Oh my, they simply can't resist revisiting that magical world! In a captivating interview with The Hollywood Reporter, dated August 13th, the ever-charming Christine Baranski, the 72-year-old star of the beloved "Mamma Mia!" franchise, revealed a delightful tidbit. "I found myself in London, sipping cocktails with our esteemed producer, Judy Kramer, at our cherished haunt," she recounted, "and she was already weaving the tapestry for 'Mamma Mia 3.' She painted a vivid picture of the narrative's upcoming journey."
Baranski, a shining star of "The Gilded Age," elaborated that Kramer is the kind of producer who transforms dreams into reality, never merely wishing for them to come true. She reminisced about Kramer's prowess in bringing the second installment, "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again," to life in 2018, which proved to be a colossal success, grossing over $400 million worldwide on a modest $75 million budget. With such a track record, Baranski mischievously suggested that Kramer's magic touch could very well reunite the entire cast once again.
The first "Mamma Mia!" film, released in 2008, enchanted audiences with its ABBA-infused melodies, set against the backdrop of the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi. It chronicled the story of Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), a bride-to-be who secretly invites three potential fathers—Sam (Pierce Brosnan), Bill (Stellan Skarsgård), and Harry (Colin Firth)—to her wedding. Meryl Streep portrayed Sophie's mother, Donna, while Baranski shone as Tanya, a wealthy divorcee and Donna's dear friend.
The sequel, with its whimsical charm, saw Sophie preparing to revive her late mother's hotel, interspersed with flashbacks showcasing a youthful Donna, brought to life by Lily James. The film concluded on a heartwarming note, with Sophie welcoming a baby boy as Donna's spirit looked on approvingly.
Echoing fans' yearning, Kramer herself had previously hinted at a third chapter in an interview with Vogue, insisting that "there has to be another one" due to the overwhelming demand. The prospect of another musical adventure under Kramer's visionary guidance is undoubtedly music to the ears of "Mamma Mia!" enthusiasts worldwide.
She elaborated with a touch of nostalgia, "The challenge lies in the inevitable march of time, as we all gracefully age... But, amidst this, we couldn't have asked for a more vibrant ensemble, each eager to embark on this musical journey once more." Streep, ever the enthusiast, expressed her unwavering commitment to future endeavors, saying, "I'm game for whatever comes next... I've told Judy that if she can conjure a way to bring Donna back to life, count me in. Or perhaps we could weave a tale akin to those soap operas, where Donna resurfaces, revealing that it was her long-lost twin who bid us farewell." Her words dripped with Oscar-worthy charm and excitement.
Baranski, her enthusiasm palpable, confessed her longing to return to the picturesque landscapes of Greece. "Imagine us, all gathered on a breathtaking Greek or Croatian isle, making merry and creating magic," she said, her voice tinged with anticipation. "One can only hope."
Paying homage to the franchise's devoted following, the 'Good Fight' star proclaimed, "'Mamma Mia!' has woven its spell over millions worldwide, spreading joy and laughter. Is it a bit of harmless silliness, a touch of camp? Precisely what gives it its endearing allure."
Baranski shared a heartwarming anecdote, revealing how her character, Tanya, has captured the hearts of young fans across continents. "Wherever I travel in Europe, I'm constantly surprised by the number of little girls clamoring for a photo with Tanya. It's both humbling and amusing to see how much they adore her. But hey, there's something undeniably captivating about a sharp-witted, sexy lady, isn't there?" she chuckled, her eyes sparkling with the joy of connecting with fans from all walks of life.
