In the realm of the My Big Fat Greek Wedding franchise, it’s all about kinship and close ties.
Rita Wilson, a cherished member of the film family since her involvement as a producer in the first installment and the one who discovered the talented Nia Vardalos through her one-woman show that inspired the original film, wears multiple hats for My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3. As an executive producer, she contributes her creative prowess by crafting a song that takes center stage in the movie’s climactic moments.
“Nia, being aware of my songwriting skills, approached me and requested that I compose a song for this movie,” reveals Wilson to EW. While she previously wrote “Even More Mine” for the second film, this new track was a personal appeal from Vardalos herself, urging Wilson to create something truly extraordinary. This request held special meaning for Wilson, especially considering that Vardalos fulfilled her own desire to make her directorial debut in the film (Wilson had previously suggested Vardalos direct the second film, but Vardalos didn’t feel prepared at the time).
“I had a candid conversation with Nia about it,” Wilson recounts, recalling her recruitment of Vardalos as the director. “I told her, ‘Well, you’re going to direct this one, aren’t you?’ And she replied, ‘Am I?’ My response was, ‘Nobody is telling you not to, and I’m telling you that you are.’ And she agreed, ‘Okay, I’m directing it.’ Everyone in our circle wholeheartedly supported that decision. Who could be a better director than Nia herself, who has intimately known these characters for over two decades?”
In response to the new director’s request, Wilson joined forces with Diane Warren, a longtime friend of both Wilson and Vardalos, to co-write “Oli Mazi (We Are All Together).” This captivating song plays a pivotal role in the film’s exhilarating finale, as the Portokolas family unites with the locals of the Greek village they are visiting, indulging in delectable cuisine, exquisite wine, and boundless merriment.
Wilson describes the collaborative process of crafting the song with Warren as swift and effortless. “We sat down at Diane’s studio, and almost instantly, ideas started flowing between us,” Wilson shares. “As soon as we discussed the song, Diane picked up a guitar, and we began to write. It was absolutely surreal, how everything fell into place so effortlessly. Diane is a musical genius—an extraordinary individual and an exceptional songwriter. It was genuinely a blessing to be able to write with her.”
According to Wilson, part of the song’s allure stems from the fact that writing for a film offers a unique set of guidelines compared to writing for oneself. “You’re provided with specific parameters,” she explains. “Nia would say, ‘I want it to radiate this particular ambiance. It should evoke Greek harmonies and possess a sound that could resonate on Greek radio as well as American radio.'”
“Diane and I were passionately determined to create a chorus that would be easily singable,” continues Wilson. “We envisioned a chorus that could be belted out in a disco or at a lively gathering, ensuring that everyone could readily join in.”
Wilson’s wish has come to fruition. Recently, Belgian-Greek DJ duo Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike, consisting of brothers Dimitri Thivaios and Michael Thivaios, released a dance remix of the track that amplifies its energy and impact. It’s a testament to the universal appeal and infectious nature of the song.