Meryl Streep was previously cast as a cousin of Poppins.
Blunt will star as Mary Poppins and will be joined by “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, who plays a new character, a streetlamp lighter named Jack, who shares similarities with Dick Van Dyke‘s character from the original movie.
The project will reunite Blunt and Streep with Marshall — who directed 2014’s “Into the Woods.”
Drawing from the wealth of material in P.L. Travers’ additional seven novels, the movie musical is 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.
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.
“Mary Poppins” first entered pop culture through P.L. Travers’ 1934 book, which Disney adapted for the screen and released in August 1964. The film, starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, won five Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Andrews.
Disney has slated the follow up to the 1964 classic for a Christmas Day 2018 release.
'Wicked' Movie Adaptation: Here's Our Dream Cast (Photos)
Who would play Elphaba, Glinda, Fiyero and co. in the movie version of "Wicked"?
TheWrap picks some big stars for the big-screen adaptation.
Kendrick has proven her singing skills in the "Pitch Perfect" movies and "Into the Woods," and was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance in "High Society."
Seyfried not only looks like Glinda the Good Witch with her golden locks, but also has the perfect vocal range to match Kristin Chenoweth's. Seyfriend already has musical credits to her name, including "Mamma Mia!" and "Les Misérables."
"Glee," "Frozen" and "Hamilton" -- Jonathan Groff has done it all. And because the Broadway musical "Hamilton" is so hot right now, Groff would surely be on the radar for "Wicked's" casting.
Tell us Meryl Streep doesn't come to mind when you think of Madame Morrible. Streep has played these roles before, and previously sang in movies like "Into the Woods" and "Mamma Mia!" Plus, Meryl Morrible has a nice ring to it.
Can't you just imagine Victor Garber in the suit, saying "Hey, look who's wonderful, this corn-fed hick, who said it might be keen to build a town of all green and a wonderful road of yellow brick" to Elphaba?
Nessarose is the beautiful and delicate younger sister of Elphaba. Rossum also played a witch of her own in "Beautiful Creatures," and would get the innocence and beauty of Nessarose just right.