Musicals usually aren't for everyone, but there's no denying that the theatricality of it can be pretty contagious -- just look at the reception to La La Land. So it makes sense that Universal is dipping back into the well in the hopes of producing another smash hit. I hope all you dancing queens out there are ready to get more ABBA stuck in your head for all eternity. Mamma Mia!, the hit movie musical adaptation led by Meryl Streep, is getting a sequel. Several of the cast of the original film will be reprising their role for the sequel including Streep, Pierce Brosnan, and Colin Firth.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Universal is making a move on a sequel to Mammia Mia!, a successful 2008 musical that was based on a Broadway musical of the same name. Entitled Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again (they really didn't strain themselves coming up with that one), several actors from the film will be returning for the sequel, with Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, and Colin Firth announced so far. The project is being described as a sequel-prequel hybrid, with scenes taking place in both present day and in flashbacks. Returning cast members will be in the modern scenes while new actors will be found to play their younger versions, each singing more ABBA. The original film followed the story of a girl (Amanda Seyfried) who invites three men to her wedding in hopes of learning which one is her father.
Ol Parker, the writer of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and its sequel, has been recruited to direct Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again. Producers Gary Goetzman and Judy Craymer will be returning for the sequel; Craymer is the all-time Mamma Mia! expert, being the creator and producer of the long-running stage play, giving this sequel an extra shot of pedigree.
Why are we even getting a sequel, you might be asking with a furrowed brow. Well, despite mixed reviews, Mamma Mia! is one of Universal's biggest hits, having grossed $609.8 million worldwide, making it the fifth highest grossing movie of 2008. Additionally, it was the highest grossing live-action musical of all time, until just this year in fact when it was dethroned by Beauty and the Beast. So, there is some sense to going back to the proven success.
While not the greatest musical ever, it is an infectious one, which why I apologize for posting this video and likely getting "Dancing Queen" stuck in your head all day.
As of now, Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again is slated for a release on July 20, 2018.
