Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again: Interviews and highlights from the premiere of the singalong sequel

Ten years after Hollywood’s original ode to Swedish pop sensation Abba, the jukebox musical hit is back with an eagerly-awaited second instalment, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. Alongside a returning cast of stars including Meryl Streep, Colin Firth and Amanda Seyfried, the movie boasts a host of new characters played by the likes of Lily James, Cher and Andy Garcia.

Both a prequel and a sequel, this film picks up five years from where the tale left off, as Sophie (Seyfried) comes to terms with facing pregnancy without her mother (Streep). Under the guidance of the eccentric duo that is Tanya (Christine Baranski) and Rosie (Julie Walters), Sophie is taken back in time to the origins of the Dynamos, where she seeks solace and strength in the story of how young Donna (played by James) ended up on the Greek island of Kalokairi and came to terms with her own motherhood. 

A whole host of big names were in attendance at the feature’s premiere, including Streep, who admitted she is overwhelmed by the popularity of the project, maintaining that the world needs Mamma Mia now more than ever.

James spoke about the joy of following in Streep’s footsteps and exploring Donna’s character further.

Returning star Seyfried discussed the film’s timeless and infectious quality, and its ability to bring people together.

Sophie’s trio of dads, Firth, Stellan Skarsgård and Pierce Brosnan, chatted about how the new feature felt like a family reunion, the joy of continuing where they left off and the emotional punch of the picture.

Cher, who play’s Seyfried’s estranged maternal grandmother, talked about the thrill of joining the franchise, while Garcia, who takes on the role of her love interest, hailed the film as a testimony to Abba’s ongoing legacy.

Two of the figures responsible for getting the project off the ground from the beginning, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, explained why the film has such a multigenerational, universal appeal.

Rosamund Kelby

Watch the premiere highlights here: