Movies

Mamma Mia 3 Taps Acclaimed Director Behind Sydney Sweeney’s Upcoming Blockbuster

written by Leo Hartwell

January 23, 2026 3:34 am

Mamma Mia 3 Taps Acclaimed Director Behind Sydney Sweeney’s Upcoming Blockbuster — Image credit: Legion-Media

Amanda Seyfried is set to reunite with director Paul Feig for Mamma Mia 3, as the eagerly anticipated musical sequel takes a bold step forward after years of speculation. Feig, fresh off his box office win with The Housemaid, will helm the next installment in the ABBA-fueled franchise.

Well, it looks like the 'Mamma Mia 3' train is finally leaving the station—and no, you don't have déjà vu. This isn't just another rumor, we actually have Amanda Seyfried breaking the news herself this time. Even wilder: the next movie won't be in the hands of some random musical director—Paul Feig (yes, the guy behind 'Bridesmaids' and more recently, Seyfried's surprise hit 'The Housemaid') is taking the reins.

Seyfried Would Not Let This Sequel Die

If you've followed any Seyfried interviews in the last few years, you know this third 'Mamma Mia' wasn't just going to materialize out of thin air. Seyfried has been relentless about getting this sequel made—even though she's gone on record saying she's mostly allergic to sequels in general. She thinks most of them are boring cash grabs. But for her, 'Mamma Mia' is the lone exception. Apparently, returning to sing ABBA songs in Greece never gets old, at least for Seyfried.

'I will say, there’s a little bit of fatigue with sequels. I want original content. I think it’s really scary and brave to do it. It’s not scary and not very brave to do sequels. It’s just for money and it’s frustrating. Then again, I’d do Mamma Mia 3 in a heartbeat.'

What's also funny: Seyfried actually dropped the news about Feig taking over while chatting with Mona Fastvold (who had just admitted she wanted the gig herself). Fame is weird sometimes.

Paul Feig, Director Surprise

So why Paul Feig? His recent film 'The Housemaid' (with Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney) ended up being a surprise Lionsgate hit in 2025, managing the rare feat of pulling Sweeney out of her box office slump. Guess that makes him a studio favorite right now.

Who Is Actually Coming Back?

That's the other million-euro question. So far, only Seyfried is locking in, with no confirmation yet on whether heavyweights like Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, or Cher want one more ABBA-fueled rave in the Greek sun. Frankly, I'll believe they're back when I see it.

Plot (Still) Under Wraps, But Seyfried Has Ideas

In classic franchise fashion, the story for 'Mamma Mia 3' is being guarded like it's the plot for the next 'Avengers'. Seyfried hasn't seen a script yet, but she has floated the idea of flipping the original storyline on its head—this time, with Sophie (her character) navigating motherhood, much like her own mom did back in the first movie.

Here's where things get a little fandom-weird: There's fan casting for Sophie’s daughter already, and the front-runner is none other than Sabrina Carpenter, who Seyfried is apparently 100% on board with. She even joked she'd happily break out the old age makeup just to make it work.

Paul Feig (not a musical guy, but proven hitmaker) is directing
Seyfried is all-in, even if she's typically anti-sequel
Rest of the original A-list cast is unconfirmed
No script yet (or at least, Seyfried hasn't seen it)
Possible plot: Sophie's turn as a mom, echoing Donna's journey
Fans want Sabrina Carpenter as Sophie's daughter, and Seyfried's totally here for it
'Mamma Mia!' available for rent on Apple TV (USA); 'Here We Go Again' is on Hulu

So, that's the state of play. After years in sequel limbo, 'Mamma Mia 3' is alive, Seyfried is singing, and Paul Feig is (probably) dusting off his ABBA playlist. For everything else, we'll just have to wait and see if the OG folks hop back on board or if this turns into a next-gen singalong.