This Rare Footage of 17-Year-Old Anne Hathaway Auditioning for The Princess Diaries Is a Must-See!

More than two decades after its release, The Princess Diaries remains one of the most beloved teen films of the early 2000s. Now, a piece of cinematic history has resurfaced, sending social media into a frenzy. Anne Hathaway’s original audition tape for the role of Mia Thermopolis has captured the internet’s attention once again.

The footage, shared by the X account Modern History, showcases a 17-year-old Hathaway as she auditions for the lead role that would launch her Hollywood career. The post was captioned:

“17-year-old Anne Hathaway’s audition for The Princess Diaries 2001.“

Within hours, the video went viral, reigniting nostalgia among longtime fans and introducing a new generation to the magic of Hathaway’s early talent.

17-year-old Anne Hathaway's audition for The Princess Diaries 2001 pic.twitter.com/ENAGK3z9GU

— Modern History 𝕏 (@modernhistory) March 26, 2025

Social Media Reacts with Nostalgia and Admiration

Fans quickly flooded the comments section with love and admiration for the young Hathaway, celebrating the audition that set the stage for her illustrious career.

One user tweeted “Awww love her.”

Another shared a more personal anecdote, writing “My college GF absolutely despised my crush on her.“

Many fans couldn’t help but admire her natural charm and undeniable screen presence. One comment read “Iconic performance indeed.“

Another fan reflected on Hathaway’s incredible journey, saying “This is such a great throwback! Anne Hathaway truly shone in her audition. Can’t believe how far she’s come since then!“

The video not only reminded fans of their love for The Princess Diaries but also highlighted Hathaway’s raw talent, which was evident even at such a young age.

How Anne Hathaway Landed the Role of Mia Thermopolis

At just 18 years old, Anne Hathaway’s journey to landing the role of Mia Thermopolis was anything but conventional. The audition took place during a 26-hour layover in Los Angeles while Hathaway was en route to New Zealand for another project. Despite having limited acting credits at the time, her charm and natural comedic timing won over director Garry Marshall almost immediately.

Marshall, known for his keen eye for talent, was drawn to Hathaway’s authenticity. He later revealed that during her audition, she fell out of her chair, a moment that convinced him she was perfect for the clumsy, lovable Mia.

“I knew right then that Anne had something special,” Marshall once said in an interview. “She was perfect for Mia because she was naturally funny, a little awkward, and incredibly endearing.”

Behind the Scenes Challenges An Uncomfortable Audition Experience

While Hathaway’s talent was undeniable, the road to landing her first major role was not without its challenges. She later revealed a particularly awkward audition experience, where she was asked to kiss multiple actors to test for on screen chemistry.

“I was told, ‘We have ten guys coming today and you’re cast. Aren’t you excited to make out with all of them’ And I thought, ‘Is there something wrong with me’ because I wasn’t excited. I thought it sounded gross,” Hathaway recalled in a past interview.

Despite these uncomfortable moments, Hathaway powered through and ultimately landed the role that would change her life forever.

A Career That Continues to Shine

From an unknown teenager to an Academy Award winning actress, Anne Hathaway’s career has skyrocketed since her breakout role in The Princess Diaries. She has since starred in critically acclaimed films such as Les Misérables The Devil Wears Prada Interstellar and Ocean’s 8.

Looking back, it is incredible to see how far she has come since that fateful audition. Fans continue to celebrate her journey, and the resurfaced audition tape serves as a heartwarming reminder of where it all began.

As social media continues to buzz with admiration for Hathaway’s early performance, one thing is clear. Her charm and talent were undeniable from the very start.