The film’s sequel will bring back the adventures and tales of the nanny who was loved for her magical skills
Remember the practically-perfect nanny with unique magical skills who would turn an ordinary task into a fantastic adventure?
Starring Emily Blunt, Disney’s Mary Poppins (1964) is back as Mary Poppins Returns. In this new musical and sequel, Mary Poppins is back to help the next generation of the Banks family find the joy and wonder missing in their lives following a personal loss. The enigmatic nanny is joined by her friend Jack, played by Lin-Manuel Miranda, an optimistic street lamplighter who helps bring light — and life — to the streets of London.
Directed by Rob Marshall, screenplay is by David Magee and the story by Magee & Marshall and John DeLuca, the film is based upon the Mary Poppins Stories by PL Travers.
“I was incredibly honoured to be approached by Disney about directing a sequel,” said Rob. “This is a brand new original film musical from top to bottom, which is very rare, and it is a wonderful opportunity to create something specifically for the screen,” he added.
The film also stars Ben Whishaw as Michael Banks, Emily Mortimer as Jane Banks, Julie Walters as the Banks’ housekeeper Ellen, Pixie Davies, Nathanael Saleh and introducing Joel Dawson as the Banks’ children, with Colin Firth as Fidelity Fiduciary Bank’s William Weatherall Wilkins, and Meryl Streep as Mary’s eccentric cousin, Topsy. Dick Van Dyke is Mr. Dawes Jr., the retired chairman of the bank now run by Firth’s character.
“Mary Poppins was the first film I saw as a child and it opened my mind up to movies and to the love of musicals, adventure and fantasy in film,” said Rob. “But this film isn’t just for children... it’s for the child in all of us,” he added.
Produced by John DeLuca, Rob Marshall, and Marc Platt, with Callum McDougall serving as executive producer, the film is set to release in Indian cinema on January 4, 2019.