Introducing Mamma Mia! 3 (2025): A Potential Third Act of ABBA-Fueled Joy

Overview

Mamma Mia! 3, the much-anticipated third chapter of the global musical phenomenon, is poised to bring audiences back to the sun-soaked island of Kalokairi for another round of ABBA hits, heartfelt drama, and campy charm. Following the blockbuster success of Mamma Mia! (2008), which grossed $611 million worldwide, and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018), which earned $402.3 million, the franchise has become a cultural juggernaut, blending ABBA’s timeless music with a heartwarming story of family, love, and discovery. While Mamma Mia! 3 has not been officially confirmed by Universal Pictures as of May 2025, producer Judy Craymer and stars like Christine Baranski, Amanda Seyfried, and Meryl Streep have fueled excitement with promising updates, suggesting a trilogy-capping film is in development. With a potential release in 2025 or 2026, this article compiles everything we know about Mamma Mia! 3, from its cast and plot possibilities to its production and cultural significance.

Background and Development

The Mamma Mia! franchise began as a 1999 West End musical by Catherine Johnson, built around ABBA’s iconic songbook and produced by Judy Craymer. The 2008 film adaptation, directed by Phyllida Lloyd, introduced Sophie Sheridan (Amanda Seyfried), a young woman on a Greek island who secretly invites three men from her mother Donna’s (Meryl Streep) past—Sam (Pierce Brosnan), Bill (Stellan Skarsgård), and Harry (Colin Firth)—to determine her father’s identity ahead of her wedding to Sky (Dominic Cooper). The film’s infectious energy, all-star cast, and ABBA hits like “Dancing Queen” and “Mamma Mia” made it a global hit, earning $611 million on a $52 million budget.

The 2018 sequel, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, directed by Ol Parker, served as both a prequel and sequel, exploring young Donna’s (Lily James) adventures in 1979 and Sophie’s present-day efforts to reopen the Hotel Bella Donna after Donna’s death. With additions like Cher as Ruby Sheridan and songs such as “When I Kissed the Teacher,” the film grossed $402.3 million and earned an 80% Rotten Tomatoes score, praised for its flashier choreography and emotional depth, though some critics noted its uneven pacing.

Talk of a third film has persisted since 2020, when Craymer told the Daily Mail that Mamma Mia! was “meant to be a trilogy” but was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In May 2023, she confirmed to Deadline that the project was in its “earliest stages,” with plans to bring back Meryl Streep despite Donna’s death in the sequel. By August 2024, Christine Baranski revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that Craymer had shared a narrative plotline for Mamma Mia! 3, emphasizing her track record of making films happen. Amanda Seyfried further confirmed in March 2025 to Entertainment Tonight, “Mamma Mia! 3 is happening. It’s going to happen in Greece, hopefully before 2038,” signaling progress despite scheduling challenges. The delay is partly due to Universal Pictures prioritizing Wicked: For Good (November 2025), as Seyfried noted, reflecting the studio’s focus on one major musical at a time.

Potential Plot and Setting

While specific plot details for Mamma Mia! 3 remain closely guarded, Craymer’s comments suggest a story that provides closure for the characters while exploring new dimensions of their lives. The second film ended with Sophie and Sky welcoming their newborn son and reopening the Hotel Bella Donna, with flashbacks revealing young Donna’s romances with Sam, Bill, and Harry. Baranski’s August 2024 update indicates a proposed storyline, likely set on Kalokairi or another picturesque island (possibly Croatia, where the sequel was filmed).

Speculative directions include Sophie navigating motherhood, mirroring Donna’s journey, or exploring the “middle years” of Donna and Sam’s marriage, as Craymer hinted to Vogue in 2023. The film could address unresolved questions, such as Harry’s disappearance after missing a ferry in the 1979 timeline or the dynamics of Sophie’s son with his three grandfathers. Lily James jokingly proposed “Mamma Mia! The DNA Test” to resolve Sophie’s paternity, while Seyfried suggested the plot is secondary to the ABBA songs and ensemble chemistry. A creative solution to bring back Meryl Streep’s Donna—perhaps via flashbacks, dreams, or a narrative twist—is a priority, as Craymer and Streep have emphasized. Cher’s character, Ruby Sheridan, may also play a larger role, with Craymer noting her story is “not finished.”

The setting will likely retain the franchise’s summery Mediterranean vibe, with Greece or Croatia providing a vibrant backdrop for dance sequences and emotional moments. The inclusion of new ABBA songs, such as “If It Wasn’t for the Nights” or “Summer Night City,” unused in the films but part of the stage musical, could drive the narrative, though Seyfried expressed concern about having enough iconic tracks left after reusing “Dancing Queen” and “Mamma Mia” in the sequel.

Cast and Performances

While no cast has been officially confirmed, the enthusiasm of the original ensemble suggests a starry reunion. Amanda Seyfried is set to return as Sophie, with her March 2025 comments confirming her commitment. Meryl Streep, despite Donna’s death, has expressed eagerness to reprise her role, telling Deadline, “I’m going to hear about it pretty soon,” hinting at a creative workaround. Pierce Brosnan (Sam), Colin Firth (Harry), and Stellan Skarsgård (Bill) have voiced enthusiasm, with Brosnan telling The Hollywood Reporter in November 2024, “I believe that my fellow thespians would all jump at the chance.” Christine Baranski (Tanya) and Julie Walters (Rosie) are also likely to return, with Baranski’s August 2024 update underscoring her excitement. Dominic Cooper (Sky) is expected to reprise his role, given Sophie’s ongoing story.

