Mary Poppins Returns

The setting was 1930’s in London, during the time of depression. Michael and Jane Banks are now all grown-up. Michael is living at Cherry Tree Lane with his three children and Ellen, their housekeeper. Michael suffered a personal loss that prompted Mary Poppins to re-enter their lives. Mary Poppins is not alone, though, as Jack, a street lamplighter who is full of optimism and Topsy, Mary’s cousin will be using their magical skills for the rediscovery of the things that are missing in their lives such as joy and wonder.

This is the story that awaits 'Mary Poppins' fans as the 1964 classic movie gets a sequel. The fans of the classic movie will be introduced to new characters. Among these new characters is Topsy who will be played by award-winning actress Meryl Streep. Fans will also experience a trip down memory lane with its main character Mary Poppins who is now going to be played by Emily Blunt.

Cate Blanchett was rumored to play Mary Poppins before Emily Blunt was cast

She starred in several films that earned her several Golden Globe nominations and awards, among her notable roles, are as a supporting actress in 'Gideon's Daughter'. Her other roles where she showcased her acting talents are 'The Devil Wears Prada', 'Edge of Tomorrow', 'The Huntsman: Winter’s War' and 'Into the Woods' where she won the best actress award in the Golden Globes for Comedy or Musical category. Blunt will play the iconic role of Mary Poppins which was played by the well-respected actress Julie Andrews during the 1964 version.

When the first 'Mary Poppins' movie was being written, Andrews told Disney that she was pregnant and can't do the movie. Disney wanted Andrews so much that he postponed the production in order to accommodate Andrews' pregnancy. When this movie was announced, Emily Blunt was also pregnant and the movie was postponed to accommodate her pregnancy.

Mary Poppins fans will recognize one more familiar face in the movie not because of the character being played in the movie, but because of the actor himself. Dick Van Dyke, the actor who played the role of Bert the chimney cleaner in the 1964 version of the movie will play another role in the sequel. This time, he will be playing the role of Mr. Dawes Jr. who is the Fidelity Fiduciary Bank chairman.
Van Dyke will be playing the role of the son of the character which he also played in 1964. Unknown to many, Dick Van Dyke played two characters in the 1964 movie version of Mary Poppins. Aside from his iconic role as Bert the chimney cleaner, Van Dyke also played the role of Mr. Dawes Sr. He auditioned such role believing that he will be able to play the same. With his passion for playing the role of Mr. Dawes Sr., when he got the part, he even suggested not to be paid for this role, he was of course fairly compensated still.

Dick Van Dyke told Entertainment Tonight: " I'll be going to London in the spring to do my role, and I get to do a little song and dance number. I gotta be a part of it"

Mary Poppins Returns is composed of an all-star cast. Among these is Meryl Streep as Topsy, Colin Firth as William Weatherall Wilkins, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ben Whishaw, Emily Mortimer and Julie Walters. The children of Michael Banks will be played by Nathanael Saleh, Joel Dawson, and Pixie Davies.

Topsy is said to be a supporting role, and a character that wasn't featured in the original Mary Poppins movie that debuted in 1964

The sequel is produced by Rob Marshall, a DGA Award winner, an Emmy winner and an Oscar nominee, there are just some of the accomplishments under his belt. New songs will be written under Scott Wittman while the original score will be composed by Marc Shaiman. Production design will be under the direction of John Myhre, costume design will be by Sandy Powell, while the Cinematography will be done by Dione Beebe. All of which are highly recognized in their respective field.

Lin-Manuel Miranda confirmed as a new character, a street lamplighter named Jack (following on in a similar vein to that of chimney sweep Bert)

Mary Poppin’s returns will start flying to theaters in December 2018, with the production starting this month. With a mixture of nostalgia as well as a long anticipation of the sequel, fans will surely flock the cinemas in 2018.