Paul Feig to Direct Mamma Mia 3 After 2025 Box Office Triumph
Amanda Seyfried’s campaign for a third Mamma Mia film finally pays off as Paul Feig, fresh off a major 2025 box office success, steps in as director. What could this mean for the beloved musical franchise’s next chapter?
The long wait for the next chapter in the beloved musical saga is finally over. Amanda Seyfried ’s persistent efforts to bring a third installment to life have paid off, with acclaimed filmmaker Paul Feig now set to direct the highly anticipated sequel. Feig, who recently helmed Seyfried’s hit film The Housemaid, which turned around Sydney Sweeney ’s 2025 box office fortunes, is taking the reins for the new project.
The news broke during a recent conversation between Seyfried and director Mona Fastvold. While Fastvold expressed her own interest in directing the film, Seyfried revealed that Feig had already been chosen to lead the production. This marks a significant step forward for the franchise, which has been on hold since the 2018 release of its previous entry.
Relentless Drive Behind the Sequel
Seyfried, who starred alongside industry icons like Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and Cher in the earlier films, has been unwavering in her mission to see the story continue. Despite her general preference for original projects over sequels, she’s made it clear that this series is a rare exception.
In her own words,
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.
Seyfried’s passion for the project has been a driving force, and with Feig now attached, fans are eager to see if the original cast will return for another round of musical fun.
What’s Next for Sophie?
Details about the plot remain tightly under wraps, and Seyfried herself has yet to see a script. However, she has previously mentioned her interest in exploring themes of motherhood and raising children in the new film, potentially echoing the journey her character’s mother, Donna, experienced in the original story.
Fans have already begun speculating about new additions to the cast, with many suggesting Sabrina Carpenter as a top choice to play Sophie’s daughter. Seyfried has embraced the idea, saying,
You know what? Old age makeup for me. That’s what it will be. … I’m an actor. I’ll do it. If Sabrina Carpenter wants to play my daughter, I’ll make it happen. It’s fine. I’m a big fan.
With the momentum from The Housemaid’s success, hopes are high that production on the third film will move forward quickly.
Franchise Legacy and Streaming Availability
The first two films in the series have enjoyed strong audience support, with the original earning a 6.5 IMDb rating and the sequel slightly higher at 6.6. Critical reception has also improved, with the second film receiving an 80% Tomatometer score. Both movies remain popular streaming choices, with the original available to rent on Apple TV and the sequel currently streaming on Hulu in the United States.
As anticipation builds for the next chapter, fans are left to wonder what surprises await in the sun-soaked world of this musical phenomenon.