# Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again

> 2018 American musical film directed by Ol Parker

**Wikidata**: [Q36951175](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q36951175)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mamma_Mia!_Here_We_Go_Again)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mamma-mia-here-we-go-again

## Summary
*Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again* is a 2018 American musical film directed by Ol Parker, serving as both a sequel and prequel to the 2008 hit *Mamma Mia!*. It explores the backstory of Donna Sheridan while continuing the story of her daughter Sophie, all set to a soundtrack of ABBA hits.

## Key Facts
- **Title**: *Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again*
- **Release Year**: 2018
- **Director**: Ol Parker
- **Genre**: Musical film, romantic comedy
- **Countries of Origin**: United States, United Kingdom
- **Production Companies**: Playtone, Legendary Pictures
- **Sequel to**: *Mamma Mia!* (2008)
- **Preceded by**: *Mamma Mia!* (2008)
- **Followed by**: *Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again* (no further sequels as of 2025)
- **Cast Includes**: Lily James, Amanda Seyfried, Meryl Streep, Jeremy Irvine, Dominic Cooper, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård, Julie Walters
- **Box Office Gross**: $394.7 million
- **Runtime**: 114 minutes
- **Languages**: English
- **Release Dates**: First released July 20, 2018 (United States), with global releases continuing through August
- **IMDb ID**: tt6911608
- **Wikidata ID**: Q55640984
- **Website**: [www.mammamiamovie.com](https://www.mammamiamovie.com/)
- **Distributor**: Universal Pictures
- **Cinematography**: Annika Summerville
- **Screenplay**: Ol Parker
- **Story**: Based on the characters and songs from ABBA’s music
- **Filming Locations**: Visited locations in Greece (Kastellorizo, Skopelos, and Skiathos)
- **Soundtrack**: Composed entirely of ABBA songs
- **Awards and Recognition**: Nominated for and won several international film and music awards
- **Part of Series**: *Mamma Mia!* film series
- **Aliases**: Mamma Mia 2, Mamma Mia! 2, Mamma Mia II, mamma mia ii

## FAQs
**What is *Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again* about?**  
The film tells two interwoven stories: one follows young Donna Sheridan in the 1970s as she meets the three men who will become central to her life, and the other continues the story of her daughter Sophie as she prepares to open a hotel on the Greek island where her mother once lived.

**Who stars in *Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again*?**  
The film features a mix of returning and new cast members, including Lily James as young Donna, Amanda Seyfried as adult Sophie, Meryl Streep in flashbacks as Donna, and Jeremy Irvine, Dominic Cooper, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and Stellan Skarsgård reprising their roles as the three potential fathers.

**Is *Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again* a sequel or prequel?**  
It functions as both. The film serves as a direct sequel to the 2008 *Mamma Mia!* and also includes a prequel storyline that explores Donna’s youth and early romance with the three men.

**What is the genre of *Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again*?**  
It is a musical film and romantic comedy, part of the jukebox musical genre, which uses ABBA’s songs as its soundtrack.

**What awards did *Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again* win?**  
The film received several nominations and awards, including recognition at international film festivals and music award ceremonies, particularly for its performances and musical arrangements.

**What is the runtime of *Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again*?**  
The film has a runtime of 114 minutes.

**Where was *Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again* filmed?**  
Principal filming took place in Greece, specifically on the islands of Kastellorizo, Skopelos, and Skiathos, which provided the scenic backdrop for the story.

**What is the box office performance of *Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again*?**  
The film grossed $394.7 million globally, making it a commercial success and one of the highest-grossing jukebox musicals.

**What is the significance of the film’s music?**  
The soundtrack is composed entirely of ABBA songs, which are central to the narrative and emotional core of the film, continuing the tradition established in the first movie.

**What is the relationship between *Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again* and the first film?**  
It is a direct sequel to the 2008 film, expanding on the story of Donna and introducing her younger self, while also exploring the origins of her relationships with the three men.

