Mamma Mia 3: What we know so far
Christine Baranski revealed plans are underway
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:
Argylle
Release date: 2nd February 2024
With an all-star cast including the likes of Dua Lipa, Henry Cavill, Bryce Dallas Howard, John Cena, Catherine O'Hara and Bryan Cranston, this new spy film was an exciting one for fans. Directed by Matthew Vaughn, who also worked on the smash-hit Kingsman franchise, the film sees the line between fiction and reality blur, as Elly Conway's spy novel begins to mirror a real-life spy organisation.
Dune: Part Two
Release date: 1st March 2024
The follow-up to 2021's smash-hit Dune, Dune: Part Two saw the return of stars such as Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, as they continued their mythic journey. After fans were left slightly disappointed with the lack of Zendaya's presence in the first film, it seemed as though she would feature more heavily in the sequel, with Timothée stating before the film's release that her scenes are "incredible" and in "greater abundance".
Challengers
Release date: 26th April 2024
It's no secret that pretty much any film featuring superstar Zendaya is a hit! The actress stars as Tashi Donaldson in this romantic sports comedy-drama - a tennis player turned coach who becomes involved in a love triangle 'gone wrong'. Also starring are names such as Mike Faist, Josh O'Connor and Faith Fay.
Inside Out 2
Release date: 14th June 2024
The sequel to 2015's Inside Out, we re-visit the colourful gang as Amy Poehler returned as Joy. The film was released in summer 2024, and explores Riley's emotions as a teenager. The film introduced four new Emotions, including Anxiety, which is voiced by Stranger Things and Do Revenge star Maya Hawke. An official teaser trailer for the film was released in November 2023, and the full-length trailer was released in March 2024. The film was a gargantuan success - becoming the highest-grossing animated film of all time, globally.
Deadpool & Wolverine
Release date: 25th July 2024
Returning for its highly-anticipated third instalment, Ryan Reynolds reprised his role as Deadpool (or should we say, Wade Wilson) in July 2024. The original film dropped back in February 2016, with the sequel arriving two years later in 2018. With Wolverine entering the mix, we saw the incredible combo of Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman - with the flick surpassing 2019's Joker as the biggest R-rated movie ever.
A Quiet Place: Day One
Release date: 27th June 2024
A sequel to John Krasinski's A Quiet Place, titled A Quiet Place: Day One, served as a prequel to the original idea from John, detailing 'why our world went quiet'. The official trailer was released in February, with names such as Joseph Quinn, Lupita Nyong'o, Alex Wolff, Djimon Hounsou and Denis O'Hare filling the impressive cast list.
Beetlejuice 2
Release date: 6th September 2024
The iconic 1988 hit Tim Burton film Beetlejuice, starring Michael Keaton as the wacky titular character, officially came back into our lives in 2024 - with a sequel landing just in time to kick off the Autumn. Not only that, but the new fantasy horror comedy was once again be directed by Tim, with other legendary actors returning such as Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder and Catherine O'Hara. Beetlejuice 2 also features Wednesday star Jenna Ortega, as well as Monica Bellucci and Willem Dafoe.
Saw 11
Release date: 24th September 2024
September 2024 saw the infamous game continue as the 11th instalment in the Saw franchise arrived at cinemas. Fans of the gory horror didn't have to wait too long between films, with the 10th Saw only landing back in September 2023.
Joker: Folie à Deux
Release date: 4th October 2024
Following the huge success of the first Joker film in 2019, Joaquin Phoenix reprised his role in the highly-anticipated sequel, which was released in October 2024. Not only that, but we got to see none other than 'Born This Way' icon Lady Gaga star as the Joker's girlfriend Harley Quinn, with pictures of her character first being teased in December 2023. Days before the film's released, it was announced that Gaga was releasing a companion album called 'Harlequin'.
Smile 2
Release date: 18th October 2024
Smile 2 headed our way in October 2024, with the sequel arriving around two years after the original horror/mystery film was released.
Wicked
Release date: 22nd November 2024
The hugely anticipated Wicked movie will be landing in two parts - with Part One dropping in late November 2024 (around Thanksgiving in the United States). Initially set for release on 27th November, this then moved forward to 22nd. Part Two will land a year later, with a current release date of 21st November 2025. The film stars Ariana Grande as Glinda, alongside Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba.
Moana 2
Release date: 29th November 2024
Disney bosses delighted fans in February by announcing a shock sequel to 2016 movie Moana! Sharing a short announcement clip, Disney confirmed the second movie will land in November 2024! By the looks of the teaser trailers - and the full-length trailer - it's not going to disappoint! Check out everything we know here.
Gladiator 2
Release date: 15th November 2024
A whopping 24-years after the release of the original smash-hit film Gladiator, starring Russell Crowe, a sequel is officially on the way! With a current scheduled release date of November 2024, the highly-anticipated movie will see the talented Ridley Scott return to direct, as well as Normal People's Paul Mescal take on a starring role.
Mufasa: The Lion King
Release date: 20th December 2024
Fans were incredibly excited when Disney announced another live-action film coming our way. In the now-released prequel film, we get to see Mufasa's journey to becoming the King.
Sonic 3
Release date: 21st December 2024
After the success of the first two Sonic films, which starred the likes of Ben Schwartz, James Marsden and Jim Carrey, fans were thrilled that the third instalment was to be released in 2024. The third film in the franchise features the introduction of a character named Shadow, who serves as the movie's main antagonist, with other iconic game characters such as Rouge the Bat making an appearance.
Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fow
BBC bosses announced in June that there's going to be a brand new Wallace and Gromit moving dropping at Christmas time. Titled, Vengeance Most Fow, the 70-minute film will see the return of Feathers McGraw.
Release date: Christmas 2024
Now read:
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