A third trip to the Greek island of Kalokairi might see a role reversal for Sophie Sheridan. In new interviews, Amanda Seyfried has shared her hopes for the future of her character in a potential Mamma Mia 3, imagining Sophie stepping into her own mother’s shoes to explore life as a parent.
While fans have waited for news since the last film in 2018, Seyfried recently confirmed the project is officially “happening,” with an ideal goal to start filming in the summer of 2026. The actress’s personal experience with motherhood is shaping her vision for where the beloved musical franchise could go next.
Amanda Seyfried’s Vision for Sophie’s Future
At a recent movie premiere, Amanda Seyfried was asked about the possibility of a third Mamma Mia film. Her answer focused squarely on family. “Oh, with kids,” she said. She expanded on this idea, drawing a direct line from Sophie’s mother, Donna, to Sophie’s potential future.
โI love being a mother. I love playing a mother, and I would love to dive into the curiosities of motherhood and raising children on a Greek island โ just like Donna did with Sophie.โ
This idea has a clear foundation in the existing story. The 2018 sequel, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, ended with Sophie giving birth to a son. Seyfried sees this as a perfect starting point for a new story that explores the “joy, chaos, and emotional depth” of raising a family in that iconic location.
The Long Road to Mamma Mia 3: What We Know So Far
The journey to a third film has been filled with mixed signals, creating uncertainty for both the cast and fans. Producer Judy Craymer, the driving force behind the musical and films, has consistently expressed confidence. She confirmed to Deadline that a script has been written and stated plainly, โWell, we know what we want to do with the movie, and it will happenโ.
However, key members of the ABBA songwriting duo, Benny Andersson and Bjรถrn Ulvaeus, have been more cautious. Andersson has previously called talk of a third film “wishful thinking”. Seyfried herself noted that their schedules and song selections are a crucial piece of the puzzle.
Recently, the actress offered a blunt assessment of the progress, telling ScreenRant, “We’re not anywhere”. She explained that aligning the schedules of the large, famous ensemble cast and finalizing a story are significant hurdles. Despite the challenges, her desire to return is strong. โItโs almost been 10 years, and we said we wouldnโt wait 10 years to do it. And itโs just, itโs about f***ing time,โ she told *MovieWeb*.
Will the Original Cast Return for Another Sequel?
A major part of the franchise’s charm is its beloved ensemble cast. Seyfried has spoken warmly about the prospect of reuniting with her on-screen family, mentioning Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgรฅrd, Pierce Brosnan, Christine Baranski, and Julie Walters by name. She also expressed hope that Meryl Streep would find a way to return, despite her character Donna’s passing in the previous film.
Pierce Brosnan, who plays Sam, one of Sophie’s potential fathers, has also discussed the project. He revealed having a dinner with producer Judy Craymer where they talked about where the characters could go. He also hinted that the long-standing mystery of Sophie’s biological father might finally be addressed, saying, “I think youโll have to wait for the next movie”.
On the possibility of new faces, producer Judy Craymer hinted that pop star Sabrina Carpenter could potentially join the cast. This suggests the film might follow the pattern of blending established stars with contemporary musical talent.
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What the First Two Films Built For Sophie’s Story
To understand Seyfried’s ideas, it helps to look at where Sophie’s journey has gone. The first 2008 film centered on a young Sophie, who secretly invites three of her mother’s former lovers to her wedding, hoping to discover which one is her real father.
The 2018 sequel shifted the focus. Set after the death of her mother, Donna, a pregnant Sophie works to reopen the family hotel. The film used flashbacks to tell the story of a young Donna, drawing parallels between mother and daughter. The film’s conclusion, with Sophie becoming a mother herself, naturally sets the stage for a story about the next generation.
The commercial success of the first two films, which together grossed over $1 billion globally, is a strong incentive for the studio to make a third installment.
