After years of hopeful “will it, won’t it” headlines, Mamma Mia! 3 crossed a definitive threshold in early 2026. NBCUniversal Entertainment chairman Dame Donna Langley confirmed at the February 2026 BAFTA Film Awards that the film is going ahead, and Universal Pictures has reportedly given it the green light.
“Yes, I’m going to say right now that there will be a Mamma Mia 3.”
– Dame Donna Langley, NBCUniversal Entertainment Chairman, BAFTA red carpet, February 2026
The news came after years-long relay of positive signals. In October 2023, Craymer told fans it “will happen.” By May 2025 she confirmed to Deadline that development was well underway. Amanda Seyfried, the franchise’s lead, summed it up plainly: “Mamma Mia! 3 is happening. It’s going to happen in Greece, hopefully before 2038.”
Director: Why Paul Feig is a smart choice?
In January 2026, Seyfried accidentally revealed the director while speaking with filmmaker Mona Fastvold. When Fastvold expressed interest in helming the threequel, Seyfried cut in to say that Paul Feig had already been given the job. Feig is now officially confirmed to direct.
| Stats | Value | Note |
| Box Office – Film 1 | $610M | on a $52M budget |
| Box Office – Film 2 | $402M | on a $75M budget |
| Release Date | TBA | Est. 2027–2028 |
| Filming Location | Greece | Confirmed by Seyfried |
Feig is the man behind crowd-pleasing comedies including Bridesmaids, Spy, and A Simple Favor, films known for sharp humor, strong female leads, and genuine emotional warmth. His most recent hit, The Housemaid (2025), grossed over $200 million worldwide and starred Seyfried herself alongside Sydney Sweeney.
His appointment signals that Universal wants a director who can balance laughs, heart, and spectacle – exactly what a Mamma Mia! film demands. Feig steps into shoes previously worn by Phyllida Lloyd (film 1) and Ol Parker (film 2).
Mamma Mia! 3 Release Date and Time
No official release date has been set as director Feig is committed to finish The Housemaid 2 (shooting spring 2026) and A Simple Favor 3 before Mamma Mia! 3 can begin production. Seyfried has said she would ideally like to film in summer 2026, though scheduling 15+ major stars is a significant logistical challenge.
“Universal still has to release Wicked 2. It’s an either/or situation with musicals. And I have this theory that Universal just knows we’re going to do it, so they’re not in any rush.”
– Amanda Seyfried, The Hollywood Reporter, March 2025
Given that both previous films released in July – and typically took around a year from start of production to release, the most realistic theatrical window is summer 2027 or summer 2028.
Confirmed & Expected Cast
Virtually the entire ensemble has either confirmed their return or expressed eager willingness to come back. Here’s where everyone stands:
| Actor | Character | Status |
| Amanda Seyfried | Sophie | Confirmed |
| Meryl Streep | Donna (returns in some form) | Confirmed |
| Christine Baranski | Tanya | Confirmed |
| Pierce Brosnan | Sam | Confirmed |
| Colin Firth | Harry | Expected |
| Stellan Skarsgård | Bill | Expected |
| Julie Walters | Rosie | Expected |
| Dominic Cooper | Sky | Expected |
| Sabrina Carpenter | New role (Donna-like) | In Talks |
| Sydney Sweeney | New role (Sophie’s family) | Rumored |
* Donna died in film 2; Streep has confirmed she will return – the appearance (flashback, twin, or other device) remains undisclosed.
“If Sabrina Carpenter wants to play my daughter, I’ll make it happen. It’s fine. I’m a big fan.”
– Amanda Seyfried on Sabrina Carpenter casting, Deadline, 2025
Producer Judy Craymer confirmed in May 2025 that Carpenter, who performed multiple ABBA songs on her Short n’ Sweet tour was being actively sought for a role described as “a goddess or some relation who would look very much like Meryl Streep,” potentially a younger relative of Donna. Seyfried has also floated Sydney Sweeney for a role connected to Sophie’s family, though neither casting is official.
