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Hanks takes a chance on 'Mamma Mia!' movie

Tom Hanks says 'Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!' a film version of the Abba-inspired musical.

Apr 19 2006

Musical phenomenon 'Mamma Mia!' is heading to the big screen courtesy of Tom Hanks and his Playtone partner Gary Goetzman.

Impressed with the way Playtone turned Nia Vardalos' one-woman show into the global box office hit 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding', producer Judy Cramer has said 'I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do' to the deal and will be closely involved with the film's production.

For those not in the know, 'Mamma Mia!' tells the tale of a young woman embarking on a quest to discover the identity of her father on the eve of her wedding. It includes 22 Abba hits, from 'Dancing Queen' to 'The Winner Takes it All' to 'Knowing Me, Knowing You'.

It has opened in 130 cities around the globe since making its debut in London in 1999, grossing a staggering $1.6 billion in the process.

Catherine Johnson, who wrote the show's book, is currently penning the script, and the film should be in cinemas by late 2007, by which time we could all be saying 'Thank You For the Movie'. Or not if it's rubbish.

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User comments on this story

  • Steve said...
    I googled Olivia and Mama Mia because I figured others would think, as I do, that she would have been perfect as Donna. I have seen the ads with Meryl and I like her a lot, but Hanks really missed out on a chance for a blockbuster if Olivia would have gotten it! Posted on Jul 07 2008 15:31
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  • Litsa said...
    Left Skopelos Sept 27 where they were still filming final wedding scenes at Aghios Giannis..The small fishing boats in themain harbor town were beautifully decked out with white flowers for the scene:) The 'yacht' was spotted all over the isle..in particular, the small, beautiful fishing village of Agnondas:) Can't wait to see this movie:) Posted on Oct 14 2007 15:34
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  • pops said...
    cant wait to see film saw it being filmed in skopalos sat with pierce brosnan and family on beach, The whole island is buzzing with mma mia bing filmed there. Posted on Sep 14 2007 19:02
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  • Shelley said...
    Going to see Mamma Mia for the 3rd time in October for my birthday. I LOVE THIS MUSICAL!! I'm taking 16 of my friends to the show. I cannot wait for the movie so I can introduce even more of my friends to the story! And with Tom Hanks involved, you know it's going to be fab! Posted on Sep 10 2007 14:45
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  • Annie G said...
    Saw Mamma Mia on stage in Tampa, FL and had front-row seats recently in Las Vegas. Other than an Elvis concert, I don't know when I've come away from a stage show happier. Can't wait to see the movie. A DVD to be added to my collection....YES DEFINITELY! Thank you ABBA and Tom Hanks. Posted on Sep 09 2007 20:02
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  • bilaltlife said...
    A new original song from ABBA in the movie would be great... let us all pray. Posted on Sep 06 2007 19:40
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  • skiathos fan said...
    I saw the stage show and thought it was great, can't wait to see the film. I was in Skiathos Greece and saw the film being taped, very cool!!! Posted on Sep 05 2007 14:33
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  • JC said...
    Having seen the stage show and loved it then accidently ran into the filming in Skiathos I can't wait. I saw the taxi scenes been shot with Colin Firth and Pierce Brosnan and previously met characters on the island that could have played donna without realising so the whole stage production will come alive with splendour...I can't wait or was that the chat with piers Brosnan thats helped Posted on Sep 03 2007 19:27
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  • em said...
    colin fith is going to be great in this film Posted on Aug 11 2007 14:48
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  • Emma said...
    I LOVE Mamma Mia! I was leaping 4 feet in the air when I found out about the movie! Haha, definetely a blockbuster!
    It was amazing when I saw it last christmas in Chicago.
    GO ABBA! Posted on Aug 07 2007 11:16
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  • martha said...
    I agree, Olivia Newton -John would be a great Donna. Posted on Jul 30 2007 15:05
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  • Hayley said...
    I can't wait for the movie...i cry at the musical (with laughter) so how will i cope with the movie!!!! Posted on Jul 23 2007 16:17
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  • Jimmy said...
    Go To Broadway.com! Click on Blockbusters, then on Mamma Mia! It talks about the show and the movie. (Even some of the stars... Can You Say Marel Streep!!??) Posted on Jul 19 2007 13:36
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  • mel smith said...
    It is already cast. Meryl Streep,( strange choice I thiought Shirley Mcclain would be awesome!) Chrisitne Branski( a totally perfect) choice, Pierce Bronson, Guy from Bridgette Jones ( the good guy) and some other British dude I don't know-hahahah . The daughter is a teeny bop actress.I can't wait!!!!! Posted on Jul 17 2007 23:18
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  • Rodney said...
    Sign up Olivia Newton John for the role and I will see it 1000 times. She would be awesome!! Posted on Jun 15 2007 15:18
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