Although Michael and Mia’s romance was one of the highlights of The Princess Diaries, Michael didn't return in changes to the Princess Diaries books, including omitting Michael from the film.

After years of speculation, it's finally been confirmed that there will be a Princess Diaries 3. Anne Hathaway will be reprising her role as Mia Thermopolis and Adele Lim will be directing the film. Given that Michael was one of the most popular characters in the classic teen film, the fact that he wasn't in the second movie raised some questions about the reason behind his absence.

Michael Was Written Out Of The Princess Diaries 2

Robert Schwartzman Was Touring With His Band

The Princess Diaries ended with Mia and Michael finally ending up together. Since Michael gave Mia a kiss that was a huge part of The Princess Diaries books, it seemed like his appearance in the second movie was cemented. However, Michael didn't return in The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. His absence is explained at the beginning of the film, with Mia saying they were now “just friends” and he was touring the country with his band while she had to return to Genovia to rule the country.

When production on The Princess Diaries 2 began, Robert Schwartzman, who plays Michael in the film, was on tour with his real-life band, Rooney. Schwartzman actually found out he wouldn't be in the sequel during his tour. Since Schwartzman wasn't available to reprise his role as Michael due to his tour commitment, his character was subsequently written out of the movie (via Variety).

Will Michael Return In The Princess Diaries 3

Michael And Mia Ended Up Together In The Princess Diaries Books

As a result, one of the biggest questions about The Princess Diaries 3 is who will play Mia’s love interest in the film. Although Michael and Mia got married in The Princess Diaries novels, he isn't the most obvious choice to play Mia's romantic interest in the third installment of the franchise. This is because Mia and Nicholas were together at the end of The Princess Diaries 2, so there would have to be a good reason for Michael to have the same role in Mia's life as he did in the first movie. After all, she already moved on from him.

Robert Schwartzman real-life band, Rooney, was Michael's band in The Princess Diaries.

Interestingly, Chris Pine and Robert Schwartzman have expressed that they would be willing to reprise their roles in The Princess Diaries 3. During an interview with characters will be in The Princess Diaries 3.

Sources: Variety, Today