Universal Pictures has confirmed there will be a third installment in the Mamma Mia franchise, sparking renewed hope among fans eager to see Meryl Streep return. The announcement came during the 2026 BAFTAs, as the studio hinted at ongoing discussions to continue the beloved musical saga inspired by ABBA’s hits.
Confirmation and Talks for a New Mamma Mia Film
It has been eight years since the release of Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, the sequel that delighted audiences worldwide with its sun-soaked Greek island setting and tangled family stories. Now, Universal Pictures Chairwoman Donna Langley assured the public that Mamma Mia 3 is indeed in the works.
“To say right now that there will be a Mamma Mia 3,”
Langley revealed during an interview on the BAFTAs red carpet, confirming the studio’s commitment to the project. She also shared that discussions are underway with Dame Judy Craymer, the original stage show’s producer who introduced the musical to Universal and has been closely involved ever since.
Bringing Back the Original Cast, Including Meryl Streep
While Langley did not provide specific timelines for filming, she expressed a strong willingness to accommodate Meryl Streep’s schedule, emphasizing the studio’s eagerness to have the franchise star back on board.
“If Meryl Streep would like to come back, we will find a way to bring her back,”
Langley assured.
The anticipation surrounding Streep’s possible return is significant, given the character Donna’s offscreen death between the first film and the sequel, where her presence was portrayed as a ghost. Despite this, Streep has shown enthusiasm for reprising her role. Commenting in 2023, she said,
“I’ll have to schedule a knee scoping before we film, but if there’s an idea that excites me, I’m totally there.”
Cast Members and Producer Support a Third Installment
The Mamma Mia series has enjoyed considerable success, with Here We Go Again earning over four times its budget at the box office in 2018. Fans, cast, and crew have long hoped a third film would follow, but it has taken several years to reach this stage.
Judy Craymer has expressed her belief in the trilogy’s inevitability.
“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,”
she stated in 2020.
Supporting this optimism, Pierce Brosnan, who plays Sam Carmichael—one of Donna’s former flames and a possible father to Sophie—has affirmed his readiness to return. He added his confidence that “everybody would be in.” Amanda Seyfried, who stars as Sophie, has repeatedly confirmed her willingness to come back as well, even agreeing to fans’ suggestions of casting Sabrina Carpenter as Sophie’s daughter in a potential storyline.
What Lies Ahead for the Mamma Mia Franchise
With Universal’s commitment and key players on board, a Mamma Mia 3 film appears closer to reality. The combination of fan enthusiasm, the return of principal actors, and the creative team’s dedication could bring fresh stories to the enchanting world set on the Greek islands.
As plans develop, the studio’s focus on securing Meryl Streep’s participation underscores the importance of maintaining continuity and honoring the legacy of the previous films. Audiences can look forward to updates on casting, production schedules, and plot details as the sequel progresses toward fruition.
