Here's one we thought had quietly shuffled off stage despite excitement a few years ago: the Mamma Mia sequel is back in the spotlight and will be headed our way next year with Ol Parker directing Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again!
The concept, according to what The Hollywood Reporter has heard, would serve as both a sequel and prequel. Which means the likely return of Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, Pierce Brosnan, Stellan Skarsgård and Amanda Seyfried among others, plus actors to play the Streep, Skarsgård, Brosnan and Firth characters in their younger days.
Like the original, which adapted the stage hit for its own $609 million worldwide success at the box office (and more on the home entertainment level), the new one will again use Abba's music, and features the participation of musical creator Judy Craymer. We're a little surprised to see that Phyllida Lloyd isn't coming back to direct, but the sequel is now on course for a 20 July, 2018 release.