Latest news with #MammaMia
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
21 Actors Who Almost Played Donna, Sophie and Sky in 'Mamma Mia!'
NEED TO KNOW Mamma Mia! starred Meryl Steep, Amanda Seyfried and Dominic Cooper, among others The 2008 film attracted a number of Hollywood stars for auditions, including Emily Blunt and Amy Adams The movie musical hit Netflix on July 16It's difficult to think of anyone other than Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried and Dominic Cooper in the parts of Mamma Mia!'s Donna Sheridan, Sophie Sheridan and Sky Rymand — however, a number of actors wanted the roles. 2008's Mamma Mia! — which hit Netflix on July 16 — follows Sophie's (Seyfried) wedding to fiancé Sky (Cooper) at her mom Donna's (Streep) Greek hotel. However, unbeknownst to Donna, Sophie has invited three of her mother's former flames — Harry (Colin Firth), Bill (Stellan Skårsgard) and Sam (Pierce Brosnan) — to determine which one of them is her biological father. The film — which is based on the Broadway musical of the same name — spawned a 2018 sequel, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. In August 2024, Christine Baranski, who played Tanya, revealed that a third movie is in the works. Streep, who was a fan of the Broadway musical, was a shoe-in for the part of Donna. 'You don't ask Meryl Streep to audition,' producer Judy Craymer told Vogue in a September 2023 Mamma Mia! oral history. 'Universal made a bit of a fuss because we didn't go over their list of ideas first, to which I said, 'Sorry, but there is no list—we got Meryl f------ Streep!' " While many actresses auditioned for the role of Sophie, Seyfried ultimately captured the team's attention with her rendition of ABBA's 'I Have a Dream,' U.S. casting director Ellen Lewis told Vogue. Meanwhile, U.K. casting director Priscilla John "fought" for Cooper to play Sky. "The studio said they thought he wasn't fun enough,' she told Vogue. 'They saw him as a bad boy and seemed to want someone a bit more saccharine." So, who else was in the running to play the roles of Donna, Sophie and Sky? Here are 21 actors who nearly starred in Mamma Mia!. Donna Nicole Kidman Nicole Kidman was on the list of backups if Streep declined the role of Donna. 'We were asked by Universal to prepare a list on the off chance that Meryl didn't wanna do it," director Phyllida Lloyd told Vogue. Olivia Newton-John Olivia Newton-John's previous musical experience with Grease also made her a strong contender for Donna. 'It was more likely that someone like Nicole Kidman or Olivia Newton-John might say yes, because they had a prior history of singing on-screen,' Lloyd told Vogue. Michelle Pfeiffer While the team talked about auditioning Michelle Pfeiffer for the role of Sophie's mother, the Grease 2 star never officially threw her hat in the ring, Lewis told Vogue. 'I don't believe there were any actual conversations with her team,' she said. 'It never got further than an internal discussion between the filmmakers and the studio.' Craymer added, "There were a lot of names on our list, but Meryl was the only person who [Lloyd] and I wanted." Sophie Emily Blunt The Devil Wears Prada stars Streep and Emily Blunt could have had an on-screen reunion in Greece. John told Vogue that Blunt was invited to audition, but turned it down. 'Emily Blunt passed because she had moved to Los Angeles and was doing quite well at the time,' she explained. Years later in 2018, the Mary Poppins Returns actress had the chance to sing some ABBA while appearing on James Corden's The Late Late Show. Blunt belted out the band's 'Dancing Queen' in a feather boa alongside Corden and Lin-Manuel Miranda as part of a 12-minute musical montage, per The Hollywood Reporter. Michelle Dockery Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery was a close second to Seyfried for casting directors. 'We loved Michelle Dockery, and she could sing because she did all sorts of musicals in drama school,' John told Vogue. Ultimately, Dockery took herself out of the running for Sophie. 'She chose to do a play at the Almeida Theatre instead,' John added. Carey Mulligan Seyfried had some serious competition in Carey Mulligan, according to John, who had recently cast Mulligan in 2007's And When Did You Last See Your Father?. 'She got quite far before we ultimately chose Amanda, who could not only sing but also looked so much like Meryl,' John told Vogue. Mulligan got her chance to play the part more than a decade later, when she was cast as Sophie in a 2019 spoof of Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again for Red Nose Day. Natalie Dormer Game of Thrones' Natalie Dormer's busy schedule prevented her from taking on the role of Sophie. 'We adored ... Natalie Dormer,' John told Vogue. 'But she was filming The Tudors at the time and not available.' Gemma Arterton Although Mammia Mia! casting directors called The King's Man star Gemma Arterton 'a very strong soprano,' she didn't quite fit the visual they were going for in Donna's daughter. 