The Meryl Streep Question: How Does Donna Come Back?
Donna Sheridan died between the events of the first and second films, with her passing only confirmed at the start of Here We Go Again. Despite this, both Streep and Craymer have been clear: she will appear in the threequel. In April 2026, Streep gave an emphatic “damn yes!” on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert when asked about returning.
The mechanics are still under wraps. Streep herself has floated a soap-opera-style twin revelation (“Donna comes back and reveals it was really her twin sister that died”), while other options include extended flashback sequences or an ethereal presence. Christine Baranski has confirmed she’s been briefed on the plot. The mystery is, frankly, half the fun.
Expected Storyline
No official script exists publicly. Seyfried herself has said she has yet to read one. However, the creative team has dropped enough breadcrumbs to sketch a likely direction. The threequel is expected to center on Sophie navigating motherhood, raising her son Donny in a mirror of Donna’s journey raising Sophie in the original film. This generational echo is a structural hallmark of the franchise.
Seyfried has spoken about exploring “the curiosities of motherhood and raising children,” and Craymer has spoken about finding a way to reunite the full original cast on the sunny Greek island of Kalokairi. The franchise has always used ABBA’s catalog as emotional scaffolding, and the third film is expected to incorporate new or previously unused ABBA songs.
Music: What ABBA Songs Might Feature?
ABBA’s 2021 reunion album Voyage gave the franchise a fresh well to draw from. Craymer confirmed that some of these new recordings could feature in a third film — meaning audiences may hear ABBA songs that have never before appeared in a movie musical. Björn Ulvaeus told the Loose Women panel in September 2024 that he wasn’t ruling out a third film, adding there was “a lot of enthusiasm.” The franchise’s entire identity is ABBA-first, so expect showstopping renditions regardless of which tracks are chosen.
Is There a Trailer Yet?
No. With filming not yet underway and a production start date unannounced as of April 2026, a trailer is still some way off. Given the typical Mamma Mia! production timeline, around 4 months of filming followed by 7 months to release, fans should expect the first teaser to arrive no earlier than late 2026 at the very earliest, and more likely 2027.
Key Milestones So Far
| June 2020 | Judy Craymer announces a third film is in development, with potential new ABBA songs. |
| October 2023 | Craymer assures fans the threequel “will happen” and reveals plans to bring back Meryl Streep. |
| May 2025 | Craymer confirms to Deadline that Sabrina Carpenter is being sought for a key role. |
| January 2026 | Paul Feig confirmed as director; Universal greenlight reported. |
| February 2026 | NBCUniversal chair Dame Donna Langley officially declares “there will be a Mamma Mia 3” at the BAFTAs. |
| April 2026 | Meryl Streep confirms return on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. |
Sources & Citations
- Dame Donna Langley / Deadline via Hello Rayo – BAFTA confirmation, February 2026
- FandomWire – Paul Feig director confirmation, January 2026
- New Idea – Sabrina Carpenter casting details, May 2025
- Cinema Daily US – Amanda Seyfried Greece quote
- Capital FM – Meryl Streep Late Show confirmation, April 2026
- Wikipedia – Franchise box office data
FAQs
Is Mamma Mia 3 confirmed?
Yes. Universal Pictures has greenlit the project and NBCUniversal’s chairman publicly confirmed it in February 2026.
Who is directing Mamma Mia 3?
Paul Feig (Bridesmaids, The Housemaid), confirmed in January 2026.
Is Meryl Streep in Mamma Mia 3?
Yes. Streep confirmed her return in April 2026, though the method of Donna’s reappearance hasn’t been revealed.
When does Mamma Mia 3 come out?
No official date. Summer 2027 or 2028 is the realistic estimate based on production timelines.
Will Sabrina Carpenter be in Mamma Mia 3?
She is being actively sought by producer Judy Craymer, reportedly for a role as a Donna-like younger relative, but no contract has been announced.
Where will Mamma Mia 3 be filmed?
Seyfried has confirmed it will film in Greece, consistent with both previous films.
