Mamma Mia 3: What we know so far

It's been seven years since the sequel to the much-loved musical Mamma Mia! The Movie was released — but that's not stopped fans shouting from the rooftops for a third instalment. Now, thanks to a promising update from starring cast member Christine Baranski, it looks like the time is right for more.

Based on the musical Mamma Mia!, which is itself based on ABBA's global megahits — the films have had monumental success, starting with the first film in 2008, and the sequel, Here We Go Again in 2018. So it's no surprise that the movies could be getting a third instalment. Here's everything we know so far...

Is Mamma Mia 3 in the works?

It's certainly looking that way! After years of teases, including various cast members expressing their eagerness on the concept, Christine Baranski has offered what's sounds like the most promising update so far - confirming plans are in the works, and even a proposed plot line!

Christine told The Hollywood Reporter: "I was in London with (producer) Judy Kramer at our favourite watering hole, she is planning Mamma Mia 3. She gave me the narrative plotline of how it’s going to happen. That’s all I can say!"

Adding more reassurance, she then added: "But, it’s not like, 'Oh, I wish it could happen!' - Judy Kramer makes things happen. She made number two happen, and it was a phenomenal hit. I wouldn’t put it past Judy Kramer to get everybody back together."

What has Meryl Streep said about Mamma Mia 3?

After Judy teased the third movie is 'in its early stages', prior to the release of the new ITV talent show Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream in 2023, Meryl Streep later teased in May 2024 that she had an 'imminent' meeting with producer Judy about her character Donna Sheridan.

The 74-year-old spoke to Deadline, saying: “I don’t know how they’re going to do it. They have an idea. I haven’t heard it yet but it’s in my diary and I’m going to hear about it pretty soon.

“Of course I want to do it. I think folks love it.”

Will Cher be in Mamma Mia 3?

Meryl isn't the only cast member eager for a third movie. Appearing on Good Morning Britain on Monday 4th September 2023, Cher, who played the role of Ruby Sheridan in Here We Go Again in 2018, said: "You know Judy keeps threatening a film but so far I haven’t seen a script. Judy is my friend so we talk about stuff.

“I never know exactly what I’m going to do until I do it. I have this feeling that ‘what belongs to you comes to you’. Judy hasn’t come to me yet.”

When host Ed Balls asked if she would say ‘yes’ to another film, she quickly gasped: "Oh maybe!"

Speaking to Deadline last year, creator Judy also revealed she has come up with a way to bring back characters from the first two movies, meaning both Meryl Streep and Cher could return.

Has a third film been confirmed?

Speaking in 2023, Judy emphasised that at the time, a third film was not yet 'official', saying: "I don't want to over-egg it, but I know there's a trilogy there. There is a story there, and I do think Meryl should come back - and if the script is right, she would, I think, because she really loved playing Donna."

Back in 2022, film maker Ol Parker dropped an exciting hint that a third instalment could be happening.

Speaking during an interview with ScreenRant, Ol said: "Judy Craymer, the genius producer behind the musical and the first two films, always plans for it to be a trilogy. That's all I can say.

"The first one made an enormous amount of money, and I think we made a fair amount too. I know that there is a hunger for a third, and I know that she has a plan. Wouldn't it be lovely?"

Speaking to the Daily Mail in 2022, Judy said that it was always planned as a trilogy, saying: "I think one day there will be another film, because there’s meant to be a trilogy, you see. I know Universal would like me to do it."

Judy went on to admit that the story was already underway before the global pandemic hit: "I was meant to have been getting on with that, in my head, during these months. But then I got hit with Covid fog."

Will Pierce Brosnan return for a third film?

Several cast members have also shared that they would be keen to return, including the wonderful Pierce Brosnan who said: "It's criminal how much fun you have on that movie. I think everybody would be in... I'm sure there's some plans."

What has Björn said about Mamma Mia 3?

ABBA legend Björn Ulvaeus was keen for a third Mamma Mia! film, admitting back in June 2019 that he would be open to the idea. He said: "If someone comes up with an idea for Mamma Mia! 3 you know I’ll have a look at it. We’ll have a look at it."

Then in September 2024, Björn appeared on Loose Women where he said: "Mamma Mia three? I'm not ruling it out. Who knows, who knows there's a lot of enthusiasm about that."

When will Mamma Mia 3 be out?

While things are looking promising for a third movie, there's no plans as of yet for when filming might get underway, or when it might be released.

Take a look at some of the films out in 2024 and beyond:

Now read:

Pierce Brosnan shares his thoughts on a potential Mamma Mia! 3 film

The biggest films dropping in 2024 and their release dates

Downtown Abbey officially confirm third movie

How to listen to Cool FM:

Tune into Northern Ireland’s number 1 for music, Cool FM on 97.4FM, online, on our Rayo app, your DAB radio, or say ‘Play Cool FM’ on your Smart Speaker. We play you the biggest hits from the world’s hottest artists, from Pete Snodden in the morning to the NI Hit 40.

• Mamma Mia
• amanda seyfried
• ABBA