'She looked nothing like Meryl,' John told Vogue. In 2019, Arterton teamed up with Mulligan for her Red Nose Day Mamma Mia sequel spoof, playing young Donna instead. Amy Adams Amy Adams — who went on to star with Streep in 2008's Doubt and 2009's Julie & Julia — was among the list of Hollywood legends whom Lewis recalled seeing audition for Sophie in Los Angeles. "Thankfully, I didn't really know anything about those A-list girls at the time," music director Martin Lowe told Vogue. "I've subsequently looked back at my lists of people we saw and been shocked to discover some of the people that I apparently met." Zooey Deschanel She & Him singer Zooey Deschanel was one of the few musicians who tried out for the role of Sophie. 'I don't remember that many actual singers auditioning,' Lewis told Vogue. Felicity Jones According to John, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story alum Felicity Jones sold her vocal abilities short during her audition. 'Felicity Jones was adorable but kept telling me she wasn't right for the part because she couldn't sing—even though she could,' John told Vogue. Evan Rachel Wood Evan Rachel Wood, who's known for her singing roles in projects like Across the Universe and Frozen 2, also tried out for the role of Sophie, Lewis revealed to Vogue. The Westworld actress later joined forces with Seyfried to workshop a musical adaptation of Thelma & Louise. The musical has been in the works since at least 2021, per Variety. Leighton Meester Gossip Girl actress Leighton Meester also auditioned for the part of Sophie, Lewis told Vogue. Meester went on to show off her vocal talents in Cobra Starship's 2009 song "Good Girls Go Bad" and as Chiles Stanton in 2010's Country Strong opposite Gwyneth Paltrow. Mandy Moore Mandy Moore had a vote of confidence for her Mamma Mia! audition from former costar Chris Klein, who acted alongside her in American Dreams. 'You guys had Mandy Moore in here?' Klein asked in his own leaked audition tape. 'She is an angel of all angels ... she is just a dream come true. You should hire her on the spot.' Kirsten Dunst Kirsten Dunst was yet another name on Lewis' list of notable actresses who went out for the part of Sophie in L.A. Dunst got the opportunity to sing in 2007's Spider-Man 3, telling reporters at the film's premiere, 'It was fun. I got to pre-record it so it wasn't so nerve-wracking. I didn't have to sing in front of our entire crew." When asked if she'd like to pursue a musical career, Dunst said, "Definitely not. I'll sing in movies." Sky Sam Heughan According to John, 'All sorts of names came in for Sky,' among them Outlander's Sam Heughan. But unfortunately, his audition was one of his "worst" acting experiences, he told Backstage in September 2020. 'I was working with Will Young, this British musician, and he helped me with the song. He was, like, 'This is really high, I'll transfer it down an octave.' So I felt reasonably comfortable with it," he recalled. "I went in and I gave it to the piano player and I was, like, 'I'm just gonna put this down an octave.' And he was, like, 'No you're not. I'm the musical supervisor, you're going to do it like this.' It was like strangling a cat, singing for Mamma Mia!' Henry Cavill John told Vogue that English actor Henry Cavill was on the list of front-runners for the part of Sky, but it didn't work out due to scheduling. 'We were interested ... but he was in The Tudors at the time and unavailable,' she shared. Joe Anderson Cooper's part of Sky might have gone to The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 alum Joe Anderson. "He had just done a musical [2007's Across the Universe] and his audition was fabulous," John told Vogue. James McAvoy Atonement star James McAvoy was also approached by the casting directors for the part of Sky. 'We went out to James McAvoy and Tom Hardy but they were both unavailable,' John told Vogue. Tom Hardy Tom Hardy was also 'unavailable' for the role of Sky, according to John. Chris Klein The American Pie actor also auditioned for the role of Sky — and his audition tape later went viral, racking up over 500,000 views. "It's a horrible audition,' Klein told Huffpost in March 2012. 'I took a chance — I can't sing! I don't know why I was in there. But I took a chance! It's a musical — let's see if I can give it a shot.' 'It was really a dreadful audition," he added. Read the original article on People
Travel Weekly
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Travel Weekly
Hyatt Regency Times Square makes its Broadway debut
The Hyatt Regency Times Square has opened in New York, marking the brand's Manhattan debut. The 795-room property is located at 1605 Broadway, which was most recently home to the Crowne Plaza Times Square. Fresh off a multimillion-dollar revamp, the Hyatt Regency Times Square features a two-story lobby with a glass atrium overlooking Broadway. The hotel's design incorporates Broadway show-inspired elements throughout, including decor elements reminiscent of theater marquees. Guestrooms feature oversized windows, with the property's 969-square-foot penthouse suite offering panoramic views of Times Square and the Hudson River. As part of a partnership with the musical "Mamma Mia!," which is set to return to Broadway on Aug. 2, the hotel has also debuted a Greek island-themed room. Food and beverage options include Cue 48, billed as a grab-and-go market serving classic breakfast fare, as well as a "lively lounge" concept, which is set to debut soon. The property also offers a fitness center with a mix of cardio and strength training equipment. Rates at the Hyatt Regency Times Square start at $349 per night. The hotel joins nearly 30 existing Hyatt properties in New York.
