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"Mary Poppins Returns," a sequel to the 1964 classic film
"Mary Poppins," is scheduled for release in theaters on
Christmas Day 2018 and will star British actress Blunt in the
titular role made famous by Julie Andrews.
Miranda, who recently won a Pulitzer Prize for creating and
starring in Broadway's historical, hip-hop musical "Hamilton,"
will play a new character named Jack, a street lamplighter.
"Mary Poppins," the movie based on the popular children's books
by author P.L. Travers, followed a magical flying British nanny
as she improved the lives of the unhappy Banks family with the
aid of chirpy Cockney chimneysweep Bert, played by Dick Van
Dyke.
The new film will be set in Depression-era London, the setting
of Travers' stories, and will see Mary Poppins return to the now
grownup Jane Banks, Michael Banks and his three children after
they suffer a personal loss, Disney said.
"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," the studio said.
The studio did not say in its statement whether Andrews, now 80,
or Van Dyke, 90, will appear in any capacity and representatives
for the actors did not immediately respond to Reuters' request
for comment.
"Mary Poppins Returns" is the latest in a slate of reboots from
Disney, which last year remade animated fairytale "Cinderella"
into a live action film. Disney will also release the live
action "Beauty and the Beast," starring Emma Watson, next year.
The studio also owns George Lucas' "Star Wars" science-fiction
adventure franchise and the Marvel superhero franchise.
(Reporting by Piya Sinha-Roy, editing by G Crosse)
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