Speculation Surrounds Meryl Streep's Possible Return in Mamma Mia 3

Stellan Skarsgård, who portrayed Bill, one of Donna's former love interests in the Mamma Mia! franchise, has reignited speculation about Meryl Streep's character, Donna, returning for a potential Mamma Mia 3. During the 2026 Golden Globes, Skarsgård stated, “She can be brought back from the dead — everybody can be brought back from the dead in the movies — and in the movies, she’s fantastic.” He added that “a lot of people are working on” bringing Donna back, which has excited fans of the series.

People MagazineMeryl Streep sparks ‘Mamma Mia 3’ buzz with possible Donna returnMeryl Streep returning for Mamma Mia 3??

In the 2018 film Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, Donna's death was revealed to have occurred off-screen due to an unspecified illness. This development left many fans wondering about the future of the beloved character. Despite this, the ongoing discussions about a third installment have kept hope alive for Streep's return.

Meryl Streep sparks ‘Mamma Mia 3’ buzz with possible Donna return

Meryl Streep has expressed her willingness to reprise her role as Donna, provided there is an exciting concept for her return. In Vogue’s “Oral History of Mamma Mia!” published in 2023, she stated, “If there’s an idea that excites me, I’m totally there. I’m up for anything.” Streep humorously suggested potential plot twists, such as a reincarnation of Donna or a storyline where it is revealed that Donna's twin sister had died instead. She quipped, “We may have to call it Grand-Mamma Mia! by the time we make it!”

Meryl Streep sparks ‘Mamma Mia 3’ buzz with possible Donna returnMeryl Streep returning for Mamma Mia 3??People Magazine

Amanda Seyfried, who plays Donna's daughter Sophie, has also shown enthusiasm for the project. She remarked, “I have no idea where the story is going to go, but I know there’s going to be a lot of singing and dancing.” Seyfried expressed her commitment to advocating for the film's development, stating, “I’m going to keep campaigning for that movie until I’m blue in the face.”

People MagazineMeryl Streep returning for Mamma Mia 3??

Producer Judy Craymer confirmed that a script for Mamma Mia 3 has been completed and that the film remains in development. However, she noted that the project has not yet been officially greenlit, and no cast announcements have been made.

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While there is considerable excitement surrounding the potential return of Donna, there has been no formal confirmation from the studio regarding the production of Mamma Mia 3. The lack of official announcements leaves fans in a state of anticipation, balancing hope with uncertainty.

Meryl Streep sparks ‘Mamma Mia 3’ buzz with possible Donna return

• “She can be brought back from the dead — everybody can be brought back from the dead in the movies — and in the movies, she’s fantastic,” — Stellan Skarsgård, Actor

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• “If there’s an idea that excites me, I’m totally there. I’m up for anything.” — Meryl Streep, Actress

Meryl Streep sparks ‘Mamma Mia 3’ buzz with possible Donna return

• “We may have to call it Grand-Mamma Mia! by the time we make it!” — Meryl Streep, Actress

Meryl Streep sparks ‘Mamma Mia 3’ buzz with possible Donna return

• “I’m going to keep campaigning for that movie until I’m blue in the face.” — Amanda Seyfried, Actress

People Magazine