Disney has slated Gary Marshall’s “Mary Poppins” sequel starring Emily Blunt for Christmas Day 2018.
As TheWrap previously reported, Blunt will star as Mary Poppins and will be joined by “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, who plays a new character, the streetlamp lighter Jack. Titled “Mary Poppins Returns,” the project will reunite Blunt with Marshall, who directed 2014’s “Into the Woods.”
Set in Depression-era London, the sequel will follow adult 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.
“I am truly humbled and honored to be asked by Disney to bring P.L. Travers’ further adventures to the screen,” Marshall said in a statement. “The iconic original film means so much to me personally, and I look forward to creating an original movie musical that can bring Mary Poppins, and her message that childlike wonder can be found in even the most challenging of times, to a whole new generation.”
Marshall will produce alongside John DeLuca and Marc Platt. The screenplay will be written by David Magee, based on “The Mary Poppins Stories” by P.L. Travers. Marc Shaiman will compose the score, and write original songs with Scott Wittman.