Cher joins ‘Mamma Mia!’ sequel ‘Here We Go Again’

By Justin Kroll

Cher has joined Universal’s Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! The multi-hyphenate hinted at her appearance in the movie over the weekend in a tweet and Variety has confirmed that she has been cast in the film.

Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, Amanda Seyfried, and Christine Baranski are returning, with Ol Parker writing and directing. The film goes back and forth in time to show how relationships forged in the past resonate in the present. Lily James will play the role of Young Donna. Young versions of Rosie and Tanya will be portrayed by Alexa Davies and Jessica Keenan Wynn, respectively. Young Sam will be played by Jeremy Irvine, while Young Bill is Josh Dylan and Young Harry is Hugh Skinner.

The movie began shooting in September in the U.K. and Croatia. Littlestar’s Judy Craymer and Playtone’s Gary Goetzman, who produced the original, will re-team for the sequel. Craymer is also the creator and producer of the stage musical.

Benny Andersson and Bj?rn Ulvaeus are aboard again to provide music and lyrics and serve as executive producers. Universal’s Kristen Lowe and Lexi Barta will oversee production for the studio.

The original 2008 movie was a surprise blockbuster, grossing more than $600 million worldwide. Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! hits theaters on July 20, 2018.

The pic marks Cher’s first major movie role since the 2010 musical Burlesque. She is represented by Risa Shapiro at RMS Productions and attorney Roger Armstrong.