Fans angered over shock twist in trailer for Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again

Amanda Seyfreid is back for the Mamma Mia sequel - but where's Meryl Streep? Photo / screenshot

When Universal released the trailer for Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, fans of the original 2008 film flocked to YouTube to see where the sequel would take their favourite mother-daughter singing duo.

However, those looking for a heartwarming reunion were quickly disappointed to learn that the trailer suggests that Donna, played by Meryl Streep, has died, leaving her daughter Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) to fend for herself just when she needs her mother most.

Meryl Streep as Donna in the original Mamma Mia. Photo / supplied

Immediately, Mamma Mia! fans took to Twitter, where many expressed their outrage over the decision to kill off Streep's character.

i’m gonna have to wait at least 6 months to find out if mamma mia killed off donna or if they’re keeping her lowkey for when the movie is out pic.twitter.com/GK0fkGTDhg

— alex (@fashionhoelouis) December 21, 2017

if donna is dead in mamma mia 2 then 2018 is cancelled

— beck 🌻 (@tarthsevenstar) December 17, 2017

Mamma Mia 2 makes no sense to me. Donna is dead. Donna and Sam weren't together anymore. Donnas mum was dead in the first movie and now she's alive.

Judy Cramer wtf have you done?!?!

— .𝒥𝓊𝓁ℯ𝓈. (@deepbIuesea_) December 17, 2017

Wake me up when someone from the mamma mia 2 crew confirms the trailer was poorly made and Donna is obviously alive.

— sailor moon (@firecrackerroot) December 17, 2017

so they had 10 years to think about the sequel of mamma mia and they CHOSE to let donna die?!?! pic.twitter.com/mFxNTSv7Bp

— 𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐚 🦋 (@fangxrlparrilla) December 21, 2017

you’re telling me; I’ve waited 10 years for mamma mia 2 and they killed off donna sheridan; keep ur goddamn movie I don’t care how iconic #2 is gonna be; no meryl, no mamma.

— emily 🪐 (@emilyelizaxox) December 17, 2017

RIGHT BITCH WHOEVER DECIDED TO KILL OFF MERYL IN MAMMA MIA HAS TO ANSWER A LOT OF ANGRY SENSITIVE PEOPLE LIKE ME

— chloe✨ (@chloechadwick7) December 21, 2017

Mamma Mia 2 questions after watching the trailer: 1.why did they kill off Donna?
2. Why has Donna’s mother suddenly come back from the dead?
3. Why does some of the scenes look like a remake of the first one ?
4. Why is Sophie now part of the girl band with 60 year olds ?

— Katie 💖 (@Katiexlmx) December 17, 2017

This news is undeniably devastating, but there is a silver lining to our Mamma Mia! induced depression: Cher will appear in the film as Sophie's grandmother. "Grandma, you weren't invited," says Sophie upon her grandmother's arrival. "That's the best kind of party, little girl," Cher responds.

Even though we (likely) won't be seeing Streep in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, the trailer makes it clear that Donna will still be a central part of the sequel — just as a much younger woman. Lily James will take on the challenge of fleshing out Donna's backstory and introducing viewers to her early loves: Sam, Bill, and Harry, Sophie's three possible fathers.

Each will be played by a younger actor, and if the trailer is any indication, we're in for a wild ride with Donna and her suitors.

Sorry, Mamma Mia! fans. Looks like you'll have to wait until July 20, 2018 to see whether Streep's character is alive or dead.