Some movie entrances are designed to make an impression, and Cher’s appearance in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again is a perfect example. Dressed in an elegant white outfit with platinum-blonde hair and a confident smile, she brings a fresh burst of glamour to the sun-soaked world of the beloved musical.

The image featuring Cher alongside Amanda Seyfried and Dominic Cooper captures three important characters in a story about family, love, and new beginnings. But what makes Cher’s role so memorable, and why does her appearance fit so naturally into the film’s musical atmosphere?

To understand the scene, it helps to look at Ruby Sheridan, the story behind the sequel, and Cher’s connection to the music of ABBA.

What Is Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again About?

Released in 2018, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again is the sequel to the 2008 musical film Mamma Mia!. Set on the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi, it combines romance, comedy, family relationships, and songs by the Swedish pop group ABBA.

The story moves between the present and the past. In the present-day storyline, Sophie Sheridan, played by Amanda Seyfried, prepares to open Hotel Bella Donna while expecting a baby. As she navigates this new chapter, she reflects on her late mother, Donna, and the experiences that shaped their family.

Flashbacks show a younger Donna, played by Lily James, discovering independence, friendship, and romance. These two timelines give the film its emotional foundation.

The sequel reunites several familiar performers while introducing new characters and expanding the Sheridan family’s story.

Source: Universal Pictures — Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.

Who Is Ruby Sheridan?

Cher plays Ruby Sheridan, Donna’s mother and Sophie’s grandmother. Ruby is a glamorous, confident woman whose arrival brings a different personality to the film’s island setting.

Before Cher appears, the story has already established Sophie as someone trying to carry forward her mother’s legacy. Ruby’s arrival adds another generation to that family story.

Ruby is not presented as a quiet background character. She has a strong personality, a taste for dramatic entrances, and an unmistakable sense of style. Her confidence creates both humor and warmth, especially when she interacts with her granddaughter.

The casting also gives the film a new musical dimension. Cher is an internationally recognized recording artist, so her presence feels especially fitting in a movie built around memorable pop songs.

Why Cher’s White Outfit Stands Out

In the image, Ruby wears a structured white suit with a matching belt, a decorative flower, and platinum-blonde hair styled in soft waves. Her bright lipstick and jewelry complete the polished look.

The costume contrasts with Sophie’s colorful, relaxed outfit and Sky’s darker shirt. Visually, Ruby appears more formal and theatrical, while the younger couple reflect the laid-back atmosphere of island life.

That contrast helps communicate Ruby’s personality without requiring dialogue. Her clothing suggests someone who enjoys making an entrance and is comfortable being the center of attention.

The film’s costume design also draws on Cher’s established reputation for bold fashion. Her wardrobe has long included dramatic silhouettes, distinctive stage outfits, and memorable combinations of texture and color.

For Ruby, the filmmakers chose a more tailored form of glamour. The white suit gives the character an elegant appearance while preserving the larger-than-life quality associated with Cher.

The Story Behind Cher Joining the Sequel

Cher’s casting was an important addition to the film. According to Vanity Fair, producer Judy Craymer had previously considered Cher for the role of Tanya in the original movie, but Cher declined because she felt the character was too similar to her own public persona.

The sequel offered a different opportunity: playing Ruby, the mother of Meryl Streep’s Donna.

The casting also created an amusing Hollywood connection. Cher and Streep are separated in age by only three years, yet they portray mother and daughter in the story. Rather than distracting from the film, the unusual casting choice became part of the sequel’s appeal.

Ruby’s role was also developed around a major musical highlight, giving Cher a chance to combine acting with singing.

Source: Vanity Fair — Cher Chose Playing Meryl Streep’s Mother in Mamma Mia.

The Unforgettable “Fernando” Performance

One of the film’s biggest highlights is Cher’s performance of “Fernando” alongside Andy Garcia, who plays Fernando Cienfuegos.

Originally recorded by ABBA, “Fernando” is a song about love, memory, and reflection. In the movie, it becomes part of Ruby’s emotional story, connecting her past with the people she encounters on the island.

The pairing works because the performance is more than a musical interruption. It gives Ruby a romantic history and introduces a softer dimension beneath her confident exterior.

Cher’s distinctive lower vocal register brings a different sound to the familiar song. Andy Garcia’s participation adds to the scene’s romantic atmosphere, making the performance a natural fit for a musical that balances comedy with emotion.

The song also helped connect the movie to Cher’s subsequent work with ABBA material. In 2018, she released Dancing Queen, an album of ABBA covers inspired in part by her experience making the film.

Source: GRAMMY.com — Cher Readies ABBA Cover Album Following Mamma Mia Sequel.

How Cher Adds to the Film’s Family Story

At its heart, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again explores the ways family stories are passed between generations.

Sophie is preparing for motherhood while learning more about Donna’s younger years. Ruby’s arrival introduces the perspective of a grandmother, adding another layer to the film’s depiction of family relationships.

Her presence helps connect Sophie’s future with the history that came before her. The movie does not suggest that family members must have identical personalities or life experiences. Instead, it explores how relationships can evolve as people move through different stages of life.

Ruby also offers a reminder that older characters can remain independent, expressive, and full of surprises. She arrives with her own history and identity rather than existing only to explain someone else’s past.

That combination of humor, glamour, and family emotion helps make her a memorable addition to the ensemble.

Why the Movie Still Appeals to ABBA and Cher Fans

The Mamma Mia! films combine familiar songs with colorful locations, romantic storylines, and an ensemble cast. The sequel expands that formula by adding a new generation of characters and revisiting the origins of relationships introduced in the first movie.

Cher’s participation gives longtime music fans an additional reason to watch. Her voice and stage presence bring a distinctive interpretation to ABBA’s catalogue, while Ruby’s character allows her to explore comedy and romance.

The film also demonstrates how a well-chosen musical performance can deepen a character. “Fernando” connects the emotional history of Ruby with the wider story, making the song relevant to the narrative rather than simply an opportunity for a celebrity appearance.

For viewers who enjoy musical cinema, the combination of recognizable songs, dramatic costumes, and intergenerational storytelling is central to the movie’s appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What movie is Cher’s white-suit scene from?

The scene appears to be from Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, the 2018 musical sequel featuring Cher as Ruby Sheridan.

2. Who does Cher play in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again?

Cher plays Ruby Sheridan, Donna’s mother and Sophie’s grandmother.

3. Who are the two other characters in the image?

The blonde woman in the colorful outfit appears to be Amanda Seyfried as Sophie Sheridan, and the man appears to be Dominic Cooper as Sky.

4. Which ABBA song does Cher perform in the movie?

Cher performs “Fernando” with Andy Garcia, who plays Fernando Cienfuegos.

5. Did Cher release an ABBA cover album?

Yes. Cher released Dancing Queen in 2018, featuring her interpretations of songs associated with ABBA.

Conclusion

Cher’s role in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again combines the qualities that have made her a distinctive entertainer: a recognizable voice, a bold fashion identity, and a confident screen presence.

As Ruby Sheridan, she adds glamour and humor while helping expand the film’s story of family and new beginnings. Her white outfit makes an immediate visual impression, but the character’s relationships and musical performance give the appearance a deeper context.

For fans of Cher, ABBA, and musical films, Ruby remains a memorable part of the sequel. The image captures a stylish moment, while the story behind it reveals why Cher’s contribution extends beyond the costume itself.