Directed and written by Ol Parker, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again expands on the universe established by the 2008 hit, which was based on the musical featuring the iconic songs of ABBA. Featuring a star-studded cast including Lily James, Amanda Seyfried, Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård, Andy Garcia, and Cher, the film hit theaters in July 2018 and will be available on Netflix starting February 24, 2026.
The story shifts between past and present. In 1979, young Donna, freshly graduated from Oxford alongside her friends Tanya and Rosie, decides to travel across Europe before settling on the small Greek island of Kalokairi. During her journey, she meets three men — Harry, Bill, and Sam — whose paths will leave a lasting impact on her life. Donna’s move to the island, into a dilapidated farm that will eventually become the iconic villa, serves as the anchoring point of this tale of independence and love choices.
These days, Sophie is working to open the Bella Donna Hotel in memory of her late mother. Facing unexpected setbacks and ominous weather, she finds solace in the support of Donna’s loved ones and the three paternal figures around her. The film beautifully mirrors the journeys of mother and daughter, weaving themes of motherhood, legacy, and self-discovery, all set to the timeless tunes of ABBA that underscore each pivotal moment of the story.
Ten years after the worldwide success of Mamma Mia! The Movie, which grossed over $600 million internationally, a new sequel is on the horizon. Ol Parker steps in to direct, taking over from Phyllida Lloyd, and opts for a split-time narrative that closely intertwines the past and the present. Founding members of ABBA, Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, serve as executive producers, overseeing the recording of the songs — crafted in London and with altered lyrics to better fit the story’s flow.
The island scenes were shot in Croatia, on the island of Vis, which stands in for Kalokairi. Anthony Van Laast reprises the choreography from the stage production, maintaining a visual consistency with the franchise. The film also features a rare reunion between Meryl Streep and Cher, nearly forty years after Silkwood, and marks Andy Garcia’s debut in the musical genre.
Structured like a coming-of-age story, the feature film maintains the festive, choir-like spirit of the original installment while deepening its melodramatic undertones. The shifting between eras gives the movie a more introspective feel, without sacrificing the iconic large-scale ensemble numbers. This approach continues the tradition of beloved musical sagas, blending pop nostalgia, romance, and group dynamics into a timeless, family-friendly entertainment.
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again
Film | 2018
Movie release date: July 25, 2018
Available on Netflix from February 24, 2026
Musical comedy | Running time: 1h54
Directed by Ol Parker | Starring Lily James, Amanda Seyfried, Meryl Streep
Original title: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again
Country of origin: UK / USA
By exploring Donna’s early years and delving deeper into Sophie’s story, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again expands on the universe established in 2008 centered around ABBA’s iconic music. Part prequel, part sequel, the film reinforces the family and musical themes that define the franchise, which will now be available on Netflix starting February 2026 as part of its streaming lineup.
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