There are more and more big names starting to be linked with the Mary Poppins sequel, with the latest reporting Meryl Streep and Ben Wishaw are in talks to join the project.
Whether the millennials will recognise it or not, a sequel to the 1964 Mary Poppins is a graceful moment for American cinema. The story from P.L. Travers (which made its way to Disney) produced as many catch-phrases and unforgettable songs and moments as any film to date (think “Spoonful of Sugar” or Dick Van Dyke’s British accent).
The sequel is now in the works with David Magee (Finding Neverland) writing a screenplay based on stories by P.L. Travers. Rob Marshall (Chicago, Into The Woods) is taking on directing duties under producers Marc Platt and John DeLuca.
The latest cast announcements come as Meryl Streep has apparently begun talks to play the role of Poppins’ cousin, Topsy. The role would of course involve singing, which should be no problem for Streep after her musical role in Marshall’s Into The Woods earned her a record 19th Oscar nomination.
Ben Wishaw is also in talks to join the sequel as the grown version of Michael Banks. Whishaw has recently payed roles in the James Bond movies Skyfall and Spectre as well as making appearances in The Lobster and The Danish Girl.
Currently Emily Blunt is set to star as the title character in the film with Manuel-Miranda (Known for the Broadway hit Hamilton) playing another new character, a street lamplighter named Jack.
The story will reportedly draw “from the wealth of material in P.L. Travers’ seven Mary Poppins novels, and take place in Depression-era London (when the books were originally written) where it will follow a now-grown Jane and Michael Banks, who, along with Michael’s three children, are visited by the enigmatic Mary Poppins following a personal loss. Through her unique magical skills, and with the aid of her friend Jack, she helps the family rediscover the joy and wonder missing in their lives.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLkp_Dx6VdI
The film will begin shooting in early 2017 in London with an expected release on Christmas Day 2018.
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