Mamma Mia, Here We Go Again… with Stellan’s Reluctance: Baranski Spills the ABBA-Fueled Tea
Christine Baranski, the celebrated actress known for her roles in stage and screen productions, including the ABBA-infused cinematic sensation Mamma Mia! and its sequel Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, recently shared some behind-the-scenes insights into the making of the beloved musical films. In a candid interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Baranski revealed that not all of her co-stars embraced the exuberant dance numbers with equal enthusiasm. While Pierce Brosnan apparently skipped down hills with gusto and Colin Firth delivered his moves with a touch of ironic charm, Stellan Skarsgård, the acclaimed actor known for his dramatic roles, reportedly approached the musical’s choreography with a considerable degree of reluctance.
Baranski, who portrayed the vivacious Tanya Chesham-Leigh in the films, recounted Skarsgård’s aversion to the dance sequences, particularly in the sequel. The original Mamma Mia!, released in 2008, captivated audiences worldwide with its infectious ABBA soundtrack and heartwarming storyline centered around Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), a young woman preparing for her wedding who secretly invites three men – Sam Carmichael (Pierce Brosnan), Harry Bright (Colin Firth), and Bill Anderson (Stellan Skarsgård) – who could potentially be her father. The film’s global success, grossing a staggering $610 million, paved the way for the 2018 sequel, which further explored the characters’ past and present relationships.
Despite the film’s lighthearted and celebratory atmosphere, Baranski revealed that Skarsgård struggled with the demands of the dance numbers. "Stellan hated it," she confessed to Colbert, eliciting laughter from the audience. She contrasted his reaction with Brosnan’s seemingly boundless energy and Firth’s self-aware approach to the choreography. According to Baranski, the filmmakers even attempted to strategically minimize Skarsgård’s presence in certain dance sequences. "When we finally went down the hill in ‘Dancing Queen’ and landed on the dock, and then it was the end of the number, and the camera would move around, and it usually would avoid Stellan," she added, underscoring his discomfort with the elaborate routines.
Baranski further elaborated on the challenges faced by director Ol Parker in attempting to coax Skarsgård into fully embracing the musical’s spirit. She recalled a moment when Parker’s efforts to encourage the Dune star to loosen up were met with resistance and a colorful outburst. "He let out a string of expletives," Baranski recounted, painting a humorous picture of the clash between the director’s vision and the actor’s reservations. She likened Parker’s request to "asking him to do Arabic poetry while jumping rope," highlighting the perceived absurdity of the situation from Skarsgård’s perspective.
Skarsgård himself offered some insight into his initial skepticism towards joining the Mamma Mia! cast in a February 2024 interview with Vanity Fair. He admitted that he initially found the prospect of starring in a musical "absurd," given his lack of formal theatrical training and his established career in more serious dramatic roles. However, the presence of Brosnan and Firth in the cast ultimately swayed him to reconsider.
He also offered a surprisingly insightful perspective on the gender dynamics at play within the film. "In a film that is produced by men and directed by men (and) with men in the lead, you have the bimbo. And we were the bimbos in this female(-led) production," Skarsgård explained, suggesting that the male characters were intentionally cast in supporting roles, serving primarily as eye candy and comic relief to the female leads. He added, "We didn’t have to be anything but look cute and be silly. There’s only one thing that was asked of us and that was have fun. Because if we don’t have fun, it won’t be a film."
His comments suggest a self-awareness about the role he and his male co-stars played in the film, acknowledging their contribution as primarily one of comedic support and visual appeal. While he may have struggled with the dancing, he understood the assignment, which was to inject a dose of lighthearted silliness into a story centered on female relationships and empowerment.
Baranski’s revelations provide a fascinating glimpse behind the curtain of a beloved movie musical, revealing the contrasting personalities and approaches that contributed to its success. While the films are known for their infectious energy and feel-good vibes, it’s clear that not everyone involved was a natural "Dancing Queen." Skarsgård’s reluctance, while amusingly recounted by Baranski, highlights the challenges of bringing together actors from diverse backgrounds and skill sets to create a cohesive and entertaining ensemble. Ultimately, the magic of Mamma Mia! lies not only in its catchy tunes and vibrant visuals but also in the unexpected chemistry and dynamic created by its cast, even those who may have secretly dreaded the dance numbers. The contrast between Skarsgård’s discomfort and the overall celebratory atmosphere of the film adds an extra layer of humor and intrigue to the story, making it even more memorable for audiences worldwide. The films stand as a testament to the power of collaboration, even when faced with the occasional bout of reluctance and a few strings of expletives along the way. They prove that even actors who might not consider themselves natural dancers can contribute to a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.
