"Christine Baranski Hints at 'Mamma Mia 3' with Producer Judy Craymer’s Plans: ‘She Gave Me the Narrative Plotline’"
Exciting news for fans of the beloved musical franchise: Christine Baranski has revealed that a third installment of the “Mamma Mia” series may be on the horizon. During a recent chat, the actress shared that producer Judy Craymer is actively working on “Mamma Mia 3” and has already provided her with details about the film’s narrative.
Baranski, who starred in both “Mamma Mia!” (2008) and its successful sequel “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” (2018), disclosed the development during a visit to a London pub with Craymer. “I was in London with Judy Craymer at our favorite watering hole, and she is planning ‘Mamma Mia 3.’ She gave me the narrative plotline of how it’s going to happen,” Baranski revealed.
The actress expressed confidence in Craymer’s ability to bring the project to fruition, praising her track record. “Judy Craymer makes things happen,” Baranski stated, reflecting on Craymer’s success with the second film. “She made number two happen, and it was a phenomenal hit.” This sentiment underscores the excitement surrounding the potential return of the beloved franchise.
“Mamma Mia!” originally debuted in 2008, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and written by Catherine Johnson, based on the 1999 musical of the same name featuring the music of ABBA. The film starred a star-studded ensemble cast, including Christine Baranski, Pierce Brosnan, Amanda Seyfried, Meryl Streep, and Julie Walters, and became a global sensation.
The sequel, “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again,” released in 2018, continued the story with a mix of familiar faces and new characters. Directed and written by Ol Parker, the film introduced new cast members like Lily James and Cher, while retaining key stars from the original.
In her conversation, Baranski also addressed the ongoing appeal of the “Mamma Mia” films, noting the universal joy they bring to audiences. “It’s just the kind of movie that makes people happy,” she said. Drawing a parallel with recent political rallies, she observed, “There are a lot of smiles and a lot of laughter. People are drawn to happiness and joy, not doom and gloom.”
Baranski reflected on the charm of the “Mamma Mia” series, admitting that its campy and light-hearted nature is part of its appeal. She shared a humorous anecdote about young fans in Europe who are eager to pose with her character Tanya, saying, “When I’m in Europe, I can’t tell you how many little girls want to be photographed with Tanya. It troubles me a little, that Tanya’s their favorite character. But, hey, we’re always attracted to that kind of snappy, sexy lady.”
As anticipation builds for the potential third installment, Baranski also jokingly suggested that perhaps a future political figure could use an ABBA song, hinting at the ongoing cultural impact of the franchise.