“Mary Poppins” is a famous American musical comedy, which first hit the theaters in August of 1964. Disney has announced the return of the iconic character Mary Poppins who will now be played by Emily Blunt.
The magic of ‘Mary Poppins’
Originally played by award-winning actress, Julie Andrews, the story is set in London in the early 1900s. The movie follows the story of the Banks family and their children, Jane Banks (Karen Dotrice) and Michael Banks (Matthew Garber). In the beginning part of the movie, Mr. Banks (David Tomlinson) arrives home to find out that their latest nanny has retired after Jane and Michael went missing.
A short while after, a constable shows up at the Banks family doorstep with Jane and Michael. He informs Mr. Banks that he found them chasing a kite. After they are returned safe and sound, Mr. Banks once again begins the process of hiring a nanny. Jane and Michael make a list of characteristics which they would like the new nanny to have such as: must be playful, have rosy cheeks, and have a cheery disposition. Mr. Banks brushes off the list and throws it in the fire. This action prompts the arrival of the magical nanny, Mary Poppins. Together, the nanny and the Banks children embark on many fantastic and magical adventures.
Continuing the magic
The upcoming sequel is reported to be set around the 1930s, in depression-era of London.
In this story, Mary Poppins revisits a now grown-up Jane and Michael. Michael now has a family of his own, but after a personal loss, the joy they once had has vanished. It is now up to their former nanny to reintroduce that joy and wonder back into their lives. The sequel will borrow several stories from the original children's series of the same name, “Mary Poppins.” In addition to Emily Blunt, the new movie will also feature several new characters including a musical lamp-lighter named Jack, who will be played by Lin-Manuel Miranda (this character is expected to mirror the musical “Cockney Chimney Sweep” played by Dick Van Dyke in the first movie), a maniacal balloon vendor who will be played by Angela Lansbury, and Mary’s cousin, Topsy who will be played by Meryl Streep. “Mary Poppins” is scheduled for release in December of 2018.
