Is Meryl Streep's Character Dead in 'Mamma Mia 2'? New Trailer Backs Fan Theory

Universal Pictures' Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again released its second and final trailer Tuesday. Fans of the franchise remain concerned over a potentially major plotline: Is Meryl Streep's character dead?

The theory regarding the death of Streep's Donna Sheridan first surfaced after the sequel's trailer debuted December 2017. Donna's daughter, Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), spoke with her mother's friends and said: "I'm pregnant, but I don't know how to do this by myself." To add to this theory, Donna's long-time companion Rosie (Julie Walters) referred to Sophie's mother in past tense, saying: "Your mother was the bravest person we ever met."

The sequel to Mamma Mia! comes 10 years after its predecessor. The 2008 flick revolved around Sophie discovering the true identity of her father ahead of her wedding, but its successor intends to show a pregnant Sophie learning about her mother's past.

Actors Pierce Brosnan, Stellan Skarsgård and Colin Firth reprise their roles as Donna's lovers—but there are no sightings of Streep. Her character is only shown in flashbacks from the first movie, or as her younger self, played by Lily James.

At this time, Streep is currently listed as a part of the film's credited cast, according to the Internet Movie Database (IMDb).

In 2008, Mamma Mia! drummed up $609.8 million at the worldwide box office, according to Box Office Mojo data. It was the highest-grossing film to be released in the United Kingdom at the time. The film also had the most successful box office run for a film made by a female director. Phyllida Lloyd held this title until Patty Jenkins' Wonder Woman was released in 2017.

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again is out July 20.