Amanda Seyfried’s candid complaint that sequels are made “just for money” did not extend to the ABBA-fueled franchise that made her a global star; the actor told Interview magazine she would sign on to Mamma Mia 3 “in a heartbeat.” Producer Judy Craymer seized the moment, saying the film is “well into development” with a finished script in hand.
Progress remains unofficial at Universal Pictures, whose immediate slate includes the two-part Wicked musical, a scheduling conflict Seyfried believes must clear before cameras roll. The studio’s caution is understandable: the first two Mamma Mia! movies earned nearly $1 billion worldwide, keeping expectations high for a third instalment. Industry observers quoted by Yahoo Movies nevertheless describe the project as “on track,” though no release date is in sight.
Craymer argues the appeal of returning to sun-drenched Kalokairi lies in giving audiences “another fun experience” just when cinemas need optimism. While plot specifics are under wraps, insiders say early drafts could follow Sophie’s infant son Donny or delve deeper into Cher’s flamboyant Ruby.
Cast enthusiasm is abundant. Christine Baranski has already been briefed on the story and calls the plan “phenomenal.” Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgård have each pledged to “jump at the chance” to return, and Meryl Streep has floated a soap-opera reincarnation to revive Donna Sheridan. The camaraderie, Seyfried told Entertainment Tonight, is the real draw: “We’d all say yes in a heartbeat because we want to hang out.”
New blood may join the dance floor. Craymer is openly courting pop star Sabrina Carpenter, suggesting she could play a relative who “looks very much like Meryl Streep,” an idea Seyfried has publicly endorsed. Carpenter’s recent “Mamma Mia” tour cover only fuelled fan excitement.
The timeline remains fluid. Seyfried has joked that Universal “can’t afford us” until Wicked finishes its run, hinting that 2027 is the earliest realistic window. Analysts agree the studio will avoid launching two major musicals in the same season, reinforcing the wait-and-see stance even as Craymer reiterates, “It will happen.”