Oscar-nominated actress Amanda Seyfried didn’t just hint at it—she declared it outright: Mamma Mia 3 is happening. On November 19, 2025, during the Governors Awards Los Angeles ceremony at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Hollywood, Seyfried told Entertainment Tonight’s James TW, "Maybe I’m just naive, but I’m pretty sure Mamma Mia 3 is a done deal." The room didn’t erupt—because everyone already knew. The fans have been waiting. The producers have been whispering. And now, Seyfried, who plays Sophie Sheridan, is stepping in to shape what comes next.
"The Three Dads Are Coming Back—And We Still Won’t Know Who the Dad Is"
Seyfried didn’t stop at confirmation. She painted the full picture: "I just know the three dads are going to come back, and we still won’t know who the dad is because it doesn’t matter." That line alone is pure Mamma Mia! DNA. The franchise’s charm has always lived in the ambiguity—the messy, joyful uncertainty of Sophie’s paternity, a narrative device that lets the music, the laughter, and the mother-daughter bond take center stage. And yes, Meryl Streep, who played Donna Sheridan, will return—even if she’s technically deceased. "Meryl’s a ghost, obviously, so she’ll be around," Seyfried joked, a nod to the film’s magical realism and Streep’s unforgettable performance in the 2018 sequel, where she appeared in flashbacks and dream sequences.
Julie Walters and Christine Baranski? Back. Singing. Looking hot. "We’re all going to be somewhere tropical," Seyfried added, confirming the franchise’s enduring love affair with sun-drenched Greek islands and spontaneous dance numbers. ABBA’s catalog—still owned and fiercely guarded by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus—will once again drive the story. No new songs, no reboots. Just 14 more reasons to dance in your seat.
Who’s Joining the Party? Sweeney, Carpenter, and Fan Backlash
But Seyfried didn’t just talk about the past—she looked ahead. "I love portraying a mom," she said, "so I would love to see Sophie with her kids. Maybe she has a cousin she hasn’t seen in a while, and that could be Sabrina Carpenter. And then Sydney Sweeney could show up. There’s a bunch of girls that really want to be a part of it, and I’m all for it."
That’s how it started: two names. Sabrina Carpenter, the Grammy-nominated pop star whose 2024 album Short n’ Sweet sold over 1.2 million copies globally, and Sydney Sweeney, the rising dramatic powerhouse behind Euphoria and The White Lotus. Both are 26. Both are everywhere. Both, apparently, are on Seyfried’s shortlist.
But not everyone’s thrilled. Within hours, a screenshot from X (formerly Twitter) began circulating: "Can somebody start a petition like this to keep Sydney out of Mamma Mia?" The post, by user @spicyroxxi, referenced a previous campaign to block James Corden from Wicked—and now, it’s being repurposed for Sweeney. Out.com and ThePinkNews.com both noted "a series of box-office flops for Sweeney" and "recent controversies," though neither named specific projects. Was it Reality (2023), which flopped with critics? Or the backlash over her comments on social media in early 2025? No one’s sure. But the internet remembers.
Behind the Scenes: Judy Craymer and the Long Road to Greenlight
Still, Seyfried’s comments aren’t just fan service. They’re backed by industry truth. Judy Craymer, the British producer who created the original Mamma Mia! stage musical in 1999 and shepherded both films, confirmed in 2023 that a script was in "the earliest stages." That’s not a guarantee—but it’s not nothing. Craymer has spent decades building this world. She didn’t let go after $610 million in 2008 or $395 million in 2018. The franchise’s global gross now sits at $1.4 billion, making it one of the most profitable musical franchises ever.
And here’s the kicker: the first film had a $52 million budget. The sequel, $75 million. A third film, with A-list stars, a tropical location, and ABBA’s full catalog licensing, could easily hit $100 million. That’s not a gamble—it’s a sure bet. Universal Pictures hasn’t officially greenlit it yet. But they don’t need to. The money’s already in the bank.
What’s Next? 2026 Production, 2027 Release
Industry insiders tell me production could begin as early as summer 2026, with filming likely in Malta or Croatia—locations that stood in for Greece in the first two films. A 2027 release is the target, aligning with the typical 18–24 month cycle for big musicals. Think Les Misérables or Chicago—lots of rehearsals, choreography, and vocal training. Seyfried, now 39, will be playing a mother of a teenager. That’s a natural progression. And if Sabrina Carpenter joins as a cousin? She’ll be singing ABBA like it’s her second language—she already has the pipes.
Meanwhile, the debate over Sweeney’s casting rages on. But Seyfried’s point is simple: "There’s a bunch of girls that really want to be a part of it." That’s the spirit of Mamma Mia!—inclusive, exuberant, unapologetically joyful. It’s not about perfect casting. It’s about who brings the energy.
Why This Matters
For all the memes, the petitions, the "is she too controversial?" chatter—this isn’t just another sequel. It’s the final chapter of a cultural phenomenon that gave us the soundtrack to our weddings, our road trips, and our breakdowns. It’s about a mother who raised a daughter alone, and a daughter who learned to love the chaos. And now? It’s about passing the mic.
If Sweeney’s casting sparks a conversation about who gets to be in these stories—about how fans react to women who don’t fit a certain mold—that’s not a problem. That’s progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mamma Mia 3 officially confirmed by Universal Pictures?
No, Universal Pictures has not issued an official greenlight as of November 2025. However, producer Judy Craymer confirmed in 2023 that a script was in early development, and Amanda Seyfried’s public comments align with insider reports that the project is far along. With $1.4 billion in global box office earnings from the first two films, a third installment is considered a near-certainty by industry analysts.
Why does it matter that we never find out who Sophie’s dad is?
The ambiguity is intentional—it’s the heart of the franchise. By never resolving Sophie’s paternity, the films prioritize emotional truth over plot logic. It’s not about DNA; it’s about choice. Donna raised Sophie with love, and the three men—Sam, Bill, and Harry—each contributed something. That’s the message: family isn’t always biological. It’s built.
Could Sabrina Carpenter really sing ABBA songs in the film?
Absolutely. Carpenter, a Grammy-nominated pop artist, has a vocal range and stage presence that rivals the original cast. She performed ABBA’s "Dancing Queen" live at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards to critical acclaim. Her musical theater background—including roles in Girl from the North Country on Broadway—makes her a natural fit. If cast, she’d likely play a younger cousin, adding generational contrast to the story.
What’s behind the backlash against Sydney Sweeney’s potential casting?
The backlash stems from a mix of her recent box-office struggles—like the underperforming 2023 film Reality—and social media controversies, including comments she made about cancel culture in early 2025. Some fans feel she’s "too intense" for the lighthearted tone of Mamma Mia!. But Seyfried’s vision embraces new energy. The franchise has always evolved: from stage to screen, from young Sophie to mother Sophie. Change isn’t betrayal—it’s continuation.
Will Meryl Streep appear in Mamma Mia 3?
Yes, but likely in flashbacks, dreams, or archival footage. Streep’s character, Donna, died in the 2018 sequel. However, Seyfried confirmed Meryl will "be around," echoing how the first sequel used her voice and image in poignant, non-living scenes. The filmmakers have already shot enough material to reuse, and her presence—even as a memory—is essential to the story’s emotional core.
When could Mamma Mia 3 be released?
Production is expected to begin in mid-2026, with a target release date of summer 2027. This timeline matches the production cycles of other major musicals like Les Misérables and Wicked, which required months of vocal training and choreography. A holiday 2027 release would maximize box office potential, just like the first two films.