The Mamma Mia! movies have had fans singing ABBA hits and scratching their heads over one big question since the first film danced into theaters in 2008: who is Sophie Sheridan’s biological father? Now, Pierce Brosnan, who plays the charming Sam Carmichael, one of Sophie’s three possible dads, has let slip a tantalizing clue that Mamma Mia 3 might finally put the mystery to rest. In a recent interview, Brosnan’s playful tease has fans buzzing about what’s next for the sunny, song-packed franchise.
The Mamma Mia! films revolve around Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), who invites three men from her mom Donna’s (Meryl Streep) past—Sam (Brosnan), Harry (Colin Firth), and Bill (Stellan Skarsgård)—to her wedding, hoping to figure out which one’s her dad. The movies sidestep a clear answer, embracing a feel-good vibe that family’s about love, not just DNA. Sophie welcomes all three as father figures, and Sam marries Donna, stepping into the role of stepdad. It’s a heartwarming setup, but it’s left fans guessing for years. Clues like Sophie’s blonde hair matching Bill’s or her artistic streak vibing with Sam’s sketches keep the debate alive, with no official word—until now.
In a June 2025 chat with The Hollywood Reporter about his Paramount+ series MobLand, Brosnan was asked who he thinks Sophie’s dad is. With a mischievous smile, he said, “I think you’ll have to wait for the next movie. I know who it is, but I’m not spoiling the fun.” His comment set the internet on fire, hinting that Mamma Mia 3—not yet confirmed but heavily rumored—will name Sophie’s biological father. He doubled down in a British GQ interview, saying an ABBA documentary got him excited for the project, calling their songs “poignant and beautiful” and perfect for another go-round.
Talk of a third Mamma Mia! has been swirling for years. Christine Baranski, who plays Tanya, shared last year that producer Judy Craymer’s working on a storyline. There’s even word that pop star Sabrina Carpenter might join the cast, bringing a fresh spark. The challenge? ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson have said it’s tricky to find enough unused songs for a new film, though Ulvaeus recently hinted they’re not totally against it. If Mamma Mia 3 happens, naming Sophie’s dad could shake things up. The first two movies leaned into the idea that it doesn’t matter who her biological father is—Sam, Harry, and Bill are all her dads in their own way. A reveal risks tweaking that message, but it could also give fans the closure they’ve been after. Brosnan’s confidence points to Sam as the likely pick, given his tight bond with Sophie and Donna, but Bill and Harry fans hold out hope based on hints like shared looks or personality quirks.
The idea of solving the mystery has fans split. Some are stoked, eager for an answer to a nearly two-decade-old question. Others worry it might dilute the story’s heart, making it less about chosen family. A 2020 Atom Tickets survey showed 40% of fans think Sam’s the dad, 16% back Bill, and 14% root for Harry, so the reveal’s bound to spark some lively debates over margaritas.
While plot details are still under wraps, Mamma Mia 3 could explore Sophie’s life as a mom—her son, Donny, appeared in the sequel—while tying up threads from Donna’s story. The main cast, including Seyfried, Brosnan, Firth, Skarsgård, Baranski, and Julie Walters, seems game to return. Meryl Streep’s role is less certain since Donna died in the second film, but she’s said she’d be up for a cameo, maybe in a flashback. Expect more ABBA classics (or hidden gems from their catalog) set against those dreamy Greek island backdrops.
Brosnan’s tease has fans humming “Dancing Queen” and debating whether Sam, Bill, or Harry will get the dad nod. With Judy Craymer hinting at a trilogy plan since 2022, the project feels closer than ever. Whether naming Sophie’s dad satisfies fans or stirs up drama, one thing’s clear: if Mamma Mia 3 hits screens, it’ll be a joyful, toe-tapping ride.