In “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement,” one of Mia’s biggest obstacles is a centuries-old Genovian law that states a princess must be married in order to become queen. With thirty days to find a groom, Mia must endure a seemingly endless parade of would-be suitors from all over the world.
“Mia faces the prospect of an arranged marriage in order for her to be queen,” explains Garry Marshall. “So they have to find some candidates, young men, who might be suitable to marry Princess Mia.”
Two young suitors, Andrew (CALLUM BLUE) and Nicholas (CHRIS PINE) in particular, pique Mia’s interest: “She is fond of one of these boys; one of them could help her become queen and help her run the country; while the other one is an adversary who is trying to take over her job,” says Marshall. “It’s a conflict of story, and a conflict of the heart.
“We take you to a brand new world in this picture, with a great cast and a lot of laughs,” says Marshall. “And I think Princess Mia is a good example of how self-confidence, education, commitment, athletic ability, and not giving in to fear are all important for anyone. Being attractive or having good hair doesn’t necessarily translate into being a good human being or a successful human being, but believing in yourself is invaluable.”
“Key to the success of the film,” declares Marshall, “…was the incredible talent of Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews, and our wonderful supporting cast, so I’m very excited that they are back on this film.”
The cast of “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement” features a select ensemble of veteran actors, rising young stars and talented newcomers.
Young actress Anne Hathaway, whose memorable portrayal of Mia Thermopolis in “The Princess Diaries” was a key element in its enormous popularity, notes that, although her character has matured, Mia still has some awkward moments in “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement”: “Mia is a lot more self-assured now, but she’s still kind of klutzy, which is my fault more than Mia’s,” laughs Hathaway. Garry likes to film me when I fall down and then include it in the film for millions of people to watch!” Hathaway credits her director with a great deal of guidance in the further development of her character:
“I have to go on record as saying that Garry Marshall is one of the greatest people on the planet. He was so supportive in helping me discover who Mia has become,” says Hathaway. “I just love him—it may sound cheesy, but I’ve kind of blossomed under his wing in this film.
“She is a terrific actress—she’s bright, and she’s brave; and she’ll try anything physical,” says Garry Marshall of Hathaway. “Anne has a beautiful face that takes a close-up better than most actresses in the world—when you look in her eyes, somebody’s home…that makes a movie star.”
The return of legendary entertainer Julie Andrews was a thrill for the filmmakers, cast and crew.
“Julie Andrews is a pleasure to work with. She’s done thousands of movies and she is such a veteran professional,” says Garry Marshall. “She makes everything elegant, and she’s a great sport. She can deliver lines that nobody else could make funny, and she does it effortlessly.”
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