Meryl Streep admits she has 'imminent' meeting about Mamma Mia 3
She's meeting with producer Judy Craymer about her character!
Mamma Mia fans, rejoice - there could be a THIRD film in the works! After the monumental success of the first film in 2008, and the sequel, Here We Go Again in 2018, it's no surprise that the movies could be getting a third instalment.
The films are based on the musical Mamma Mia!, which is itself based on the music of ABBA, and was originally created by Judy Craymer.
After Judy teased the third movie is 'in its early stages', prior to the release of the new ITV talent show Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream last year, Meryl Streep has now teased she has an 'imminent' meeting with producer Judy about her character Donna Sheridan.
The 74-year-old spoke to Deadline, saying: “I don’t know how they’re going to do it. They have an idea. I haven’t heard it yet but it’s in my diary and I’m going to hear about it pretty soon.
“Of course I want to do it. I think folks love it.”
It sounds like Meryl isn't the only cast member eager for a third movie. Appearing on Good Morning Britain on Monday 4th September 2023, Cher, who played the role of Ruby Sheridan in Here We Go Again in 2018, said: "You know Judy keeps threatening a film but so far I haven’t seen a script. Judy is my friend so we talk about stuff.
“I never know exactly what I’m going to do until I do it. I have this feeling that ‘what belongs to you comes to you’. Judy hasn’t come to me yet.”
When host Ed Balls asked if she would say ‘yes’ to another film, she quickly gasped: "Oh maybe!"
Speaking to Deadline last year, creator Judy also revealed she has come up with a way to bring back characters from the first two movies, meaning both Meryl Streep and Cher could return.
Emphasising that a third film is not yet 'official', Judy said at the time: "I don't want to over-egg it, but I know there's a trilogy there. There is a story there, and I do think Meryl should come back - and if the script is right, she would, I think, because she really loved playing Donna."
Back in 2022, film maker Ol Parker dropped an exciting hint that a third instalment could be happening.
Speaking during an interview with ScreenRant, Ol said: "Judy Craymer, the genius producer behind the musical and the first two films, always plans for it to be a trilogy. That's all I can say.
"The first one made an enormous amount of money, and I think we made a fair amount too. I know that there is a hunger for a third, and I know that she has a plan. Wouldn't it be lovely?"
Speaking to the Daily Mail in 2022, Judy said that it was always planned as a trilogy, saying: "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."
Judy went on to admit that the story was already underway before the global 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."
Several cast members have also shared that they would be keen to return, including Pierce Brosnan who said: "It's criminal how much fun you have on that movie. I think everybody would be in... I'm sure there's some plans."
Take a look at some of the films coming out in 2024 and beyond:
Argylle
Release date: 2nd February 2024
With an all-star cast including the likes of Dua Lipa, Henry Cavill, Bryce Dallas Howard, John Cena, Catherine O'Hara and Bryan Cranston, this brand new spy film was an exciting one for fans. Directed by Matthew Vaughn, who also worked on the smash-hit Kingsman franchise, the film sees the line between fiction and reality blur, as Elly Conway's spy novel begins to mirror a real-life spy organisation.
Dune: Part Two
Release date: 1st March 2024
The follow-up to 2021's smash-hit Dune, Dune: Part Two saw the return of stars such as Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, as they continued their mythic journey. After fans were left slightly disappointed with the lack of Zendaya's presence in the first film, it seemed as though she would feature more heavily in the sequel, with Timothée stating before the film's release that her scenes are "incredible" and in "greater abundance".
Challengers
Release date: 26th April 2024
It's no secret that pretty much any film featuring superstar Zendaya is a hit! The actress stars as Tashi Donaldson in this romantic sports comedy-drama - a tennis player turned coach who becomes involved in a love triangle 'gone wrong'. Also starring are names such as Mike Faist, Josh O'Connor and Faith Fay.
Inside Out 2
Release date: 14th June 2024
The sequel to 2015's Inside Out, we're set to re-visit the colourful gang as Amy Poehler returns as Joy. The film is set for release in summer 2024, and will explore Riley's emotions as a teenager! The film will introduce four new Emotions, including Anxiety, which will be voiced by Maya Hawke. An official teaser trailer for the film was released in November 2023, and the full-length trailer was released in March 2024.
Deadpool 3
Release date: 26th July 2024
Returning for its highly-anticipated third instalment, Ryan Reynolds is set to reprise his role as Deadpool (or should we say, Wade Wilson) in July 2024. The original film dropped back in February 2016, with the sequel arriving two years later in 2018.
A Quiet Place: Day One
Release date: 28th June 2024 (reportedly)
A sequel to John Krasinski's A Quiet Place is coming in 2024, titled A Quiet Place: Day One. The film will be a prequel to the original idea from John, detailing 'why our world went quiet'. The official trailer was released in February, teasing the film was coming 'only in cinemas' soon. Reports have announced names such as Lupita Nyong'o, Alex Wolff, Djimon Hounsou and Denis O'Hare as cast.
