Paul Feig to Direct Mamma Mia 3 After Sydney Sweeney’s Box Office Smash

Momentum is finally building for the next chapter in the Mamma Mia saga, with Amanda Seyfried’s persistence paying off. The third instalment, long rumoured and much discussed among fans, has now found its director in Paul Feig. Feig, who recently helmed The Housemaid—a film that turned around Sydney Sweeney’s run of middling box office results in 2025—has been tapped to steer the new project.

The news came straight from Seyfried herself during a chat with Mona Fastvold, director of The Testament of Ann Lee. Seyfried let slip that Feig had landed the job after Fastvold mentioned her own interest in directing the musical threequel.

Feig’s Track Record and the Mamma Mia Legacy

Feig’s recent success with The Housemaid, which became a standout hit for Lionsgate and gave Sweeney’s career a boost, seems to have made him a natural choice for the job. Seyfried, who has led the previous two films alongside a star-studded cast including Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and Cher, has been vocal about her desire to see the story continue.

Looking back, the first two films have enjoyed solid ratings from both critics and audiences. The original Mamma Mia! scored 6.5 on IMDb and 55% on Rotten Tomatoes, while the sequel, Here We Go Again, edged slightly higher with a 6.6 IMDb rating and an 80% critics’ score. The franchise’s blend of ABBA hits and sun-soaked escapism has kept punters coming back for more.

Seyfried’s Reluctance and the Exception for Mamma Mia

Despite her general hesitation towards sequels, Seyfried has made it clear that this series is a special case. She’s previously said that most follow-ups are driven by commercial interests rather than creative ones, but she’d jump at the chance to return to the Greek islands for another round.

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.

With Feig now on board, the big question is whether the original cast will reunite for another go. Seyfried’s determination has certainly kept the project alive, but casting details remain under wraps for now.

What’s Next for Sophie and the Mamma Mia Crew?

Details about the plot are still being kept quiet, and Seyfried herself hasn’t seen a script yet. However, she’s previously floated the idea of exploring motherhood and raising children in the new film, echoing Donna’s journey from the first story. Fans have even suggested Sabrina Carpenter as a top pick to play Sophie’s daughter, an idea Seyfried seems happy to support.

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 Seyfried’s commitment and The Housemaid’s recent box office success, there’s fresh hope that the much-hyped threequel will soon become a reality. For now, fans will have to wait and see what surprises the next chapter holds.

Mamma Mia! is available to rent on Apple TV in Australia, and the sequel is currently streaming on Hulu.