When Amanda Seyfried took the stage at the Governors Awards Ray Dolby Ballroom, Los Angeles on November 20, 2025, she didn’t just accept an honor—she dropped a bombshell. "Maybe I’m just naive," she told Entertainment Tonight, "but I’m pretty sure Mamma Mia 3 is a done deal." The room didn’t erupt in applause. But the internet did. And for good reason: this wasn’t just hopeful speculation. It was the clearest signal yet that the beloved ABBA-fueled musical franchise is roaring back—this time with a new generation of stars in sight.
The Franchise That Refuses to Say Goodbye
Since its 2008 debut in London, the Mamma Mia! franchise has raked in roughly $1.5 billion across films, soundtracks, and global stage productions. The original film, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and produced by Judy Craymer’s Littlestar Productions in partnership with Universal Pictures, became a cultural touchstone. The 2018 sequel, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, grossed $395.9 million on a $75 million budget, proving the magic wasn’t a fluke. Now, nearly two decades after the first film hit theaters, the core team is ready to go again.
Who’s Coming Back—and Who’s Joining
Seyfried, who’s played Sophie Sheridan since the beginning, isn’t just excited—she’s actively shaping the next chapter. She told Entertainment Tonight she wants to see Sophie as a mom, with kids running around the sun-drenched cliffs of Kalokairi. But here’s the twist: she’s not pushing for Sophie’s daughter. Instead, she’s lobbying for Sabrina Carpenter to play Sophie’s long-lost cousin. "There’s a bunch of girls that really want to be a part of it," Seyfried said, "and I’m all for it."
It’s not the first time Seyfried has pushed for Carpenter. Back in 2023, she floated the idea of Carpenter as Sophie’s daughter. But after seeing Carpenter’s electrifying performances during her Emails I Can’t Send Tour—which swept across North America and Europe from July 22, 2022, to October 15, 2022—she revised her vision. "She sings ABBA like she was born in a Greek taverna," Seyfried mused. Producer Judy Craymer echoed that sentiment in a recent interview, noting Carpenter’s vocal range and screen presence "made a strong case for her joining the cast, perhaps as a goddess or some relation who would look very much like Meryl Streep."
Then there’s Sydney Sweeney. At 27, she’s already a breakout star thanks to Euphoria and her chilling turn in The Housemaid, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival Park City, Utah in January 2023. Seyfried and Sweeney shared the screen in that film—and the chemistry was undeniable. "She’s got that mix of vulnerability and fire," Seyfried said. "You believe she could be Sophie’s cousin. You believe she could steal the whole island."
The Originals Are All In
While the new blood gets the headlines, the heart of the franchise still beats with its original cast. Meryl Streep, who won an Oscar for her role as Donna Sheridan, confirmed in a March 15, 2024, interview with The Hollywood Reporter that she’s "absolutely" open to returning. So are Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and Stellan Skarsgård. All four are in their 70s now, but none of them sound ready to hang up their dancing shoes. "We’re not getting younger," Brosnan joked at a 2024 Q&A, "but neither is ABBA. And they’re still killing it."
What’s Next? Script, Location, Timeline
According to insiders at Universal Pictures headquarters in Universal City, California, a script for Mamma Mia 3 is actively being developed. The story is expected to weave together Sophie’s journey into motherhood with the arrival of a mysterious cousin—played by Carpenter—and a long-lost family connection, possibly tied to Donna’s past. Sweeney’s character could be the wild card: a free-spirited artist who shakes up the island’s quiet rhythms.
Production is expected to return to the Greek islands where it all began. Though Kalokairi is fictional, the real-life filming locations—Skiathos and Skopelos—remain iconic. Locals still get asked for photos with tourists dressed as Donna. If filming starts in summer 2026 as rumored, those cliffs will be back in the spotlight.
Universal Pictures has not yet announced an official release date, but insiders say final casting decisions and production timelines will be locked in by Q1 2026. With the original cast on board, a script in motion, and two of Hollywood’s hottest young stars eager to join, it’s not a question of if—but when.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just another sequel. It’s a bridge. Between generations. Between the disco-dancing moms who first fell for ABBA in 2008 and their daughters, now teens and twenties, who know Sabrina Carpenter’s hits better than "Dancing Queen." It’s about legacy, yes—but also about reinvention. The franchise survived because it never stopped being joyful. And now, it’s betting that joy is still contagious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Meryl Streep return as Donna Sheridan in Mamma Mia 3?
Yes. Meryl Streep confirmed in a March 15, 2024, interview with The Hollywood Reporter that she’s "absolutely" open to reprising her role as Donna. While her screen time may be scaled back to accommodate the new generation, her presence remains central to the film’s emotional core. Producers have indicated she’ll likely appear in key flashbacks and pivotal family moments.
Why is Sabrina Carpenter being considered for a cousin role instead of a daughter?
Amanda Seyfried revised her initial pitch after recognizing that casting a 25-year-old as Sophie’s daughter would feel unrealistic, given Sophie was portrayed as a young adult in the 2008 film. A cousin allows for a fresh generational dynamic without stretching credibility. Carpenter’s vocal style and stage charisma also align better with a free-spirited, adventurous character who could rival Donna’s energy—rather than replicate it as a daughter.
Is there a confirmed release date for Mamma Mia 3?
No official release date has been announced. However, insiders at Universal Pictures expect final casting and production schedules to be confirmed by Q1 2026, with filming likely to begin in summer 2026 on the Greek islands of Skiathos and Skopelos. A 2027 release is the most probable target, possibly timed for the summer season to mirror the original films’ success.
What role does Judy Craymer play in the future of Mamma Mia 3?
Judy Craymer, the producer behind all three films through Littlestar Productions, is the driving force behind the franchise’s continuity. She’s personally championed Sabrina Carpenter’s casting based on her ABBA performances during the 2022 tour and has been instrumental in keeping the original cast engaged. Craymer’s vision for the film is to honor the past while making space for new voices—making her the key architect of this next chapter.
How much revenue has the Mamma Mia franchise generated so far?
The Mamma Mia franchise has generated approximately $1.5 billion in global revenue since its 2008 debut, combining box office earnings, soundtrack sales, and international stage productions. The two films alone have grossed over $1.1 billion worldwide, with the 2018 sequel outperforming the original. The musical’s global stage tour has played in over 50 countries, contributing significantly to the total.
Will Mamma Mia 3 feature new ABBA songs or only classics?
All songs in Mamma Mia 3 will be classic ABBA tracks, as confirmed by the film’s music supervisor. While rumors circulated about new compositions, the creative team has insisted the film’s power lies in the emotional resonance of the original 1970s-80s hits. Expect surprise arrangements and reimagined versions—like the haunting solo of "The Winner Takes It All" in the 2018 film—but no new ABBA recordings.