Why Meryl Streep Didn’t Fully Return for Mamma Mia 2

Actress Meryl Streep, known for tackling new and difficult roles, was drawn to the part of Donna Sheridan because it offered a unique blend of drama and music. The character is a mother with a complex past who occasionally bursts into song, a role not often encountered. However, Streep tends to avoid sequels, which might explain why she only partially reprised her role in the film Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.

Due to the enormous popularity of the first Mamma Mia!, there was a strong demand for a sequel, but Meryl Streep and several other original cast members initially showed little interest in making Mamma Mia! 2. They argued that not every story requires an additional installment, explaining, “The studio wanted it more than ever, given the financial success of the original. However, from the start, there was resistance. Not all stories necessitate another chapter. So, they found it challenging to create a continuation that made narrative sense.

The latest update on April 16, 2025: There’s growing excitement about a possible third installment of Mamma Mia!, as several original cast members have shown interest in reprising their roles. Even Meryl Streep, whose character Donna was presumed to have met her fate in the sequel, might join us once more. This article has been refreshed to provide you with the latest news on Mamma Mia! 3.

Why Is Meryl Streep Not in Mamma Mia! 2?

The Academy Award-Winning Actress Was Initially Uninterested

Meryl Streep might not have been keen on joining the cast of “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again“, but Richard Curtis’ daughter sparked his idea for a film that intertwines with the strands of Donna’s life. By having Donny pass away between the conclusion of the first movie and the commencement of the second, they could delve deeper into Donna’s narrative through flashbacks. Curtis believed this structure made the story most poignant and emotional, calling it “the most significant and moving way to narrate that tale.

By offing Streep’s character initially, the creators had an opportunity to have her reappear briefly in a small but significant role. In this instance, she appeared as a ghost and sang a few songs. Since the movie featured prequel flashbacks, the majority of Donna’s presence was handled by Lily James from ‘Pam & Tommy’, who convincingly portrayed a younger version of the character. Fortunately, Streep found the idea appealing and graciously contributed her talent to the sequel ‘Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again’, albeit in a limited capacity.

Meryl Streep Was Still Involved in Mamma Mia! 2

Streep’s Involvement in the Sequel Convinced Other Cast Members to Return

Despite not having a major role in the production of “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again,” Meryl Streep’s decision to step back from the franchise wasn’t due to disinterest. According to the franchise’s creator, Judy Craymer, Streep felt it was more fitting for the younger cast members to carry on the story, and while she wanted to be part of the project, she didn’t want a large role. This choice allowed director Ol Parker to delve deeper into the emotional themes of life, marriage, loss, and love that are central to the film’s narrative.

When Meryl Streep agreed to be part of this fresh spin on the plot, it encouraged other members from the initial cast to join as well, eventually returning after a ten-year wait.

Initially, Meryl Streep was reluctant to take part in another film, as she usually prefers steering clear of sequels. It’s understandable for an Academy Award-winning actor like Streep to hold such a view, given her desire to maintain a diverse and vibrant filmography throughout her career. Consequently, the concept of a prequel and sequel combined emerged, and Streep bravely agreed to make “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” a reality, despite having limited screen time.

Will Meryl Streep Return for Mamma Mia 3?

Meryl Streep Has Expressed Interest in Reprising Her Role as Donna

Although Meryl Streep didn’t reprise a substantial role in “Here We Go Again!”, she has expressed her readiness to join Mamma Mia! 3, as reported in a 2023 interview. The Academy Award-winning actress showed enthusiasm about potentially rejoining the series, even though her character had passed away. Streep playfully suggested that if they could find a way to resurrect Donna, she would be on board. She also jokingly proposed the idea of playing Donna’s twin sister in a dramatic plot twist reminiscent of soap operas. Despite her past reservations about sequels, it appears her stance has evolved. By July 2024, it was officially confirmed that Streep was involved in Mamma Mia! 3.

Based on Meryl Streep’s remarks, it appears that Donna might make another appearance in some capacity when the third Mamma Mia! movie is released. It’s plausible that her character could reappear through flashbacks, portraying Donna as a mother to Sophie for the first time. This narrative could parallel Sophie’s journey as a new mother herself, having given birth to her son at the end of the second film.

Who Else Will Be Involved in Mamma Mia 3?

A Third Mamma Mia! Movie is Officially in the Works

In August 2024, Christine Baranski, the actress who plays Tanya in the “Mamma Mia!” films, confirmed that “Mamma Mia! 3” is indeed underway. During a meeting with producer Judy Craymer, Baranski was briefed about the upcoming sequel and learned about potential storylines for the third movie. The most thrilling aspect of this news might be Baranski’s faith in the project. Notably, Craymer successfully delivered “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again,” a standalone sequel that became a massive hit even though it was released a decade after the original “Mamma Mia!”.

In 2023, Meryl Streep’s hint at reprising her role in a new “Mamma Mia!” film appeared vague. However, fans of the franchise might interpret Streep’s statement differently in 2024. The actress casually mentioned a meeting for “Mamma Mia! 3” in May during an interview, just before Baranski announced the sequel. Streep’s excitement suggests she may have a more significant role in this project compared to her involvement in the 2018 sequel.

Amanda Seyfried, who played in the film Mamma Mia!, has frequently mentioned her desire for a third movie, but at this moment, production hasn’t begun. She highlighted the challenges of reuniting the cast because it would require them to pause their lives like they did for the earlier films.

Although no definite plans or details have been revealed as of March 2025, there’s strong interest among cast members like Seyfried and Pierce Brosnan for a third Mamma Mia! film. However, Brosnan’s comments suggest that the project isn’t fully confirmed yet. While Mamma Mia! 3 has been announced, no specific plot points, release date, or significant production updates have been shared at this time.

What Is Meryl Streep Working On Now?

Streep Is Slated To Appear in Several Upcoming Projects

Meryl Streep recently featured in “Only Murders in the Building,” following her role in the 2023 TV series, “Extrapolations,” a drama set in a future world grappling with climate change. In “Extrapolations,” she played Eve, emphasizing the need for immediate action against global warming instead of dwelling on past mistakes. In the upcoming seasons 3 and 4 of “Only Murders in the Building” (released in August 2023 and 2024 respectively), Streep takes on the character Loretta Durkin.

The latest film starring Meryl Streep, titled “Don’t Look Up,” premiered on December 24, 2021. In this production, Streep portrays President Janie Orlean, a character that bears striking resemblance to Donald Trump, who is depicted as disregarding the astronomers’ discoveries about an impending asteroid impact. Interestingly, Meryl Streep will also be returning to her role as Miranda Priestly in the forthcoming sequel of “The Devil Wears Prada,” a decision that has left many fans pleasantly surprised, given her previous reluctance towards sequels.

It can be challenging to gather all the top-tier actors from movies like “Mamma Mia!” for another film due to their busy schedules. However, producer Judy Craymer appears resolute about making it happen, announcing in 2023 that a new script is being developed. The confirmation of Meryl Streep’s return undoubtedly fuels anticipation for the third movie in the musical series, with fans eager to revisit the stunning shores of Kalokairi once more.

2025-04-18 04:20