Almost five decades on since the original graced theaters, the mere suggestion of a sequel to Disney’s Mary Poppins may sound really rather atrocious on paper. But that hasn’t quelled the company’s enthusiasm to return to the well of children’s fantasy and magical nannies, with today bringing word that Mary Poppins Returns has snapped up a December 25, 2018 release date.
The musical places Edge of Tomorrow and Sicario alum Emily Blunt in the title role of Mary Poppins, where she’ll star opposite Lin-Manuel Miranda, the actor-musician best known for his work on Broadway hit, Hamilton.
Much as previous reports had suggested, Disney’s Mary Poppins sequel – which, it should be stressed, isn’t considered a remake – will pay a visit to the Banks family in Depression-era London. Now all grown up, Jane and Michael Banks are coping with a heartwrenching family tragedy, one that essentially sucks the joy out of their own lives and the lives of Michael’s three children. Aiming to lend a fresh perspective is Blunt’s super-cali-fragil-istic nanny, while it’s understood that Miranda is on board to play Jack the lamplighter.
Into the Woods helmer Rob Marshall will be the one welcoming Mary Poppins’ return from behind the lens, reuniting with producers Marc Platt and John DeLuca in the process. In 1964, it was Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke that took point in the lead roles, though considering that P.L. Travers penned a further seven books between 1935 and 1988, Disney and Marshall have plenty of source material to draw from in anticipation of the movie’s 2018 due date.
Super-cali-fragil-istic-expi-ali-docious! Mary Poppins Returns has been slotted in for a release on December 25, 2018.