When Amanda Seyfried stepped onto the stage at the Governor AwardsLos Angeles on November 17, 2025, she didn’t just accept an award—she dropped a casting bombshell. "Maybe Sophie has a cousin she hasn’t seen in a while… that could be Sabrina Carpenter," she told reporters, followed by a grin and the addition: "And Sydney Sweeney could show up." The crowd chuckled. Fans online lost their minds. And suddenly, Universal Pictures’s long-rumored Mamma Mia 3 felt real again.
From Speculation to Script
It’s been nearly seven years since Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again dazzled audiences with glitter, Greek sunsets, and Cher belting out "Dancing Queen" in a sequined jumpsuit. Since then, rumors about a third film have swirled like ABBA’s basslines—persistent, infectious, but never quite confirmed. That changed in May 2025, when producer Judy Craymer told Deadline the sequel was "well into development" with an "existing script." No start date. No director. But a story? Yes. "We know what we want to do with the movie, and it will happen," she said, her tone leaving no room for doubt. Seyfried, who’s played Sophie Sheridan since 2008, has been quietly nudging the franchise forward since 2024. In a May 2024 interview with ABC News, she mused: "If Sabrina Carpenter wants to play my daughter, I’ll make it happen." But she quickly walked it back. "I mean, she’s 26. I’m 39. That’s not a daughter—that’s a cousin." The clarification wasn’t just about age—it was about legacy. Meryl Streep, who portrayed Donna Sheridan, died in late 2024. Her presence in Mamma Mia 3 won’t be physical. But as Seyfried put it, "Meryl is a ghost, obviously, so she’ll be around."The New Generation Arrives
Seyfried’s vision for the next chapter hinges on generational continuity. Enter Sabrina Carpenter. The pop star, whose 2024 hit "Espresso" dominated charts and TikTok, brings a fresh, modern energy—exactly what the franchise needs to stay relevant. Carpenter’s vocal range, charisma, and innate stage presence make her a natural fit for a musical. And Seyfried’s cousin theory? Brilliant. It lets the story honor Donna’s legacy while introducing a new heroine who could inherit her spirit—and her love of ABBA. Then there’s Sydney Sweeney. Known for her intense, emotionally layered performances in Euphoria and The White Lotus, Sweeney could play a wildcard relative—perhaps a half-sister from Donna’s past, or even Ruby Sheridan’s (Cher’s character) estranged daughter. The possibility of Sweeney and Carpenter sharing a scene? Pure cinematic magic. Even Christine Baranski, who plays the razor-sharp Tanya, has hinted at the film’s direction. In May 2024, she told The Hollywood Reporter: "Soon we’ll all be on some fabulous Greek or Croatian island having a blast." But by May 2025, she’d softened her stance in a RadioTimes interview: "No [developments], but the last time I said anything, it went viral, and it was only a speculation." Still, the fact that she didn’t deny it? That’s telling.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just about casting. It’s about evolution. The original Mamma Mia! (2008) was a feel-good romp built on nostalgia. The 2018 sequel added layers—flashbacks, younger versions of the cast, and Cher as Donna’s mom. Now, with Streep gone, the story must shift from mother-daughter dynamics to generational inheritance. Who carries Donna’s fire? Who sings her songs now? The inclusion of pop stars like Carpenter signals a broader trend: musical franchises are no longer just for actors. Think La La Land’s Emma Stone, Barbie’s Margot Robbie singing, or even Encanto’s real-life singers. Music is the soul of Mamma Mia!, and Carpenter’s voice—bright, sassy, and effortlessly catchy—is the perfect bridge between ABBA’s 1970s glory and Gen Z’s streaming era.What’s Next?
No filming dates. No official casting announcements. But insiders say pre-production is accelerating. Location scouts are reportedly eyeing Croatia’s Dalmatian coast as a stand-in for the original’s Kalokairi island. The script, per Craymer, is complete and centers on Ruby Sheridan’s hidden past—and the arrival of a new generation of women who don’t know they’re part of Donna’s story. ABBA, the Swedish group formed in Stockholm in 1972, remains central. Their music, not just as background, but as narrative driver, will be woven into every scene. And while Universal Pictures hasn’t confirmed a release window, industry whispers suggest late 2026—a holiday season release to match the franchise’s festive spirit.
Behind the Scenes: The Legacy Lives
The Mamma Mia! franchise is more than a movie series. It’s a cultural touchstone. It turned a pop group’s greatest hits into a global phenomenon. It made audiences dance in theaters. It gave single mothers, daughters, and grandmothers a shared language of joy. Now, with Streep gone and the cast aging, the film must honor the past while embracing the future. Carpenter and Sweeney aren’t just replacements—they’re inheritors. And if Seyfried has her way, they’ll be singing "Dancing Queen" on a sunlit cliff, surrounded by the ghosts of Donna, Tanya, and Rosie… and maybe, just maybe, a new generation of fans who never knew they needed ABBA until now.Frequently Asked Questions
Will Meryl Streep appear in Mamma Mia 3?
No, Meryl Streep will not physically appear in Mamma Mia 3 following her passing in late 2024. However, Amanda Seyfried confirmed that Streep’s character, Donna Sheridan, will remain a spiritual presence—likely through archival footage, voiceovers, or flashbacks, similar to how Cher’s Ruby Sheridan was integrated in the 2018 sequel. The script reportedly uses Donna’s letters and memories as emotional anchors.
Why is Sabrina Carpenter being considered for the role?
Sabrina Carpenter brings a rare combination of pop stardom, vocal power, and screen charisma. Her 2024 hits like "Espresso" and "Please Please Please" show she can carry a song with personality—exactly what the role requires. Seyfried has repeatedly suggested Carpenter as Sophie’s cousin, not daughter, making the age gap plausible. Her youth and modern appeal could attract a new generation of fans without alienating longtime followers.
Is Mamma Mia 3 definitely happening?
Yes, producer Judy Craymer confirmed in May 2025 that the film is "well into development" with a completed script. While no start date has been set, pre-production is active, and key cast members like Christine Baranski and Julie Walters are expected to return. Universal Pictures has not officially greenlit filming, but industry insiders say a green light is imminent following final script approvals and location scouting.
Where will Mamma Mia 3 be filmed?
Though no official location has been announced, production scouts are reportedly evaluating Croatia’s Dalmatian coast—particularly the islands of Hvar and Vis—as alternatives to the original’s Greek setting. These locations offer similar architecture, clear waters, and fewer crowds than Greece, making them ideal for a high-budget musical. Christine Baranski’s 2024 comments about "Greek or Croatian islands" have since been echoed by multiple production insiders.
Will ABBA members appear in the film?
ABBA’s original members—Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad—are not expected to appear on screen. However, their music remains central to the film’s structure, and archival footage or digital recreations may be used. The soundtrack will feature new arrangements of classic ABBA hits, possibly with contemporary artists like Carpenter lending vocals. ABBA The Museum in Stockholm continues to collaborate on licensing and archival material.
When can we expect a release date?
If filming begins in early 2026, a late 2026 or early 2027 release is likely—possibly timed for the holiday season, as with the previous films. Universal Pictures typically takes 12–18 months to edit and market a musical of this scale, especially with complex choreography and visual effects. No official date has been set, but industry analysts predict a November 2026 rollout to maximize box office potential.
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