The Cast of Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018)

music of ABBA. This delightful follow-up features an ensemble cast of both familiar faces and new talent, and explores both the present-day and flashback narratives of Sophie Sheridan (played by Amanda Seyfried) as she grapples with the challenges of keeping her mother’s legacy alive after Donna’s passing. The film weaves in love, friendship, and unforgettable music from ABBA, and the cast plays a pivotal role in bringing this colorful, heartwarming world to life.

Returning Cast Members

1. Amanda Seyfried as Sophie Sheridan
   Amanda Seyfried reprises her role as Sophie Sheridan, the daughter of Donna Sheridan (Meryl Streep) and the heart of the Mamma Mia! franchise. Sophie is navigating life after her mother’s death, and in Here We Go Again, she is working to reopen the family’s hotel, which becomes a symbol of Donna’s spirit. Seyfried, whose portrayal of Sophie has become iconic, delivers a poignant and charming performance. Her character’s journey of self-discovery, family, and love provides the emotional core of the film.
2. Pierce Brosnan as Sam Carmichael
   Pierce Brosnan returns as Sam Carmichael, one of Sophie’s three possible fathers. Sam was Donna’s lover, and despite the years that have passed since their romance, his feelings for Donna remain strong. Brosnan, who is best known for his role as James Bond, brings depth to Sam’s character, portraying a man still deeply in love with Donna, even after her death. His performance in Here We Go Again balances humor, emotion, and romance, making Sam’s bond with Sophie and Donna a central part of the story.
3. Colin Firth as Harry Bright
   Colin Firth returns as Harry Bright, another of Sophie’s potential fathers. Firth’s portrayal of the awkward, well-meaning Harry has always been a highlight of the franchise. In Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, Harry is still coming to terms with the unexpected results of his one-night romance with Donna, and his relationship with Sophie has grown stronger over time. Firth brings a sense of endearing charm to his character, which continues to resonate with fans.
4. Stellan Skarsgård as Bill Anderson
   Stellan Skarsgård returns as Bill Anderson, the third of Sophie’s fathers. Bill is a carefree and adventurous man who had a brief fling with Donna while traveling through Greece. In Here We Go Again, Bill is also dealing with the emotional aftermath of Donna’s death, and his relationship with Sophie is one of warmth and respect. Skarsgård’s performance brings humor and depth to his character, making him a beloved member of the father trio.
5. Meryl Streep as Donna Sheridan
   Although Meryl Streep’s screen time in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again is limited due to the film’s flashback structure, her presence is still felt throughout the story. Donna’s legacy and spirit are central to the plot, and Streep’s portrayal of the free-spirited, independent mother remains one of the franchise’s defining traits. Her performances in the musical numbers like “Dancing Queen” and “The Winner Takes It All” have become iconic, and the impact of her character’s influence continues to shine through in this sequel.

