The Princess Diaries served as the professional film debut for Anne Hathaway, who was just 18 years old at the time. Hathaway beat out several established young stars for the role, allegedly because she fell off her chair during the audition, proving she had the natural clumsiness required for Mia.
: During the iconic makeover, the stylist Paulo (Larry Miller) jokes that "the cucumber does nothing," a line that remains a fan favorite for its comedic timing. The Princess Diaries (2001) - IMDb princess diaries 2001 cast
Fresh off her pop music success, Mandy Moore leaned into her "mean girl" role as the arrogant, cheerleading villain. Her performance of "Oops!... I Did It Again" at the beach party is legendary. The Princess Diaries served as the professional film
: The scene where Mia falls on the bleachers while talking to Lilly wasn't scripted; Hathaway actually slipped, and Marshall kept it in because it fit the character perfectly. The Princess Diaries (2001) - IMDb Fresh off
Making her film debut alongside Hathaway, pop star Mandy Moore played the ultimate high school antagonist, Lana Thomas. Moore perfectly captured the "mean girl" archetype of the early 2000s. Her performance is best remembered for the beach party scene where Mia finally stands up to her, resulting in the famous line about Lana getting an "ice cream cone" to the chest. The Supporting Stars
While the script was charming and Garry Marshall’s direction was pitch-perfect, the film’s enduring legacy is largely thanks to its impeccable casting. From legendary stars to fresh-faced newcomers, the cast of The Princess Diaries created a cinematic magic that remains a staple of nostalgia today. Anne Hathaway as Mia Thermopolis
The Royal Lineup: A Look Back at the Princess Diaries (2001) Cast