'Mamma Mia 2' release date, plot, cast news: Universal confirms sequel now in the works

A screen capture from the 2008 movie "Mamma Mia!" Facebook/MammaMiaFilm

"Mamma Mia 2" is happening after almost a decade since the release of original hit musical. Appropriately named "Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again," the sequel is set to hit theaters next year.

The original film tells the story of a bride-to-be who is looking for a father to walk her down the aisle. However, she finds out from her mother's journal that there are three possible men who could be her father.

So she decides to invite all of them to her wedding to the surprise of her mother. The film focuses on the awkward situations brought on by her actions and are portrayed through amazing sing and dance.

Meryl Streep will once again reprise her role as Donna Sheridan along with Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth. The film will likely explore the backstory between their characters which took place years before the events of "Mamma Mia!"

Fans can also expect Amanda Seyfried, Christine Baranski, and most of the original actors to reprise their role in the film. However, it's not all nostalgia as it has been confirmed that new ABBA songs will be featured in "Mamma Mia 2." As of this week, Seyfried is the fourth cast member to annouce her return behind Streep, Brosnan, and Firth.

Ol Parker is set to direct the film, with Universal bringing the original film's producers, Judy Craymer and Gary Goetzman, to work on the sequel while ABBA members Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus will provide the music. Craymer also worked on the stage musical of "Mamma Mia!" which also enjoyed huge success.

According to Variety, Universal had been planning a sequel to "Mamma Mia!" for years now. After all, the film was a critical and commercial success grossing over half-a-billion dollars in the box office.

"Mamma Mia 2" will be released in theaters on July 20, 2018.

 

News
Church body urges restraint in Armenian church conflict
Church body urges restraint in Armenian church conflict

Relations between the Armenian Apostolic Church and the government are currently strained.

Pastors can endorse political candidates without risking tax-exempt status, says IRS
Pastors can endorse political candidates without risking tax-exempt status, says IRS

The Internal Revenue Service agreed on Monday that pastors and other religious leaders can endorse political candidates to their congregation without threatening their tax-exempt status under a decades-old legislation called the Johnson Amendment.

Nationwide study reveals strong public support for preserving historic churches
Nationwide study reveals strong public support for preserving historic churches

A major new study by Historic England has revealed that communities across the country place significantly higher value on historic churches than on their modern counterparts—regardless of religious affiliation or church attendance.

Labour’s first year: looking back, praying forward 
Labour’s first year: looking back, praying forward 

As we take stock of the first year of this Labour administration, let’s commit to praying for good government.