## Why It Matters
*Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again* matters as a continuation of a beloved musical franchise that revitalized interest in ABBA’s music and demonstrated the enduring appeal of jukebox musicals. It bridges generational storytelling by combining the nostalgia of the original with a fresh narrative layer, appealing to both longtime fans and new audiences. The film’s success also reinforced the commercial viability of musical films in an era dominated by superhero franchises. Its vibrant energy, emotional depth, and global appeal helped solidify its place in modern pop culture.

## Notable For
- **Box Office Success**: Grossed $394.7 million globally, making it one of the highest-grossing musical films of the late 2010s.
- **Musical Legacy**: Continues the tradition of using ABBA’s music to drive narrative and emotion, introducing the band to yet another generation.
- **Dual Timeline Storytelling**: Uniquely combines a prequel (young Donna) and sequel (adult Sophie) narrative, offering layered character development.
- **Star-Studded Cast**: Features both original cast members and new talent, including Lily James in a breakout performance as young Donna.
- **Filming in Greece**: Shot on location in scenic Greek islands, enhancing the visual and emotional appeal of the setting.
- **Cultural Impact**: Reinforced the global popularity of jukebox musicals and influenced the genre’s continued relevance.
- **Critical and Commercial Balance**: Achieved both box office success and critical recognition for its performances and cinematography.
- **Award Recognition**: Received nominations and accolades at international film and music award ceremonies.
- **Franchise Expansion**: Expanded the *Mamma Mia!* universe with deeper character backstories and generational themes.

## Body

### Production and Development
- **Director**: Ol Parker, known for his work in British television and film, directed the movie.
- **Production Companies**: Playtone and Legendary Pictures co-produced the film.
- **Release Dates**: First released on July 20, 2018, in the United States, with global releases continuing through August.
- **Box Office Gross**: The film grossed $394.7 million worldwide.
- **Runtime**: 114 minutes.
- **Countries of Origin**: United States, United Kingdom.
- **Language**: English.
- **Distributor**: Universal Pictures.
- **Cinematography**: Annika Summerville served as cinematographer, capturing the vibrant Greek island settings.
- **Screenplay**: Written by Ol Parker, based on the characters and songs from ABBA’s music.
- **Filming Locations**: Principal photography occurred in Greece, specifically on the islands of Kastellorizo, Skopelos, and Skiathos.

### Plot and Story
- **Premise**: The film tells two parallel stories — one set in the 1970s, following young Donna Sheridan (Lily James) as she falls for the three men who may be Sophie’s father, and the other in the present day, where adult Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) prepares to open a hotel.
- **Themes**: Explores themes of love, family, identity, and generational legacy, all conveyed through ABBA’s music.
- **Narrative Structure**: Combines prequel and sequel elements, offering a dual-timeline narrative that enriches character backstories.

### Cast and Characters
- **Main Cast**:
  - Lily James as young Donna Sheridan
  - Amanda Seyfried as adult Sophie Sheridan
  - Meryl Streep as Donna (in flashbacks)
  - Jeremy Irvine as young Bill
  - Dominic Cooper as young Harry
  - Pierce Brosnan as Sam Carmichael
  - Colin Firth as Harry Bright
  - Stellan Skarsgård as Bill Anderson
  - Julie Walters as Rosie Mulligan
- **Character Development**: The film deepens the audience’s understanding of Donna’s past and Sophie’s future, creating emotional resonance across timelines.

### Music and Soundtrack
- **Soundtrack Composition**: Entirely composed of ABBA songs, continuing the jukebox musical tradition.
- **Music’s Role**: The songs are not just background but integral to the narrative, with each track chosen to reflect character emotions and plot points.
- **Cultural Impact**: The soundtrack’s success contributed to a resurgence in ABBA’s popularity and introduced the band to a new generation.

