A Third Mamma Mia Film Is in the Works, and I Have Several Ideas on How It Could Go Down

Updated on 6/28/2020 at 1:30 PM

Lord of the Rings has comfortably been known by many as the greatest trilogy in film, but a new contender is ready to take its place at the top. Yes, I'm referring to the possible third Mamma Mia film, and I'm 100 percent serious! It's been 12 years since we started following the story of Sophie (Amanda Seyfried); her mother, Donna (Meryl Streep); and her three possible fathers (Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and Stellan Skarsgard) as they danced through the Greek island of Kalokairi, singing along to the music of ABBA. Two years after the rousing success that was Mamma Mia!: Here I Go Again, producer Judy Craymer is teasing that a third film is already in the works.

Craymer, who worked on the original stage musical and the film adaptations, told Daily Mail that she was planning the third installment before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. "I was meant to have been getting on with that, in my head, during these months. But then I got hit with COVID fog," she said. "I think 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."

More like, the entire universe would like her to do it! Even Seyfried is down for another film, and she's pretty sure the rest of the star-studded cast would be as well — if they could make it work.

"Listen, every single person in that movie would say yes in a heartbeat because we want to hang out with each other," the You Should Have Left actress told Collider. "But I'll tell you what — I've said it before and I'll say it again and I hope I'm wrong again. I don't think there are enough ABBA songs to make a third movie. Because we'd have to use 'Super Trooper' again and we'd have to use 'Mamma Mia' again and have to use them in a different way."

It's a valid fear — there are only so many ABBA songs that can be used to sing about your mysterious paternity — but in her interview, Craymer mentioned new ABBA music that she wanted to use for the third film. And since production would be free to follow whatever path they wanted, who says they couldn't use other music entirely? (Though would it truly be Mamma Mia if there's no ABBA music?) Either way, the fans have spoken, and we're totally down for another Mamma Mia sequel. And just in case Craymer needs some ideas to help speed the process along, I'm more than happy to help with a few of my own.

It Could Focus on Sophie's Past

All we know about Sophie is that she has three possible dads, a flaky husband, and a late mother who was the definition of a free spirit. Now, she's going to be a mother, and it's her time to properly shine! Mamma Mia 3 could focus on Sophie as she steps into her new role and look back at her past experiences like the second film did for her mother. Sure, she spent her entire life on that little island, but it could have been just as endearingly zany as her mother's life! (Without the baby-daddy mystery.)

It Could Show More of Donna and Sophie's Bond

If you didn't cry during that final scene between Donna and Sophie in Here We Go Again, you're a stronger person than me. If the third film focuses on Sophie's life, we have to see more moments between her and her mother! Streep and Seyfried have such great chemistry, and they make the simplest scenes so emotionally packed that we would be happy with a good hour of mother-daughter fluff.

It Could Show Ruby's Past

You can't just spring Cher as a fabulously distant glam mother and not expand on her story! I know I'm not the only one who would be down to see Cher return for another film where she visits her granddaughter to bond with her great-grandson — or whatever Ruby's version of bonding would be — and spins the tale of her youth. I'm already creating a list of actresses who would be excellent as a younger Ruby, but this would also be a great excuse for Lily James to return as a young Donna, butting heads with her mother. And we could learn the story behind her romance with Fernando!

It Could Show More of Tanya and Rosie

Some of the sequel's standout moments were thanks to the Dynamos — both their present and younger selves — so they absolutely need to be in the next film. Whether it's with their stories taking the lead (we definitely deserve to hear more about Tanya's many ex-husbands) or them stepping in to help guide Sophie as she stumbles through motherhood, we want more!

It Could Explain the Mystery of Fernando and Ruby

The character of Fernando was literally created just so Cher could sing "Fernando," but Andy Garcia fleshed him out so well, we want to know more. Who is this strong and silent man who seems like he could fight back any storm with his bare fists and still cradle you to his chest with the utmost gentleness? What happened in Mexico all those years ago? And is he more than just Ruby's ex-lover? Could he be Donna's mysteriously absent father?! So many questions!

It Could Include More of Colin Firth Dancing

Listen, I'm pretty easy to please; when I see Colin Firth on a boat living his best life, I just ask for more. Of course, I would love to get more of Firth's Harry in general: what's his life like, what about his family away outside of (possibly) Sophie, and when is he getting married? We need answers!

It Could Show More of the Dynamos' History

I can't be the only one wanting more of Donna and the Dynamos! If there's to be a third Mamma Mia, why shouldn't it include some more backstory into how the greatest disco-singing trio came to be? Not only will it be a deeper dive into the lives of three brilliant women, but it would be a perfect excuse to get more of those amazing performances!

It Could Finally Answer the Story's Most Important Question

No, seriously, will we ever get an answer to who is Sophie's father?! I know the answer is probably not, but I had to put it out there.

It's definitely Bill though, right?