How a jukebox musical sequel defied expectations to become a global box office triumph

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Released ten years after the original, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again functions as both a prequel and a sequel. By weaving together Donna Sheridan's 1979 youth with her daughter Sophie's present-day challenges, the film earned $482.3 million worldwide, proving that audiences were far from finished with the music of ABBA.

Directed by Ol Parker, the 2018 production was a British and American joint venture that expanded the ensemble cast to include Cher and Andy García alongside returning stars like Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried. Filming occurred across diverse locations, including Croatia, Bordeaux, Stockholm, and Oxford, with principal photography running from August to December 2017. The narrative structure mirrors two timelines: one following young Donna’s journey to the Greek island of Kalokairi in 1979, and the other depicting Sophie’s efforts to reopen the Hotel Bella Donna in the present.

The film’s financial performance was robust, grossing $482.3 million against a $75 million production budget. In the United States and Canada, it earned $120.6 million, while international territories contributed $281.6 million. Its opening weekend in the United Kingdom was particularly strong, securing $12.7 million and becoming the second highest-grossing film of 2018 in that market, trailing only Avengers: Infinity War. Critics generally favored the sequel, with many noting it as an improvement over the 2008 original, praising its self-aware humor and musical performances.

The soundtrack, produced by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, was released in July 2018. While the film features numerous ABBA tracks, some songs were omitted from the final cut but included on the album, such as I Wonder (Departure). The production process was marked by specific creative choices, including writing a role specifically for Cher, who was given the authority to select Andy García as her romantic partner. Despite the film's success, the narrative concludes with a sense of finality as Sophie gives birth to her son, Donny, and Donna’s spirit makes a final appearance at the christening.

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