Stars Filling Up 'Mary Poppins Returns'; Here's the Latest to Join

In an age of delayed reboots and sequels, Mary Poppins Returns stands by itself. When it finally opens in theaters on December 25, 2018, it will arrive some 54 years after the original, a lapse in time exceeded by very few titles.

Like the original movie, Mary Poppins Returns is based on a series of books by P.L. Travers. Travers wrote eight novels in total about Mary Poppins; the first was published in 1934 and the other books followed from 1935 to 1988. But the sequel will not follow any of them directly.  

Instead, the movie sequel “will take place in Depression-era London (when the books were originally written) and follows a now-grown 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.”

The leading players have already been named and now the supporting cast is filling up with stars too. Here’s a rundown.

— Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda

Blunt has already proven her mettle as a lead actress in the fiercely dramatic Sicario and will lead the thriller The Girl on the Train later this year. She sang a sparkling supporting role in the musical lnto the Woods, the same year she stood toe to toe opposite Tom Cruise in Edge of Tomorrow. Clearly, she is more than ready to impart new magic into Mary Poppins.

As for Miranda, can the magnetic star of Broadway’s Hamilton make the leap to the big screen? He’s set to play Jack, a lamplighter and friend of Mary. With his singing abiities and well-developed charisma, he sounds ilke a natural for the role.

— Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep is in talks to portray Topsy, one of Mary’s cousins, and will also sing in the movie. She previously teamed with Blunt in the musical Into the Woods.

— Ben Whishaw

Whishaw (SPECTRE) is now in negotiations to join the cast, according to The Hollywood Reporter. If things work out, he would portray the adult Michael Banks, played by young Matthew Garber in the original movie, and will be at the center of the drama. 

The next key role to be cast is Michael’s big sister Jane. Since the film is not based directly on any of Travers’ books, it’s impossible to say what other roles might remain to be filled. Rob Marshall (Into the Woods) will direct.

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