Pregnant actress Anne Hathaway made a surprise appearance at Disney's D23 fan event in Anaheim, California, on Friday to accept her Disney Legend induction.
The 43-year-old star, who announced in June that she is expecting her third child with husband Adam Shulman, also provided fans with the news that production on The Princess Diaries 3 is moving forward.
Hathaway gained international fame starring as Mia Thermopolis in Disney's 2001 comedy film The Princess Diaries. The Disney Legends award is an honor bestowed by The Walt Disney Company on individuals who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy.
However, co-star Julie Andrews recently confirmed she will not be in the upcoming sequel after announcing her retirement from acting.
Stepping out on stage, Hathaway was draped in a glaringly red, ribbed halter dress featuring an asymmetrical ruffled hemline that covered her protruding baby bump. Underneath the garment, she wore a pair of wide-legged, cream-colored slacks that gave off neutral relief, styling her long hair bundled in a top knot with side-swept curly bangs.
The Oscar winner was clearly thrilled to be the center of attention as the star attraction at Friday's function. During the event, Hathaway was pictured alongside Dana Walden, President and Chief Creative Officer of The Walt Disney Company, as well as Josh D'Amaro, CEO of The Walt Disney Company.
Star Lineup at Anaheim Convention
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is a massive, multi-day celebration held every two years in Anaheim in anticipation of upcoming release slates. Headliners at this year's convention also included Kristen Bell, Josh Gad and Idina Menzel promoting Frozen 3; Robert Downey Jr and Chris Evans for Marvel projects; Queen Latifah and Denis Leary for Ice Age: Boiling Point; and the Jonas Brothers promoting Camp Rock.
Social Media Backlash Over Premiere Style
Hathaway's bold ensemble at D23 followed recent online controversy surrounding her maternity styling choices. Fans previously criticized a "ridiculous" maternity outfit she wore while attending the Los Angeles premiere of her new film The End of Oak Street.
On that red carpet occasion, pictured in midriff-revealing looks on August 9 and August 10, The Devil Wears Prada star was clothed in a sleeveless, baby-blue, red satin-lined cutaway top that displayed her growing bump. She paired the piece with wide-legged jeans and pointed red heels.
Celebrity watchers were quick to share their thoughts on social media, where not all reactions were favorable. One observer wrote that the get-up "looks ridiculous," while another opined, "It's awful. She's too pretty for this to happen." A third user begged, "Please let me UNSEE this."
Additional critics chimed in, with one fan noting, "This one is so wrong sorry," and another writing, "Jeans? JEANS?! That dazzling top deserves a better companion." An X user added, "The jeans make it worse." Over on Instagram, one fan wrote, "I love her. I do not understand why her stylist did this to her," while others posted, "Ya no to her outfit," "That's very tacky," "Unflattering styling for a beautiful pregnant woman," and "love her - outfit just No."
Not all feedback was negative. Other fans offered praise on X, with one sharing, "She looks radiant...," and another writing, "Anne hathaway [sic] at a world premiere is always a win, she looks stunning." Jersey Shore alum JWoww also shared her support via Instagram, writing, "I love her so much omg."
Family Updates and Gender Revelation
Meanwhile, Hathaway revealed during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Monday night that she and her husband already know the gender of their baby, though they are keeping it secret from the public.
Guest host Anthony Anderson questioned her about the baby's sex, saying: "I consider myself to be a baby whisperer. Now, this is my first time seeing you pregnant and what not. It looks like it's a boy. Am I correct, or you're waiting?" Hathaway replied with a smile: "We know [but] we're not saying."
The audience met her response with cheers. Hathaway admitted she always "feels bad" when declining to reveal the sex, stating, "It always feels so rude saying that."
The upcoming arrival will be the third child for Hathaway and Shulman, who are already parents to sons Jonathan, 10, and Jack, six. Hathaway shared that her older children are "over the moon" about becoming big brothers, adding: "[They’re] over the moon. It feels really beautiful. It feels like the family’s having a baby. I mean, it’ll feel like I’m having a baby while it’s happening, but the emotional feeling is that we’re all going to welcome this little one."
