Mamma Mia 3: Could It Finally Happen?
Producer Judy Craymer has been dreaming of a Mamma Mia! trilogy for years.
After the massive success of the first two films in 2008 and 2018, which raked in billions, Craymer always envisioned a third installment.
Now, after almost five years of talks, it seems like the film is finally on the brink of happening.
The good news? They’ve got Abba’s approval, a solid storyline that Universal is on board with, and most of the original cast is ready to return.
Almost all, anyway.
Sources close to the production are saying the movie is nearly a go,
with just a couple of key actors still in the air.
One rumor suggests the third movie might even feature fresh tracks from Abba, following their 2021 album Voyage, which included the single “I Still Have Faith in You.”
What to Expect From the Sequel
The first Mamma Mia! movie, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and based on the hit 1999 stage musical,
was a massive success.
Set on the Greek island of Skopelos, it starred Amanda Seyfried as a bride-to-be trying to figure out which of three men (played by Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and Stellan Skarsgard) might be her father.
Meryl Streep played her mom,
Donna, a former singer who runs a hotel.
With its catchy Abba tunes and beautiful scenery, the film grossed a staggering $611 million on a $52 million budget.
In the sequel, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, the original cast returned,
and Lily James played the younger version of Donna.
Judy Craymer
has been outspoken about her confidence that a third film will eventually happen.
In a 2023 interview, she mentioned that Universal is keen, and while Abba’s Björn and Benny needed some convincing, they’re on board.
The only remaining hurdle seems to be securing everyone’s schedules and the final financial details.
Cast and Crew Updates
Craymer has been busy checking in with the core cast members to see if they’re ready to return.
Meryl Streep, who appeared as a ghost in the 2018 sequel, recently hinted at discussions with the producer.
Pierce Brosnan has also expressed his excitement about returning, saying he would “definitely welcome the opportunity.”
However,
Amanda Seyfried is a bit more cautious.
In a 2024 interview, she said that while no one is outright rejecting the idea, the project might stall over money issues.
She joked that she’d happily do the film for free, but she knows the industry doesn’t work that way, and the big question will be whether Universal is willing to pay for a third installment.
The Full Monty: A Surprising Family Reaction
While The Full Monty was a massive hit when it came out in 1997,
actor Mark Addy has admitted that watching it with his adult children was a bit of a traumatizing experience.
In a recent interview, Addy shared that his kids found it hard to watch their dad take his clothes off on-screen, and they were clearly cringing during the viewing.
Though they eventually got the humor, it wasn’t an easy watch for any of them.
Addy, however,
has embraced the legacy of the film.
Even though it’s been almost 30 years, he still gets recognized for his role, especially in the most unexpected places—like at the supermarket.
Melania Trump Gets Her Moment in the Spotlight
A new documentary about Melania Trump, the enigmatic wife of the President-elect,
is currently in production.
This yet-to-be-titled project is generating a lot of buzz, with rumors suggesting that Melania herself will be a big part of the production, even serving as an executive producer.
The film is being made by Brett Ratner and is expected to provide a rare behind-the-scenes look at her life.
It will be available on Prime Video and promises to offer unprecedented access to the First Lady-in-waiting.
The film’s production cost is reportedly around $40 million,
and it could be a big payday for Melania, whose personal story has intrigued many.
The documentary is expected to hit both theaters and streaming platforms later this year.
The Rising Stars of BAFTA
The BAFTA Rising Star shortlist is always full of exciting new talent,
and this year’s nominees are no exception.
Marisa Abela, nominated for her portrayal of Amy Winehouse in Amy, confessed that one of her most embarrassing moments was filming a self-taped audition for a biscuit commercial during COVID.
She joked that she filmed herself eating ten biscuits at home, all while her agents encouraged her to push through the awkwardness.
David Jonsson, who was nominated for his role in Alien: Romulus,
shared a story about working on Rye Lane, where his director was so nervous it became a bit of a running joke on set.
The Rising Star Award is determined by a public vote and will be announced at the BAFTA Film Awards on February 16.
Who Will Be the Next James Bond?
The race to play the next James Bond is heating up,
and bookies are placing bets on Josh O’Connor to take the iconic role.
O’Connor, best known for his portrayal of Prince Charles in The Crown, has garnered attention for his performance in Challengers, where he starred alongside Zendaya.
With Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s recent flop Kraven, O’Connor’s odds are looking increasingly favorable.
The betting odds are tight, but O’Connor currently leads the pack,
followed by Theo James and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
It seems like the next Bond could be decided sooner than we think.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas: A Mysterious Social Media Snub
Priyanka Chopra Jonas recently wrapped up filming for Citadel season 2,
but it was her social media post celebrating the occasion that caught fans’ attention.
While she shared photos with several of her co-stars, including Anisha Gibbs and Carla Jean Heron, there was no mention of her co-star Richard Madden.
The two stars had tension during the first season, which reportedly continued during the publicity tour, with Chopra Jonas and Madden not interacting much on social media.
This drama adds another layer of intrigue to the show,
which has become one of Prime Video’s standout successes.
It’s currently expanding with spin-offs set in India and Italy, ensuring Citadel remains a big part of Prime’s future.
Wallace & Gromit’s Rocket Ship Mishap
Nick Park, the creator of Wallace & Gromit,
is known for his quirky animations and beloved characters.
However, one of his earliest creations was a rocket ship that suffered an unexpected fate.
After using it in A Grand Day Out back in 1989, Park stored it in his attic, only to find years later that mice had chewed through parts of the rocket.
The rivets were made from split peas, which the mice clearly found irresistible.
It’s a funny but bittersweet reminder of the challenges that come with creating lasting art.
Kevin Costner Finds Redemption
Kevin Costner’s film Horizon Part 1
had a rough start when it flopped at the box office, but there’s been a silver lining.
After a disappointing global release, the movie has found success on Netflix, ranking in the top 10 globally in its first week.
Despite its poor reception in theaters, Horizon has garnered over 4 million views on the streaming platform.
It’s a bit of good news for Costner, who personally invested in the film after it went over budget.
The Wicked Team Prepares for Oscars Campaign
After Wicked came up short at the Golden Globes,
the team is shifting gears and setting their sights on the Oscars.
Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and the film itself all lost out to other competitors at the Globes, but that hasn’t stopped the team from pushing ahead.
With Oscar nominations opening up this week, Wicked is hoping to make a bigger impact on the Academy Awards scene.
Despite some doubts about the significance of the Globes this year, as they’ve been restructured under new ownership,
Wicked remains a top contender for the upcoming Oscars.
Voting for nominations begins soon, and we’ll see if the musical can secure its place in the race.