Walt Disney Pictures presents "The Princess Diaries" directed by Garry Marshall from a screenplay by Gina Wendkos, based upon the Harper/Collins novel by Meg Cabot, The film is produced by Whitney Houston, Debra Martin Chase, and Mario Iscovich. Ellen H. Schwartz serves as co-producer for the film, which is distributed by Buena Vista Pictures Distribution.
"I liked the story because it was something that the whole family can see and enjoy," says director Garry Marshall of his attraction to the project. "Also, it shows a young girl turning into a woman and realizing that she can have a positive effect on the world."
Marshall and producer Mario Iscovich had been pitching projects to Disney during a meeting with Nina Jacobson, after which the studio called Garry to ask him to direct a favorite project of theirs called "The Princess Diaries."
"They told us they wanted Garry to direct it and for me to produce it," recalls Mario Iscovich. "Debra Chase sold a galley of the novel by Meg Cabot to Disney, and developed the script with Gina. They warmed to it immediately - Garry read it and connected with the material, and we were on our way.
"I almost didn't take the movie because there was a typo on the title page which read, 'The Princess Dairies,"' laughs Marshall. "I thought it was a movie about privileged cows!"
Upon discovering that this was not a film with a bovine bent, Marshall threw himself wholeheartedly into gathering the perfect cast and behind-the-scenes talent for "The Princess Diaries."
Producer Debra Martin Chase and her partner, Whitney Houston, who had served as executive producers for the successful, Emmy Award- winning television presentation of "Rodgers and Hammerstein's 'Cinderella'," which starred Brandy, Houston and Whoopi Goldberg, were immediately drawn to the story of a normal teenager who discovers she is a princess.
"I'm naturally attracted to female-wish fulfillment and empowerment movies," says producer Debra Martin Chase. "'The Princess Diaries' is an affirming and entertaining story which fits that mold quite nicely."
The charmed cast of "The Princess Diaries" includes Anne Hathaway, Hector Elizondo, Heather Matarazzo, Caroline Goodall, Mandy Moore, Robert Schwartzman, Erik von Detten, Sandra Oh, Sean O'Bryan and Julie Andrews.
Anne Hathaway plays Mia Thermopolis, the bright but shy teenager whose desire to survive each school day with a minimum of attention and embarrassment is thwarted by the news of her royal lineage. Cast in the role of the reluctant royal from thousands of actresses from across the country, Hathaway's acting talent, presence and charm made her the ideal choice for the role.
Julie Andrews portrays Queen Clarisse Renaldi, Mia 's formidable paternal grandmother, who delivers the shocking news which turns Mia's world upside down.
Hector Elizondo portrays Joseph, Genovia's head of security who acts as Mia's bodyguard and limo driver. His devotion to duty includes a long-standing affection for Queen Clarisse Renaldi.
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