Beetlejuice 2
Release date: 6th September 2024
The iconic 1988 hit Tim Burton film Beetlejuice, starring Michael Keaton as the wacky titular character, is officially coming back into our lives in 2024 - with a sequel heading our way. Not only that, but fans of the film will be elated to know that the new fantasy horror comedy will once again be directed by Tim, with other legendary actors returning such as Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder and Catherine O'Hara. Beetlejuice 2 is also set to feature Wednesday star Jenna Ortega, as well as Monica Bellucci and Willem Dafoe.
Saw 11
Release date: 24th September 2024
September 2024 will see the infamous game continue as the 11th instalment in the Saw franchise arrives at cinemas. Fans of the gory horror don't have to wait too long between films, with the 10th Saw landing back in September 2023.
Joker: Folie à Deux
Release date: 4th October 2024
Following the huge success of the first Joker film in 2019, Joaquin Phoenix will be reprising his role in the highly-anticipated sequel, which is officially set for release in October 2024. Not only that, but fans are gearing up to see none other than 'Born This Way' icon Lady Gaga star as the Joker's girlfriend Harley Quinn, with pictures of her character being teased in December 2023.
Smile 2
Release date: 18th October 2024
Smile 2 is heading our way in October 2024, meaning the sequel will arrive around two years after the original horror/mystery film was released.
Wicked
Release date: 27th November 2024
The hugely anticipated Wicked movie will be landing in two parts - with Part One dropping in late November 2024 - which is around Thanksgiving in the United States. Part Two will land a year later, with a current release date of 26th November 2025. The film stars Ariana Grande as Glinda, alongside Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba.
Moana 2
Release date: 27th November 2024
Disney bosses delighted fans in February by announcing a shock sequel to 2016 movie Moana! Sharing a short announcement clip, Disney confirmed the second movie will land in November 2024!
Gladiator 2
Release date: November 2024
A whopping 24-years after the release of the original smash-hit film Gladiator, starring Russell Crowe, a sequel is officially on the way! With a current scheduled release date of November 2024, the highly-anticipated movie will see the talented Ridley Scott return to direct, as well as Normal People's Paul Mescal take on a starring role.
Mufasa: The Lion King
Release date: December 2024
Fans were incredibly excited when Disney announced another live-action film coming our way. In the upcoming prequel film, set for release in 2024, we will get to see Mufasa's journey to becoming the King.
Sonic 3
Release date: December 2024
After the success of the first two Sonic films, which starred the likes of Ben Schwartz, James Marsden and Jim Carrey, fans cannot wait for the third instalment to be released in 2024. The upcoming third film in the franchise is set to feature the introduction of a character named Shadow, who is expected to serve as the movie's main antagonist, with other iconic game characters such as Rouge the Bat making an appearance.
Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy
Release date: February 2025
That's right - Bridegt Jones is back! Renée Zellweger, Hugh Grant and Emma Thompson are all set to reprise their famous roles, with Renée confirming the exciting announcement in April 2024. The fourth film, titled Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy, will be based on the latest novel by Helen Fielding of the same name, and is thought to be heading for a US release date of Valentine's Day 2025. Find out about the plot, cast and more here.
Snow White live-action remake
Release date: 20th March 2025
Starring Rachel Zegler in the titular role, and Gal Gadot as The Evil Queen, Disney will bring us a brand new Snow White live-action remake in 2024. Getting the Disney remake treatment, the film will include new music from composing duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul - the masterminds behind hit songs from epic movies such as La La Land, The Greatest Showman, and Dear Evan Hansen.
Peaky Blinders film
Release date: 2025
That's right, we're officially getting a Peaky Blinders film! In place of a seventh series, show creator Steven Knight has confirmed that they will be creating a movie, which will be set during the time-frame of World War Two. Steven previously teased that production would start in Spring 2023, and that it might hit cinemas by Spring 2024 - however, in January 2024 he told Radio Times: "I'm just working on the final bits of it at the moment", and that: "The plan is to start shooting that in the middle of 2024". So, it looks like a 2025 release date is on the cards.
Find out everything we know about the plot, cast and characters here.
ABBA legend Björn Ulvaeus was keen for a third Mamma Mia! film, admitting back in June 2019 that he would be open to the idea. He said: "If someone comes up with an idea for Mamma Mia! 3 you know I’ll have a look at it. We’ll have a look at it."
Sadly there is no word yet on when a third film could be likely to get made, but it sounds like plans are being put in place!
Now read:
Pierce Brosnan shares his thoughts on a potential Mamma Mia! 3 film
The biggest films dropping in 2024 and their release dates
Downtown Abbey officially confirm third movie