My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3: Will Maria Return?

In My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3, Maria Portokalos, played by Lainie Kazan, is present but does not travel to Greece with the rest of the family. She remains in Chicago, where she is being cared for by Athena and Yiannis as she battles memory loss. Despite not physically being in the film as much as in previous instalments, she is still a key part of the plot as her family travels to Greece to deliver her late husband Gus' journal to his childhood friends.

Maria is battling dementia and stays in Chicago

Maria Portokalos, played by Lainie Kazan, is battling dementia and stays in Chicago while her family travels to Greece in My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3. Athena and her husband Yiannis care for Maria, who is grappling with memory loss.

Maria's daughter Toula, her son-in-law Ian, and granddaughter Paris travel to Greece to deliver her late father Gus's journal to his childhood friends in his hometown. They are joined by other family members, including Toula's brother Nick, Aunt Voula, and Paris's old flame, Aristotle.

While in Greece, the family discovers a secret: Gus had a son, Peter, with the village matriarch, Alexandra. Peter has a son, Christos, who is romantically involved with a Syrian refugee, Qamar. Despite initial disapproval from Peter and Alexandra, Christos and Qamar decide to get engaged. The film culminates in a joyous celebration of their wedding, infusing both Greek and Syrian traditions.

After the wedding, the family returns to Chicago, bringing Peter with them. Maria is eager to meet her late husband's long-lost son, and Toula prepares a dinner for the family.

Athena and Yiannis care for her

In "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3", Athena and her husband Yiannis are caring for Maria, who is battling dementia. Maria, who is Toula's mother, stays back in Chicago while the rest of the family travels to Greece. Athena and Yiannis' care for Maria is a significant aspect of the film, as it allows Toula and her brother Nick to grapple with the challenges of caring for an ageing parent.

Athena and Yiannis' role in caring for Maria is not just practical but also emotional. They provide the necessary support and assistance Maria needs while dealing with her memory loss. This includes ensuring that Maria has the necessary resources and support to manage her condition and making sure she feels loved and valued despite her illness.

While the film does not go into detail about the specific caregiving tasks Athena and Yiannis perform for Maria, it is implied that they are committed to ensuring her well-being and comfort. This may include assisting Maria with her daily activities, such as preparing meals, administering medication, and providing companionship and emotional support.

Athena and Yiannis' dedication to Maria's care demonstrates the importance of family support and the challenges faced by caregivers, especially when dealing with a condition like dementia. Their role in the film highlights the impact of dementia not only on the individual but also on the entire family unit.

Through their care for Maria, Athena and Yiannis embody the Greek values of family, loyalty, and resilience. Their commitment to Maria's well-being demonstrates the strength of familial bonds and the importance of caring for one's elders.

Maria looks forward to meeting Gus' long-lost son

Maria Portokalos, played by Lainie Kazan, is indeed in *My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3*. However, she does not travel to Greece with the rest of the family. Maria is being cared for by Athena and her husband Yiannis, as she is battling dementia. Despite her condition, Maria looks forward to meeting her late husband Gus's long-lost son, Peter, upon the family's return to Chicago.

Maria's memory loss is a key theme in the film, as it was in the second instalment of the franchise, which focused on Gus and Maria discovering they were never legally married. In the third film, Maria's condition has progressed to the point where she is unable to travel, and her family must grapple with the challenges of her declining health.

While in Greece, the family discovers that Gus had a son, Peter, with the village matriarch, Alexandra. Peter's existence is a family secret, and his introduction serves as a significant plot twist. Peter's son, Christos, is also a central character in the film, as he is romantically involved with a Syrian refugee, Qamar, which mirrors Toula and Ian's cross-cultural relationship in the first film.

The film ends with the family returning to Chicago, bringing Peter with them as a new addition to the family. Maria eagerly anticipates meeting her late husband's long-lost son, and Toula prepares a welcoming dinner. The film concludes with a heartwarming focus on family connections and the anticipation of new beginnings.

Maria is excited about Toula making dinner

As Maria sets the table, she thinks back to the first time Toula cooked for the family. It was a chaotic but heartwarming affair, with dishes piled high and laughter filling the air. She remembers how Toula had transformed herself from a frumpy, meek girl working in the family restaurant into a confident young woman pursuing her dreams. Maria had always known that Toula was capable of great things, and she was proud to see her spreading her wings.

The sound of pots and pans clanging in the kitchen brings Maria back to the present. She peeks into the kitchen and sees Toula bustling around, preparing a feast fit for a Greek goddess. The aroma of spices and herbs fills the air, and Maria's mouth waters at the thought of the meal to come. She offers to help, but Toula shoos her away, insisting that she relax and spend time with the family.

As the family gathers around the table, Maria takes her seat at the head, beaming with pride. She knows that Toula has faced challenges, especially with her daughter Paris's recent struggles in college. But seeing her now, confident and happy in the kitchen, Maria feels a sense of peace. She knows that Toula will always find her way, and she is grateful to be able to share this meal and create new memories with her beloved family.

The family digs into Toula's delicious spread, passing dishes of moussaka, dolmades, and spanakopita. Maria savours every bite, the flavours exploding in her mouth. But more than the food, she relishes the warmth of her family around her, the sound of their laughter, and the knowledge that, no matter what challenges they face, they will always have each other.

Maria gives Toula life advice

In the film *My Big Fat Greek Wedding*, Maria Portokalos is Toula's mother. In the sequel, *My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2*, Maria gives Toula some advice about her marriage to Ian. Maria tells Toula that she must accept Ian as her husband, but Gus remains upset because Ian is not a member of the Greek Orthodox Church. To get the family to accept him, Ian agrees to be baptised into the church.

In the third film, Maria is battling dementia and stays in Chicago while the rest of the family travels to Greece.

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