Everything We Know About My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3

nia vardalos my big fat greek wedding 3
'My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3' Is ComingAnna Webber - Getty Images

Attention My Big Fat Greek Wedding fans: The beloved cast is reuniting for a third film! Nia Vardalos, who wrote and starred in My Big Fat Greek Wedding and My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2, will also add directing duties to her plate for the franchise's third chapter.

Here, everything we know so far about the project:

Expect to see some familiar faces in the cast.

"The entire cast is invited back," Vardalos revealed. Indeed, a recent production photo shows the star-turned-director alongside John Corbett, Maria Vacratsis, Elena Kampouris, Louis Mandylor, and Andrea Martin, as well as one newcomer: Elias Kacavas.

The movie filmed in Greece during summer 2022.

Vardalos confirmed the news in a video posted to her Instagram, which she captioned, "Greece baby. Greece!" In the June 2022 post, Vardalos said she was filming in a hotel near the Plaka, a neighborhood in Athens near the Acropolis.

"Thank you so much for the lovely messages," she added.

In early August, she posted that they wrapped filming in Varipatades in Corfu, Greece. "I am overwhelmed with emotions, so much relief and gratitude all day, and now hot tears are pouring down my face," she shared. "In these difficult times we are living in, it’s extremely appreciated when magic happens."

Vardalos shared that they finished in August 2022, writing, "Smiling through this effervescent feeling we had as drinks were opened (and beer poured on us) when principal photography completed."

She continued, "For years, I am alone writing these movies. Then impossibly, production begins and I meet over 400 souls I would have never known had I not typed, Fade In. I directed this film in my usual calm and methodical manner (middle child) with constant energy and love brimming up inside me every day. And lots of tears (such a Greek) of gratitude. It is an honor to direct a film. It is an absolute privilege I am grateful for. Many thanks to all who believed in me, you are wholly appreciated. With love, from Greece."

Nia Vardalos wrote the script with the knowledge Michael Constantine wouldn't be in the film.

Constantine, who played Toula's father Kostas "Gus" Portokalos passed away in August 2021 at age 94.

According to a post Vardalos wrote on her Instagram, Constantine knew he wouldn't part of the third film. "He had told me he wouldn’t be able to join us for the third film and his wish was that we go on. I wrote the screenplay to reflect Michael’s decision and will always treasure his last messages to me, hoping we were filming soon," she explained. "We miss you Michael, thank you for bringing my words to life with such passion and accuracy, you will always be with us."

"He was a beloved friend and a brilliant actor/writer who taught me so much about my craft and LIFE," Lainie Kazan, who portrayed Gus's wife Maria Portokalos, wrote on Facebook after his death. "We shared a make-believe marriage for over 20 years in the movies My Big Fat Greek Wedding 1 and 2 and soon-to-be 3. What a beautiful relationship. Michael you will be missed. Heaven has gained another angel."

In first-look footage that premiered at CinemaCon, Toula says, "A lot has happened since my big fat Greek wedding. My father passed away, and his last wish was for us to visit his childhood village in Greece and reconnect with our roots. So, we’re having a reunion."

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 will premiere September 8, 2023.

"#MyBigFatGreekWedding3 is coming to theaters September 8!" Focus Features tweeted. "Director, writer, and star Nia Vardalos and the entire cast return for the latest Portokalos family adventure."

They shared a photo of the cast, too:

Vardalos wrote on Instagram, "You are all invited to the big fat family reunion!!"

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