Calling all Dancing Queens and Super Troupers! It could be time to dust off those platforms as we've got our closest hint yet that a third installment of the iconic Mamma Mia movies is in the works. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the West End production of "Mamma Mia", creator Judy Craymer spoke to Deadline [1] about a third film with all of the original characters returning. "It's in its earliest stages," Craymer revealed.

It's been 15 years since we were treated to the heartwarming story on the silver screen, as Sophie (Amanda Seyfried [2]); her mother, Donna (Meryl Streep [3]); and her three possible fathers (Pierce Brosnan [4], Colin Firth [5], and Stellan Skarsgard) danced through the Greek island of Kalokairi, singing along to the music of ABBA. In 2018, we were reunited with the family in "Mamma Mia! Here I Go Again" which saw the story of young Donna (Lily James) — and her mum Ruby (Cher) — play out. And now, we could be seeing them all back together again. "I don't want to over-egg it, but I know there's a trilogy there," Craymer said "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."

There's no doubt that the appetite for another dose of ABBA-filled musicals is bubbling away. Later this year, ITV are launching a "Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream" talent show in order to find the new stars of the London stage show, which could also be making a return to Broadway in 2025. Plus, the groundbreaking ABBA Voyage virtual concert in London is continuing to sellout.

But before we start practicing the vocals to "Waterloo", there has been no official announcement, yet these latest quips certainly don't rule it out. It's also not the first time that Craymer has hinted at a new movie but the pandemic delayed the process. "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 told The Daily Mail [6] in 2020. "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 has said she'd be up for another film — 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 actress told Collider [7] in 2020. "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, but we're pretty sure another version of "Gimme Gimme Gimme" will be just as enjoyable. Read ahead to see some of the plot ideas we've had, just in case they need help to speed up the process.

— Additional reporting by Joely Chilcott

Mamma Mia 3 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.)

Mamma Mia 3 Could Show More of Donna and Sophie's Bond

If you didn't cry during that final scene between Donna and Sophie in "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again", you're stronger than us. 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.

Mamma Mia 3 Could Show Ruby's Past

You can't just spring Cher as a fabulously distant glam mother and not expand on her story. We know we're not the only ones 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. We're already creating a list of actors 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. . .

Mamma Mia 3 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.

Mamma Mia 3 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.

Mamma Mia 3 Should Include More of Colin Firth Dancing

Listen, we're pretty easy to please; when we see Colin Firth [8] on a boat living his best life, we just ask for more. Of course, we 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!

Mamma Mia 3 Could Show More of the Dynamos History

Donna and the Dynamos are the trio we all want to be friends with. 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.

Mamma Mia 3 Could Finally Answer the Story's Most Important Question

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




It's definitely Bill though, right? [9].