New Cast Members

1. Lily James as Young Donna Sheridan
   Lily James takes on the role of young Donna Sheridan in the flashback sequences, portraying the character during her youth in the 1970s when she first arrived on the island of Kalokairi and began the journey that would shape her future. James, known for her roles in Cinderella (2015) and Baby Driver (2017), brings a fresh, vibrant energy to the character of Donna. Her portrayal of a young Donna captures the essence of the independent, adventurous woman that Meryl Streep’s Donna became, making the character’s journey of love and independence feel timeless. James’ performances in songs like “Mamma Mia” and “Dancing Queen” are standout moments in the film.
2. Andy Garcia as Fernando Cienfuegos
   Andy Garcia joins the cast as Fernando Cienfuegos, a charming hotel manager and former lover of Donna. Fernando’s role is a key part of the film’s flashbacks, and he provides an emotional connection to Donna’s past. Garcia, known for his roles in films like Ocean’s Eleven and The Godfather Part III, adds a layer of intrigue and romance to the film, particularly in his duet with Cher on the song “Fernando.” His addition to the Mamma Mia! universe brings a refreshing and exciting dynamic to the film.
3. Cher as Ruby Sheridan
   One of the most anticipated additions to the cast was Cher, who plays Ruby Sheridan, Donna’s estranged mother. Ruby’s arrival on the island of Kalokairi adds a new dimension to the story, and her complicated relationship with Donna is explored in the film’s flashbacks. Cher, a global music and acting legend, steals every scene she’s in with her commanding presence and powerful voice. Her musical number, “Fernando,” with Andy Garcia, was a showstopper, and her interactions with the other characters bring a sense of warmth and humor to the film.
4. Jessica Keenan Wynn as Young Tanya
   Jessica Keenan Wynn portrays the younger version of Tanya, played by Christine Baranski in the original film. Tanya is one of Donna’s best friends, known for her glamorous and witty persona. Wynn brings a youthful energy to Tanya, capturing the character’s fun-loving, independent spirit. Her chemistry with the young Donna (Lily James) and the other members of Donna’s friend group is a highlight, and her performance in the number “Super Trouper” is both entertaining and vibrant.
5. Alexa Davies as Young Rosie
   Alexa Davies plays the younger version of Rosie, another of Donna’s best friends, who is portrayed by Julie Walters in the original film. Rosie is known for her quirky sense of humor and fun-loving personality, and Davies brings a bubbly and comedic energy to the role. In the flashbacks, Rosie is shown as a free-spirited woman who, like Donna, is carving her own path. Davies’ playful and energetic performance adds another layer of charm to the film’s portrayal of Donna’s life and friendships.
6. Jeremy Irvine as Young Sam Carmichael
   Jeremy Irvine portrays the younger version of Sam Carmichael in the flashbacks, providing a glimpse into the romance between Sam and Donna that shaped Sophie’s life. Irvine, known for his role in War Horse (2011), brings a youthful and romantic energy to the character, capturing the passion and chemistry between Sam and Donna. His performance in “When I Kissed the Teacher” with Lily James is a standout moment, highlighting the connection between the two characters.
7. Hugh Skinner as Young Harry Bright
   Hugh Skinner plays the younger version of Harry Bright, portrayed by Colin Firth in the original film. Skinner brings a sense of awkward charm to the role, capturing the character’s innocence and naiveté. In the flashbacks, Harry’s relationship with Donna is depicted with humor and heart, and Skinner’s portrayal of the character in the musical number “Waterloo” adds a lighthearted and comedic touch to the film.
8. Josh Dylan as Young Bill Anderson
   Josh Dylan takes on the role of young Bill Anderson, played by Stellan Skarsgård in the original film. Dylan, known for his role in Dunkirk (2017), captures Bill’s adventurous and free-spirited nature, portraying a man who, like the other young men in Donna’s life, had a significant impact on her journey. Dylan’s performance adds to the film’s nostalgic and romantic tone, and his chemistry with Lily James’s Donna is palpable.

Supporting Cast

1. Christine Baranski as Tanya Chesham-Leigh
   Christine Baranski returns as Tanya, Donna’s witty and sharp-tongued best friend. Tanya, who was once a rich and glamorous woman, is now a happily married woman, and Baranski’s portrayal of her is as delightful as ever. Tanya’s love for her friends and her humorous outlook on life adds depth to the film, and her musical number “Super Trouper” remains a fan favorite.
2. Julie Walters as Rosie Mulligan
   Julie Walters returns as Rosie, the fun-loving, slightly awkward best friend of Donna. Rosie’s quirky sense of humor and unwavering loyalty to her friends are at the heart of the film, and Walters delivers a charming and heartfelt performance. Rosie’s emotional journey, as she reflects on her own love life, is an important subplot in the film, and Walters’ comedic timing shines through in her interactions with the other characters.
3. Dominic Cooper as Sky
   Dominic Cooper reprises his role as Sky, Sophie’s fiancé, who is torn between staying on the island with Sophie and following his career in the hotel industry. Cooper’s portrayal of Sky provides a grounded and supportive presence in the film. Sky’s relationship with Sophie continues to evolve, and Cooper’s performance reflects the character’s growth and the challenges that come with adulthood.
4. Celia Imrie as Chef
   Celia Imrie plays Chef, a supporting character who works alongside Tanya and Rosie. Imrie’s performance is quirky and fun, adding to the film’s lighthearted, comedic atmosphere.