Producers of the Mamma Mia! film series have stated they are exploring ways to feature Meryl Streep once again in the upcoming third installment, keeping hopes alive for fans of the beloved musical franchise. The discussions come as Universal Pictures confirms the production of a new Mamma Mia! movie set to continue the story that has enchanted audiences since 2008.
Meryl Streep famously portrayed Donna Sheridan in the original 2008 Mamma Mia!, a role that earned her widespread acclaim. Although her character was written out before the 2018 follow-up, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, Streep returned in dream sequences, with Lily James portraying a younger Donna in flashback scenes. The studio is now open to finding a way to reintegrate the star into the series.
Studio and Bosses Express Commitment to Mamma Mia 3
Donna Langley, chair of Universal Pictures, confirmed the continuation of the franchise and expressed enthusiasm about potentially bringing back Streep. Speaking with Deadline Hollywood, Langley said,
“[I am able to] say right now that there will be a Mamma Mia 3.”
Langley added that active discussions are ongoing with producer Dame Judy Craymer to develop the next chapter in the series and left the door open for Streep’s return.
“If Meryl Streep would like to come back, we will find a way to bring her back.” – Donna Langley, Chair, Universal Pictures
Co-Star Suggests Possibility of Streep’s Return
Adding to the speculation, Stellan Skarsgard, who co-starred alongside Streep, hinted at her return during an interview at the Golden Globe Awards. He pointed out the creative flexibility movies allow for character resurrections.
“Everybody can be brought back in the movies. In the movies, it’s fantastic! …
A lot of people are working on it to bring it [Mamma Mia!] back.” – Stellan Skarsgard, Actor
“She’s not dead, you know! Meryl Streep is not dead!” – Stellan Skarsgard, Actor
Meryl Streep Expresses Interest but Awaits Story Details
Streep herself has shown willingness to reprise her role but remains uncertain about how her character will be reintegrated into the storyline. During an interview at the Cannes Film Festival, she remarked on her enthusiasm for returning while awaiting further information.
“Of course I want to do it. I think folks love it.
I don’t know how they’re going to do it. They have an idea. I haven’t heard it yet. I’m going to hear about it pretty soon.” – Meryl Streep, Actress
Amanda Seyfried Reflects on Story Development and Music Choices
Amanda Seyfried, who portrayed Sophie Sheridan, Donna’s daughter, in both films, commented on the slow progress in developing a script for the sequel. She emphasized the need for a strong storyline and musical alignment to bring all actors together, expressing some frustration over the current status.
“We’re not anywhere. I mean, there’s so many of us in it, and if you don’t have a story you can’t cast in your head yet …
I don’t know what the story is going to be, and I know that the music part … it’s a big part of it, so we have to make sure that everybody is aligned. I don’t know. I wish I was producing because I would’ve made it already.” – Amanda Seyfried, Actress
Seyfried also noted preferences regarding the music that should feature in the third film, stressing a desire to focus on ABBA hits that resonate with the Mamma Mia! brand rather than new or unrelated songs.
“You don’t need any new songs … They do have songs, but I don’t want to hear the King Kong Song in Mamma Mia! 3. I want to go with our hits. I want to go with Super Trouper and Chiquitita.” – Amanda Seyfried, Actress
Looking Ahead to Mamma Mia’s Next Chapter
The confirmation of Mamma Mia 3 and the openness toward Meryl Streep’s potential return hold significant promise for fans of the musical saga. With Universal Pictures, Dame Judy Craymer, and key cast members invested in continuing the story, anticipation is growing around how the franchise’s beloved characters and signature ABBA soundtrack will evolve. While story details remain under wraps, the involvement of original stars suggests that the upcoming film will maintain the charm and spirit that have made Mamma Mia! a cultural phenomenon.