Lily James, who played young Donna, is “desperate” to return, proposing a prequel about the Dynamos’ formation, though her involvement may depend on the timeline. Cher’s Ruby Sheridan could have a larger role, and Seyfried suggested Sabrina Carpenter as a potential daughter for Sophie, inspired by Carpenter’s performance of “Mamma Mia” on tour. Supporting players like Andy Garcia (Fernando) and Celia Imrie (Vice Chancellor) may also return, while new faces could join to reflect Sophie’s son or other islanders. The cast’s chemistry, a hallmark of the franchise, is a major draw, with Baranski noting to TODAY in 2021, “We all want a Mamma Mia! 3 because we have so much fun making these movies.”

Themes and Symbolism

Mamma Mia! 3 will likely retain the franchise’s core themes of family, love, and self-discovery, wrapped in the joyful escapism of ABBA’s music. The first film explored Sophie’s search for identity through her mother’s past, while the sequel tackled grief and legacy through Donna’s death and Sophie’s pregnancy. The third film could focus on generational bonds, with Sophie’s motherhood paralleling Donna’s, or explore closure for characters like Harry, whose romantic arc remains open-ended. The franchise’s campy, self-aware tone, described by Baranski as “a little dumb, a little campy,” is part of its charm, offering a counterpoint to “doom and gloom” and resonating with audiences seeking happiness.

The Greek island setting symbolizes a utopia of freedom and connection, where characters confront their pasts and embrace their futures. ABBA’s music, with its blend of nostalgia and exuberance, serves as a narrative engine, amplifying emotional moments like Sophie’s wedding or Donna’s youthful adventures. Songs like “Under Attack” or “Summer Night City” could underscore themes of resilience or celebration, while the Hotel Bella Donna represents a legacy of love and community. The trilogy’s arc, as envisioned by Craymer, aims to bring characters back to the island, symbolizing a return to joy and togetherness.

Direction and Production

No director has been confirmed for Mamma Mia! 3, but Ol Parker, who helmed the sequel, hinted at its inevitability in a 2022 ScreenRant interview, citing Craymer’s trilogy vision. Judy Craymer, the driving force behind the stage musical and films, is spearheading development, with a track record of turning vision into reality. The production will likely involve Universal Pictures, with a budget around the sequel’s $75 million, given the need for lavish sets, choreography, and a star-studded cast.

Filming, if it begins in summer 2025 as Seyfried hopes, could wrap within a year, aligning with the franchise’s quick turnaround (about 12 months from filming to release for both prior films). Locations in Greece or Croatia will maintain the series’ scenic allure, with Croatia’s Vis island standing in for Kalokairi in the sequel. Cinematography, likely by Robert Yeoman (sequel) or a similar talent, will emphasize vibrant colors and dynamic dance sequences, while costume design (previously by Ann Roth) will evoke ABBA’s retro flair. Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, ABBA’s songwriters, may contribute new arrangements or unreleased tracks, as they did for the sequel’s “Angeleyes.”

The delay caused by Universal’s focus on Wicked: For Good suggests a release in July 2026 rather than 2025, as the studio avoids overlapping major musicals. If production starts in 2025, a late 2026 release is plausible, following the July pattern of the first two films.

Critical and Audience Expectations

Without a confirmed release, Mamma Mia! 3 has no critical reception, but the franchise’s track record sets high expectations. The 2008 film earned a 66% Rotten Tomatoes score and $611 million, lauded for its infectious energy, while the 2018 sequel’s 80% rating and $402.3 million reflected improved choreography and emotional depth, though some criticized its pacing and song choices. Fans on X, via posts from @FilmUpdates and @DiscussingFilm, express excitement for Seyfried’s confirmation and Baranski’s plot tease, though some worry about the availability of iconic ABBA songs.

Audiences expect another feel-good escape, with vibrant musical numbers(“Dancing Queen” being a must) and the cast’s chemistry driving the experience. Critics may demand a tighter script to avoid the sequel’s pacing issues, as noted by Rolling Stone’s Peter Travers, who felt the absence of Streep hindered enjoyment. The inclusion of Streep and a compelling storyline for Sophie’s family will be key to satisfying fans, who cherish the franchise’s blend of nostalgia and joy.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

The Mamma Mia! franchise is a global phenomenon, revitalizing interest in ABBA’s music and inspiring a wave of jukebox musicals like Rocketman and Bohemian Rhapsody. The 2008 film’s $611 million gross made it one of the highest-grossing musicals ever, while the sequel’s success proved the story’s enduring appeal. Mamma Mia! 3 could cement the trilogy as a defining musical franchise, offering closure to characters while introducing new generations to ABBA’s catalog.

The films’ celebration of female-led stories, from Donna’s independence to Sophie’s resilience, resonates with audiences, as does their escapist joy, which Baranski noted “makes millions of people around the world happy.” The trilogy’s focus on family and community, set against a dreamy Mediterranean backdrop, taps into universal desires for connection, amplified by ABBA’s timeless hits. A third film could also address modern themes like parenthood or legacy, aligning with Sophie’s new role as a mother. Its potential to feature new talent like Sabrina Carpenter alongside veterans like Streep and Cher could bridge generational audiences, further solidifying its cultural footprint.

Conclusion

Mamma Mia! 3 promises to be a jubilant finale to a beloved trilogy, bringing back the sunlit charm of Kalokairi and the infectious energy of ABBA’s music. While not officially confirmed, updates from Judy Craymer, Christine Baranski, and Amanda Seyfried suggest a 2025 or 2026 release is within reach, with Meryl Streep’s return and a star-studded cast fueling anticipation. The film’s potential to explore Sophie’s motherhood, Donna’s legacy, and new ABBA songs ensures it will resonate with fans old and new. As the franchise prepares to dance its way back to cinemas, Mamma Mia! 3 is poised to deliver another dose of joy, proving that, like ABBA’s music, the magic of Kalokairi never fades.