Daily Mirror
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
ABBA's Björn gives sad update on ABBA Voyage weeks after show refresh
ABBA, which consisted of Björn Ulvaeus, Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Benny Andersson and Agnetha Fältskog, are the inspiration behind the concert residency ABBA Voyage in London Former ABBA member Björn Ulvaeus has shared an update on the band's virtual concert residency following the third anniversary of its launch earlier this year. He was asked about the future of ABBA Voyage in an interview this week. It opened at the purpose-built ABBA Arena in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London in 2022. The residency features digital avatars of Björn, 80, and his three former bandmates Anni-Frid Lyngstad, 79, Benny Andersson, 78, and Agnetha Fältskog, 75, alongside a 10-piece live band. ABBA Voyage, which features songs like Mamma Mia and Dancing Queen, is currently allowing fans to book tickets up to early January next year on its website. Björn was asked about its future in an interview broadcast earlier today. The singer-songwriter was interviewed this morning by Jane Mulkerrins on Times Radio. Looking ahead to the future, she asked him if the ongoing residency will continue, if it's still going by that point, when a member of ABBA dies. Björn revealed that he wasn't sure, saying that he "hadn't thought" about that scenario before. He told radio host Jane that he would need to speak to Anni-Frid, known as Frida, Benny and Agnetha to make a decision on the matter. Responding to the question, he said: "That's a question I've never had before ... I honestly don't know, hadn't thought about that. It's good you raise that question - I'll talk to the others about that as we need to decide beforehand between us if it's okay for all four of us to go on after we're gone." His comment comes after ABBA Voyage relaunched earlier this year with four songs added to the setlist. The purpose-built stadium closed its door in May, ahead of the third anniversary of its launch, as updates took place for the show. ABBA, who won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974 with their song Waterloo, said that they wanted to add "a little something" to the concert for the special occasion. The update saw the Name of the Game, Super Trouper, Money, Money, Money and Take a Chance on Me added to the setlist. In a joint statement issued at the time, Björn, Frida, Benny and Agnetha said to fans: "When we first opened, we never imagined that we'd still be in London three years on. We're very grateful that so many of you have joined us." They added: "Of course, the reason for us being able to sustain our concert for so long is because of our incredible audience. As we say in Sweden … Vilken resa! (what a journey in English)." The former bandmates concluded by revealing that the new version of the show would launch in late May. They said: "So, to celebrate we'll be adding a little something to our concert from the 27th of May to thank you for your love and support. We hope you enjoy it!"
