” stereotype.
Mandy Moore’s Relationship With Nostalgia: A “Fan of It,” Not a Critic
Today’s entertainment landscape is full of reboots, prequels, legacy sequels, and nostalgia-driven revivals—a phenomenon often referred to as “nostalgia farming.” Critics have argued that studios are leaning too heavily on past successes, particularly with recent projects like Freakier Friday (2025) or the rebooted versions of nostalgic TV favorites such as iCarly and Wizards of Waverly Place.
A notable critique came from Time magazine in August 2025, with a headline declaring “Freakier Friday Is Humiliating to Everyone Involved,” echoing wider concerns about Hollywood’s reliance on old intellectual property.
But Moore takes a different view.
“Honestly, there’s so much happening in the world. Whatever brings us joy and comfort, I have no qualms with,” she said. She sees genuine value in revisiting familiar stories—particularly when they can be expanded or retold in fresh, meaningful ways.
“There’s nothing that feels quite as good as pushing that nostalgia button,” Moore added. “I find nothing wrong with it.”
At the same time, she believes there must be balance. Nostalgia, she says, can coexist with innovation—both can enrich the entertainment landscape. But as someone who grew up onscreen during the rise of millennial pop culture, she embraces the idea of reconnecting with old characters, old stories, and old fans.
“There’s something nice about tapping back into that side of your life,” Moore said.
Why The Princess Diaries Franchise Still Resonates Decades Later
The resurgence of The Princess Diaries is part of a larger trend: Hollywood revisiting franchises that shaped an entire generation. But The Princess Diaries stands apart for a few key reasons:
1. It Defined Coming-of-Age Tropes for an Entire Generation
From the makeover scene to the “shut up!” line, Mia’s transformation journey became iconic.
2. The Films Were Both Wholesome and Empowering
At its core, the franchise celebrated authenticity, growth, and courage—timeless themes.
3. The Characters Left Cultural Footprints
Fans haven’t forgotten Mia, Queen Clarisse, or even side characters like Lilly, Josh, and Lana.
4. Its Return Feels Timely
With audiences craving comfort and nostalgia in uncertain times, returning to Genovia feels right.
5. There Is Plenty of Untold Story
From Mia’s adult royal life to unfinished arcs (like Lana’s), the franchise holds massive potential.
What a Lana Redemption Arc Could Bring to the Franchise
The idea of Lana returning as a changed woman has ignited immediate fan speculation. A few potential directions include:
✔ A Scene Where Lana Finally Apologizes to Mia
A touching callback that mirrors the books.
✔ Lana Becoming an Ally Instead of an Antagonist
Perhaps she supports Mia’s royal duties or joins a philanthropic project.
✔ Lana Embracing a Humble, Grounded Life
After “peaking in high school,” she could have struggled with adulthood and grown from it.
✔ Lana Bringing Humor as a Reformed Character
Her self-awareness could generate comedic relief similar to Legally Blonde’s post-mean-girl arcs.
✔ Greater Depth to a Character Once Seen as Shallow
Audiences enjoy seeing old characters grow—and Lana’s arc is ripe for reinvention.
Moore’s excitement about this idea taps directly into a pop-culture shift where former villains get more nuanced storylines.
Hollywood and the Era of Legacy Sequels
From Top Gun: Maverick to Ghostbusters: Afterlife, legacy sequels have proven that older audiences and younger viewers alike enjoy revisiting popular film worlds—especially when the sequels add new emotional depth.
Industry analysts believe The Princess Diaries 3 has enormous potential:
- Millennials who grew up with the films are now adults with families.
- New Gen Z audiences discovered the movies via streaming.
- Anne Hathaway remains a major Hollywood star.
- The royal theme remains internationally appealing.
- Social media has kept the franchise alive for 20+ years.
Add in Mandy Moore—a beloved ’90s and 2000s icon thanks to her music and A Walk to Remember—and Disney has an opportunity to create a multigenerational hit.
Mandy Moore Beyond Genovia: A Multi-Genre Career
Though best known to many for her music career and her starring role in This Is Us, Moore’s refreshing presence in early-2000s cinema helped define teen pop culture. Her return to one of her first movie roles feels like a full-circle moment.
Beyond acting and singing, Moore is also a mother and a vocal advocate for family health. Her recent conversation with USA TODAY about RSV season demonstrates her increasing involvement in public-health messaging—a stark contrast to Lana Thomas’ fictional high-school drama.
This layered public persona may also be why fans are curious to see how she’d reinterpret Lana today.
Will The Princess Diaries 3 Introduce New Characters?
Industry insiders expect the next film to:
- Introduce younger characters for a new generation
- Continue Mia’s royal storyline
- Explore Genovia in modern times
- Revisit old characters like Queen Clarisse Renaldi (if Julie Andrews returns)
- Expand the political and cultural world of Genovia
While Disney hasn’t revealed major plot details, early leaks describe the movie as a “bridge project” designed to both honor the original films and set up future spinoffs or series.
Fans Are Eager for Updates—and Lana Has Become a Trending Topic Again
After Moore’s comments, social media lit up with nostalgia-driven excitement:
- TikTok edits of Lana resurfaced
- Twitter/X trended “Lana Thomas Redemption Arc”
- Instagram fan pages shared throwbacks from the 2001 premiere
- Reddit threads debated whether Lana could realistically change
Many fans expressed excitement about seeing Moore bring new heart to an old role. Others joked about wanting Lana to still be dramatic—but in a lovable, self-aware way.
Conclusion: A Royal Reunion Fans Are Ready For
As excitement builds for The Princess Diaries 3, Mandy Moore’s openness to returning as Lana adds even more momentum to the film’s nostalgic resurgence. With Anne Hathaway confirmed, a script in development, and a fandom hungry for a reunion, the stage is set for one of the most anticipated legacy sequels of the decade.
Whether Lana returns as a redeemed adult, a comedic surprise, or a completely reinvented character, one thing is clear: Mandy Moore is ready—and fans are too.
Genovia may be fictional, but the excitement surrounding its cinematic revival is very real.