Could the sun-kissed shores of Greece welcome us back for another round of ABBA hits and heartfelt drama? Amanda Seyfried, the luminous star of the Mamma Mia! franchise, has fans buzzing with her recent comments about a potential third installment. But before we dust off our dancing shoes, there's a catch: the studio needs to “show her the money,” and Meryl Streep's miraculous return from the dead might be the biggest hurdle of all.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Seyfried revealed that while producer Judy Craymer is actively working on another Mamma Mia! film, Universal Studios seems to be in no rush. The studio's focus on one musical at a time has created a logjam, with Wicked: For Good taking precedence. Seyfried joked that Universal's confidence in the franchise's inevitability might mean a heftier budget down the line.
But the real elephant in the room is Meryl Streep's character, Donna Sheridan, who was killed off in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. Seyfried hinted that Streep herself suggested the character's demise, leaving fans wondering how—or if—she could return. “Maybe it's on her to write it,” Seyfried quipped, acknowledging Streep's legendary talent and creativity.
While the Mamma Mia! saga remains in limbo, Seyfried is keeping busy with other projects. She's set to star in Ann Lee, an original musical film directed by Mona Fastvold. Set in the 1770s, the film tells the story of Ann Lee, the founder of the Shakers, and features a stellar cast including Thomasin McKenzie and Christopher Abbott. Seyfried's excitement for the project is palpable, as she describes it as a “crazy” and unique opportunity to showcase her singing and acting chops.
As a fan of the Mamma Mia! franchise, I can't help but feel a mix of excitement and skepticism. The first two films were a delightful blend of nostalgia, humor, and heart, but a third installment risks feeling redundant without a fresh twist. Meryl Streep's potential return is a wildcard that could either elevate the story or feel like a forced gimmick. Amanda Seyfried's candidness about the challenges is refreshing, and her enthusiasm for Ann Lee suggests she's eager to explore new creative horizons.
Do you think a third Mamma Mia! film is necessary, or should the franchise rest on its ABBA-filled laurels? How would you bring Meryl Streep's character back to life?