The Sun
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
A-list actress is hardly recognisable as she overhauls look with dramatic dark hair transformation
A HOLLYWOOD screen star looked completely unrecognisable as she stepped out with dramatically different locks. The Mamma Mia 2 star, 36, showed off her darkened raven-coloured hair as she ran errands in London. 6 6 6 6 Lily James left fans doing a double take as she strolled down the street in a leather jacket and blue gym leggings, with a tote bag thrown over her shoulder. The Downton Abbey alum padded around in a pair of Birkenstock sandals and was seen tapping away on her phone, before stuffing something into her jacket pocket. Esher-born Lily kept her head down, intent on running errands in the summer heat. Yet her hair re-vamp commanded most attention, styled poker straight and flowing over her shoulders as opposed to previous glam up-dos. She has been sporting caramel coloured locks of late - a stark contrast to the bold hues of her latest look. She gave a nod to her new hair shade with a shiny black manicure. Recently, fans gushed over her "stunning" look as she stripped to a bikini. Back in 2022, Lily again showed off an unrecognisable look after a goth transformation for a major high street campaign. SCREEN QUEEN Lily played Poppy in ITV's Secret Diary of a Call Girl in 2011, and was in the BBC production of Just William as Ethel Brown in 2010. However, she is most well known for playing Lady Rose in Downton Abbey. Lily James, 33, stuns in low-cut green gown at the premiere of latest movie Her character appeared in the last episode of series three in 2012, and became more prominent in the fourth and fifth seasons. Earlier in 2017, she played Debora, love interest of main character Baby, in action film Baby Driver. In early 2018 she was in the Winston Churchill biopic Darkest Hour, where she played Elizabeth Layton. In 2018 she played Young Donna in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. In 2020 she appeared in Netflix's Rebecca. In early 2021 the actress appeared in The Dig, based on the story of an archaeologist who embarks on the historically important excavation of Sutton Hoo in 1938. A year later, she took the lead role in Pam and Tommy. She will soon star in the upcoming - and final - Downton Abbey movie. 6 6
The Herald Scotland
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Famous Hampshire-based celebrities including Colin Firth
There are also quite a few people born here who have gone on to great success in their careers. From esteemed actors to broadcasters, chefs, and more, Hampshire has never shied away from its celebrity connections. With that in mind, here are nine celebrities who have some link to Hampshire, whether they have lived or have grown up in the county. 9 celebrities with connections to Hampshire Alan Titchmarsh Alan Titchmarsh has a home near Alton in Hampshire (Image: James Manning/PA Wire) The gardener and broadcaster Alan Titchmarsh is a well-known face on British TV thanks to his work on Gardeners' World, Love Your Garden and his self-titled chat show. The 76-year-old moved to Hampshire with his wife Alison back in 2002, living in a Grade II-listed Georgian farmhouse near Alton. Colin Firth Colin Firth was born in the village of Grayshott in Hampshire in 1960, with both his parents being lecturers at King Alfred's College (now the University of Winchester). Colin Firth was born in the village of Grayshott (Image: Yui Mok/PA Wire) He attended school in Winchester and Eastleigh before joining the National Youth Theatre in London. Firth is now one of Britain's most prominent actors, having featured in films such as the Bridget Jones series, two Mamma Mia films, the Kingsman series, The King's Speech and much more. Amanda Holden Amanda Holden grew up in the town of Bishop's Waltham and has since gone on to have prominent roles in UK media. Amanda Holden grew up in Bishop's Waltham (Image: Ian West/PA Wire) Many will know her for being a judge on Britain's Got Talent, alongside her work on Heart Radio with Jamie Theakston. James Martin The chef and TV presenter James Martin, who is known for his work on Saturday Kitchen among other shows, used to have a home in the Hampshire village of Stoke Charity. Although he has since sold the high-end converted dairy, he is still said to live near the same area. Chris Packham The TV presenter and naturalist Chris Packham was born in Southampton and is known for fronting the BBC nature series Springwatch, Autumnwatch and Winterwatch. The 64-year-old has a home in the New Forest where he enjoys walking his dogs in the surrounding woodland. Dame Esther Rantzen Dame Esther Rantzen is a journalist and presenter who fronted the BBC television series That's Life! for 21 years, from 1973 until 1994. She is also known for her charitable work, having set up Childline in 1986 and The Silver Line in 2012. The 84-year-old now has a home in the New Forest, which she enjoys sharing with her grandchildren. Craig David The singer Craig David was born and grew up in Southampton, living on the Holyrood estate. His ninth studio album is set to release in August 2025, and the 44-year-old has been behind hits including '7 Days', 'Fill Me In' and 'Insomnia'. Scott Mills Another famous person with links to Southampton is the radio DJ and presenter Scott Mills. He is best known for presenting the Scott Mills show on BBC Radio 1 from 2004 to 2022. Recommended reading: Nowadays, he hosts BBC Radio 2's flagship breakfast show, which he has done since January 2025. Elizabeth Hurley The actress and model Elizabeth Hurley was born in Basingstoke and grew up in the Hampshire town. She is known for her roles in Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, Bedazzled and Passenger 57.
