12 things you probably didn't know about the 'Mamma Mia' movies

Meghan ReinhardtMay 15, 2020, 23:24 IST

"Mamma Mia" is a beloved franchise.Universal Pictures

"Mamma Mia" (2008) and its sequel "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again" (2018) are popular films featuring ABBA's music.
Producer Judy Craymer pitched the film idea to ABBA star Björn Ulvaeus when she was giving him a ride home.
Lily James had to go on vocal rest for a week before filming "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again."
Meryl Streep really did the splits in the first film, and the "Super Trouper" finale from the second film was totally authentic.
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"Mamma Mia" is a franchise built upon ABBA's fun, catchy tunes.

The series is known for its star-studded cast, which includes Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, and Amanda Seyfried, but there are some fun facts about the movies that even superfans haven't heard about.

Here are 12 interesting, behind-the-scenes secrets about the "Mamma Mia" films.

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Julie Walters had to take a day off filming "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again" to be named Dame Commander at Buckingham Palace.

Julie Walters in "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again." Universal Pictures

James watched the first movie "hundreds of times" to prepare for the role of Donna.

Lily James in "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again." Universal Pictures

Lily James said she couldn't talk for a week in preparation for filming the sequel.

Lily James had to give her voice a break. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Pierce Brosnan's family (and housekeeper) weren't too keen on his singing voice at first.

Pierce Brosnan's family wasn't excited to hear him sing. Universal Pictures

Cher was handpicked for the role of Sophie's grandmother, and the head of Universal Pictures wouldn't take no for an answer.

Cher played Donna's mother and Sophie's grandmother in the film. Universal Pictures

Cher turned down a role in the first film.

Casting directors wanted Cher to play Tanya. Eric McCandless / Contributor / Getty Images

Meryl Streep really did the splits in the first film.

Meryl Streep didn't think before doing the splits. Universal Pictures

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson were executive producers for both films.

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson were involved in the franchise. Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images

The "Super Trouper" number at the end of the second film was 100% authentic.

The cast said they had a great time filming "Super Trooper." Universal Pictures

Phyllida Lloyd directed both the stage musical and the first movie.

Phyllida Lloyd directed "Mamma Mia." Yuriko Nakao/Reuters

Ulvaeus and Andersson made cameos in both films.

The members of ABBA have made cameos in both films. Universal Pictures

The whole franchise started with a serendipitous car ride, and it was a stage musical first.

Björn Ulvaeus, Judy Craymer, and Benny Andersson became friends after the car ride. David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images

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