How 9/11 Inspired Meryl Streep to Do ‘Mamma Mia!’
Meryl Streep has appeared in many classic movies, but many fans are most familiar with her through the famous musical Mamma Mia!, based on the songs of ABBA. During an interview, Streep said she became fascinated with the stage musical after the events of 9/11. Streep’s agent thought his client would have no interest in the long-awaited movie version of the musical, but he was horribly wrong. She had a very easy time getting the lead role in the film.
Meryl Streep said ‘Mamma Mia!’ brought her joy after 9/11
During a 2023 interview with Vogue, Streep discussed her history with the stage musical Mamma Mia! “My little kids were all in school in New York in September of 2001, and 11 parents from their school were killed in the attacks,” she said. “It was an extremely traumatic event for everyone in the city, and Mamma Mia! became an important piece for me and my family at the time.
“When I had five little girls to entertain for my daughter’s birthday, I decided to take them all to see the show, and it was just the most glorious thing,” she added. “People were standing on their seats and dancing in the aisles.” Streep respected the musical because it brought so much joy to people. While Streep has been in many prestige movies, the Sophie’s Choice star was still able to enjoy something campy and silly.
Meryl Streep chose the movie over more serious projects
Streep also explained the story of how she came to star in the film adaptation of Mamma Mia! “I remember my agent calling me to discuss three offers that he thought were quite interesting,” she recalled. “They all sounded very heavy and serious, and then at the end of the call he said, ‘Oh. and I almost forgot to mention — you’re probably gonna laugh — but the people from Mamma Mia! want you. I’ll let them know it’s a pass.’ I perked up and said, ‘Oh, God, no, I wanna do that!'”
When she found out that Streep was interested in the project, producer Judy Craymer had no interest in any other actor for the lead role of Donna Sheridan. Streep had some experience as a singer, but she didn’t think singing was one of her primary talents. Regardless, Craymer was confident that Streep was right for the part. Mamma Mia! features other actors who are not known for their singing abilities in lead roles, such as James Bond icon Pierce Brosnan and Mean Girls star Amanda Seyfried. Famously, Streep belts out ABBA’s “The Winner Takes It All” in the movie.
How ‘Mamma Mia!’ took over the world
Mamma Mia! became a huge hit. Box Office Mojo reports the film earned over $144 million in the United States and over $465 million in the international market. Combining those two figures, it grossed more than $610 million worldwide.
Of course, just because a movie made money at the box office doesn’t mean it connected with audiences. Today, the true mark of success for a Hollywood film is whether it inspired a sequel or a remake. Mamma Mia! was followed by Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, and even more star-studded film whose cast includes Cher.
The musical Mamma Mia! is not high art but it helped Streep through some difficult times.
