Why Was Meryl Not in Mamma Mia?

Let’s be honest , when Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again hit the cinemas in 2018, many fans eagerly settled into their seats, popcorn in lap, ready to sing along with Meryl Streep belting out more ABBA classics. But as the film rolled on, something was glaringly missing. Or rather… someone. Donna. Played by the ever-fabulous Meryl Streep, she was the heart and soul of the first film. And yet, in the sequel, her presence was reduced to a brief, dreamlike cameo.

So, what gives? Why was Meryl not in Mamma Mia 2? Let’s dive in, because this story has more layers than a Greek wedding cake.

Why Was Meryl Streep Missing for Most of Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again?

Ah, the million-euro question. The answer? Well, it’s not scandalous, and no, there was no dramatic fallout on set. In fact, the reason is rooted in creative direction, Meryl’s own career choices, and the storytelling ambitions of the sequel.

For starters, Meryl Streep is famously not a fan of sequels. She’s always been drawn to fresh, challenging roles ,  the kind that don’t typically come with a “Part II” attached. Her filmography reflects that: diverse, bold, and rarely repetitive.

So when talk of a Mamma Mia sequel began swirling, she was understandably hesitant.

But that wasn’t the only reason.

The film’s creators, including writer Richard Curtis and director Ol Parker, were struggling to find a compelling reason to even make a sequel in the first place.

As Parker put it: “Not every story needs another chapter.” The first film tied things up quite nicely, thank you very much.

Eventually, though, a lightbulb moment came, and the solution was as clever as it was controversial: kill off Donna.

Why Was Donna’s Character Killed Off?

You heard right. They decided to write Donna out as having passed away between the events of the first and second films. Gasp-worthy, yes, but it did solve several problems at once.

Firstly, it allowed the second film to explore young Donna’s origin story, told through a series of musical flashbacks featuring Lily James.

Secondly, it freed Meryl Streep from committing to a leading role she wasn’t particularly excited about.

And lastly, it gave the film emotional weight, something that would’ve been hard to achieve if everyone was just dancing around in flares again for two hours.

According to Richard Curtis, his daughter actually pitched the prequel idea. That twist unlocked the entire narrative structure of the sequel, equal parts tribute, flashback, and musical celebration.

Donna’s death wasn’t just a plot device; it became the emotional backbone of the story.

Did Meryl Streep Completely Opt Out of the Sequel?

Not at all. She may not have been front and centre, but Streep did appear in the film’s final moments, singing “My Love, My Life” during a deeply emotional scene set at her granddaughter’s christening.

It wasn’t just a nostalgic cameo either it was the tearjerking climax of the whole movie. Ghostly? A bit. Poignant? Absolutely.

Her appearance was brief but impactful, and let’s be honest, who else could have pulled off a ghost scene without making it feel utterly bizarre?

The real beauty? This little cameo helped convince the rest of the original cast to come back, according to producer Judy Craymer. If Meryl was on board (even just a little), then surely it was worth it.

Was Meryl Streep Against Doing a Sequel Altogether?

It’s not so much that she was against it, more that she just didn’t see the need. Meryl Streep has often steered clear of sequels throughout her career. They simply don’t excite her the way new, uncharted characters do.

She made an exception for the first Mamma Mia! because she fell in love with the role of Donna , a fun, fiery, free spirited woman with a complicated past and a killer voice. But doing a sequel for the sake of it? Not her thing.

That said, when the idea of a prequel/sequel hybrid was pitched to her, with a younger version of Donna taking the reins and herself appearing only briefly, she was intrigued.

It was something new and fresh enough to tempt her back, if only for a day or two on set.

Who Played Young Donna in the Sequel?

Enter Lily James, who stepped into the dungarees of young Donna and carried the film on her glittery platform heels.

Lily brought charm, vocals, and just enough wild spirit to make the transition between the two Donnas feel believable. Through her, we saw how Donna met Harry, Bill, and Sam, and how she came to build a life on a remote Greek island.

This casting move was smart, it let the film tap into Meryl’s character without needing Meryl full-time. And Lily James? She nailed it. Fans adored her performance, and she gave the prequel portion of the film its own energy and heart.

Did the Cast Want to Return for a Sequel?

Actually, no at least not initially. After the success of the first Mamma Mia!, there was studio pressure to produce a sequel. But according to director Ol Parker, the cast wasn’t immediately on board.

It wasn’t until the prequel idea came into play that things began to shift. And once Meryl agreed to her small, meaningful cameo, the rest followed suit. Ten years had passed since the first film, and while nostalgia was running high, the story had to feel justified.

Is There Going to Be a Mamma Mia! 3 And Will Meryl Be In It?

Here’s where things get interesting. Yes, Mamma Mia! 3 is officially in development. And yes, Meryl Streep might be back.

Despite her character being technically deceased, Streep has said she’s open to returning. In a 2023 interview with Vogue, she even joked about coming back as Donna’s twin sister. Whether she was being cheeky or not, who knows, but the enthusiasm is clearly there.

In a separate interview with Deadline in May 2024, she teased that a meeting with Judy Craymer had taken place. So, yes, the sequel is inching closer, and Donna may very well grace our screens again in some ghostly, flashback-y, or soap-opera-y way.

What Has Meryl Streep Been Working on Recently?

Just because she wasn’t busy dancing in Kalokairi doesn’t mean she’s been idle.

Recently, she’s had roles in:

• Only Murders in the Building (Seasons 3 and 4), as the enigmatic Loretta Durkin
• Extrapolations (2023), an Apple TV+ series about climate change
• Don’t Look Up (2021), where she played President Janie Orlean
• And… surprise! She’s set to return as Miranda Priestly in a sequel to The Devil Wears Prada

So yes, she’s dabbling in sequels again — which gives us just enough hope for a return to Mamma Mia!.

Table: Meryl Streep’s Role Across the Mamma Mia Franchise

What Does the Future Hold for the Mamma Mia Franchise?

Well, that depends on logistics. Getting the cast back together, particularly when they’re all global stars, is no small feat. Amanda Seyfried recently pointed out that everyone would have to “put their lives on hold,” just as they did for the earlier films.

Still, with Judy Craymer confirming in 2024 that a script is underway, and with Christine Baranski, Pierce Brosnan, and others backing the idea, things are looking promising.

And let’s face it, with the world in need of a little more joy, what better time for another ABBA-fuelled adventure?

FAQs

Was Meryl Streep against returning to Mamma Mia?

Not entirely. She was hesitant due to her general avoidance of sequels but was open to a limited cameo when the story idea intrigued her.

Why did they kill off Donna’s character?

It allowed the sequel to explore Donna’s youth through flashbacks and gave the film emotional depth without relying on Meryl for a full role.

Will Meryl Streep appear in Mamma Mia 3?

She’s expressed genuine interest in returning, even joking about playing a twin sister, and has been in talks with the producers.

Was the Mamma Mia 2 plot created just to work around Meryl’s availability?

Not exactly, but her limited availability and preferences definitely shaped the creative direction of the sequel.

Did Meryl Streep help convince the other cast to return?

Yes, her involvement, even in a small role, reassured others and helped build momentum for the sequel.

Is Lily James confirmed for Mamma Mia 3?

There’s no confirmation yet, but her role in the second film was well received, making her a likely returnee if flashbacks are involved.

What else is Meryl Streep working on now?

She’s recently starred in Only Murders in the Building and is set to return for The Devil Wears Prada 2.