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Judy Craymer, the driving force behind the global Mamma Mia! Phenomenon, has confirmed the beloved musical’s Broadway comeback — and teased major developments in the franchise’s future, including a third film and a possible television adaptation.
Craymer revealed that Mamma Mia! Will return to the Winter Garden Theatre for a six-month limited engagement beginning August 2, with an official opening night set for August 14. It’s a fitting homecoming for a show that ran nearly 15 years on Broadway and became the ninth-longest-running production in its history. “It’s a comfort blanket,” Craymer says — one that audiences return to in uncertain times.
Over lunch in London’s Mayfair, Craymer hinted at bigger plans: a third Mamma Mia! Film is well into development. Though tight-lipped on details, she confirmed that pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter is being eyed for a role, describing her as “a goddess or some relation who would look very much like Meryl Streep.” The singer, a noted ABBA fan, seems a natural fit for the expanding universe.
Even more tantalizing is the idea of a Mamma Mia! TV series. While Craymer insists it’s not in the works — yet — she acknowledges that it’s a real possibility: “It’ll be a comedy-drama made for TV,” she muses, “but I’m just saying it could happen.” In today’s streaming-driven market, that kind of expansion feels inevitable.
Craymer, whose creative vision made Mamma Mia! A theatrical and cinematic landmark, credits the show’s success not only to ABBA’s enduring hits but also to Catherine Johnson’s “solid structure” and the subtle storytelling style of director Phyllida Lloyd. “It’s not a typical Broadway show,” she explains. “It’s about sandals on a beach, identity, mothers, daughters, hope.”
The show’s lasting appeal has found new momentum with Gen Z audiences, thanks in part to the films and social media. Craymer calls Mamma Mia! A “cultural engine” that has weathered everything from global recessions to 9/11 — and still brings people joy.
Whether it’s the stage, screen, or a future streaming service, one thing is clear: the Mamma Mia! Universe is alive, expanding, and ready for its next encore. As Craymer says, “It’ll happen when it happens.”
