The first Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again trailer is finally here, reuniting us with some familiar faces - and introducing some new ones. The sequel to the hit stage musical turned blockbuster 2008 film Mamma Mia! was officially announced this past May, before principal photography kicked off in August. It was directed and written by Ol Parker, who takes over helming duties from Mamma Mia! director Phyllida Lord.
Story details about the film are still scant at the moment, but it is expected to follow through with what was set-up in the first film - with Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) still blissfully unaware of whether Sam (Pierce Brosnan), Harry (Colin Firth), or Bill (Stellan Skarsgard) is her real biological father, now that all three have opted to share paternal responsibilities instead. Donna (Meryl Streep), of course, finally married Sam at the end of the first Mamma Mia!, while her daughter decided to postpone her own wedding. As the trailer for Here We Go Again illustrates, the sequel will focus in no small amount on flashbacks to Donna's past, with Lily James playing the younger version of Streep's character.
Related: Cher Joins Mamma Mia Sequel Cast
Promotion for Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again kicked-off yesterday with the release of the official poster, along with a behind the scenes featurette that teased our return to the first movie's magical Greek island setting - made all the better by the singing and dancing showpieces set to the tune of ABBA songs. Now, we get to experience the full trailer for the sequel, which provides a better idea of what the Mamma Mia! crew is up to this time around. Watch the trailer in the space above.
From the looks of it, Sophie is going through the same thing that her mother experienced, bar the confusion regarding the father of her unborn baby. A touch of the past might be a good way for a sequel, especially with James looking very comfortable in playing the younger version of Streep. While having a parallel narrative running with the mother and daughter may sound cliche, it might just work here, assuming that the younger versions of the older Mamma Mia! characters are as charming as their predecessors. Moreover, we now know who Cher is playing: Donna's ruthless mother, who rejected her upon learning of her unplanned pregnancy. As for the idea that the iconic singer is Streep's mother, well, chalk that one up to suspension of disbelief.
It's no secret that Mamma Mia! wasn't really well-received from a critical perspective, but it earned more than enough money for Universal to justify green-lighting a sequel. Despite its rather predictable plot, audience generally enjoyed the movie because it was full of fun moments and amazing visuals thanks in no small part to its breathtaking setting. Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again aims to recapture those positive points, while hopefully providing a better-crafted narrative, and better vocals, in the process.
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Source: Universal Pictures