### Awards and Recognition
- **Nominations and Wins**: The film received recognition at various international film festivals and award ceremonies, particularly for its performances and musical arrangements.
- **Critical Reception**: Praised for its vibrant energy, emotional storytelling, and strong performances, especially from Lily James and Meryl Streep.

### Sequel and Franchise Context
- **Preceded by**: *Mamma Mia!* (2008), directed by Phyllida Lloyd.
- **Part of Series**: *Mamma Mia!* film series.
- **Legacy**: Expanded the universe of the original film, offering deeper character backstories and generational themes.

### Technical Details
- **Cinematography**: Annika Summerville captured the scenic Greek island settings, enhancing the film’s visual appeal.
- **Editing**: The film was edited to seamlessly blend the dual timelines, ensuring narrative coherence.
- **Costume Design**: Costumes reflected the distinct eras — 1970s bohemian styles for young Donna and contemporary elegance for adult Sophie.

### Reception
- **Box Office Performance**: Grossed $394.7 million globally, demonstrating its commercial success.
- **Critical Reception**: Received mixed to positive reviews, with praise for its performances, music, and visual appeal.
- **Cultural Impact**: Reinforced the global popularity of jukebox musicals and influenced the genre’s continued relevance.

### Legacy and Influence
- **Musical Films**: Influenced a new generation of musical films, proving that feel-good, accessible cinema could resonate across cultures.
- **ABBA’s Music**: The film’s success led to a resurgence in ABBA’s music, introducing the band to yet another generation.
- **Global Appeal**: The film’s global popularity and success demonstrated the enduring appeal of jukebox musicals.

### Related Projects
- **Stage Musical**: Based on the characters and songs from the original *Mamma Mia!* stage musical.
- **First Film**: Direct sequel to *Mamma Mia!* (2008), continuing the story of Donna and Sophie Sheridan.
- **Future Potential**: As of 2025, no further sequels have been announced, but the film’s success leaves the door open for future installments.

### Conclusion
*Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again* is a vibrant continuation of a beloved musical franchise, blending nostalgia with fresh storytelling. Its success demonstrates the enduring appeal of jukebox musicals and ABBA’s timeless music, while its dual-timeline narrative offers deeper character development and emotional resonance. The film’s global popularity and box office performance have solidified its place in modern pop culture, influencing the genre and introducing ABBA to a new generation.

## References

1. IMDb
2. The Movie Database
3. Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. Rotten Tomatoes
4. Rotten Tomatoes
5. [Box Office Mojo](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=mammamia2.htm)
6. [Source](http://nmhh.hu/dokumentum/198182/terjesztett_filmalkotasok_art_filmek_nyilvantartasa.xlsx)
7. [Swedish Film Database](http://www.svenskfilmdatabas.se/sv/item/?type=film&itemid=620649)
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. [Source](https://www.europeanfilmacademy.org/2019.905.0.html)
10. BBC Things
11. Box Office Mojo
12. [Source](https://bbfc.co.uk/releases/mamma-mia-here-we-go-again-2018)
13. Entertainment Identifier Registry
14. [Source](http://www.kijkwijzer.nl/index.php?id=26&i=335320)
15. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/mamma-mia-here-we-go-again/)
16. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
17. film distribution certificate
18. [Source](http://justica.gov.br/news/collective-nitf-content-1533230289.59)
19. ClassInd database
20. [Source](https://sede.mcu.gob.es/webicaa/Ficheros/8918/34/8918/1/209.pdf)
21. [Source](http://cnc.abt.ro/registru/index.aspx?pageID=3&filmID=15884)
22. [Source](http://www.rtc.gob.mx/NuevoSitio/cine_clasif_35mm.php?cd=443)
23. [Source](https://www.medieraadet.dk/vurderinger/mamma-mia-here-we-go-again)
24. [Source](https://www.rcq.gouv.qc.ca/RCQ212AfficherFicheTech.asp?intNoFilm=408945)
25. TheTVDB
26. Trakt.tv
27. FilmVandaag.nl