Mary Poppins Returns looks set to roll out the big names in Hollywood as they bring the vintage flick back to life with a sequel. NME reports that Colin Firth and Emily Blunt have added their names to the cast, as Disney keeps development rolling on a follow-up to the 1964 classic fantasy musical starring Julie Andrews.
The 1934 book by PL Travers would act as a precursor before it made the big screen and spawned a series of 8 books all the way up until 1988. Rob Marshall will direct and, given his background in Broadway musicals, the film should imitate a similar pattern and aesthetic to the original.
Studio Goes All Out As Streep Joins The Party
Seldom does a Meryl Streep film disappoint. So her addition to the production is a huge coupe for a film that will be carrying the burden of history and the pressure of expectation. Firth will play president of Fidelity Fiduciary Bank, William Weatherall Wilkins. With Blunt in the lead role, Streep is said to have settled for a supporting role as the cousin of Poppins.
Ben Whishaw and Emily Mortimer will be playing grown-up versions of Michael and Jane Banks. The same children Julie Andrews looked after all those decades ago. Director Marshall explained that this project was nothing like he has experienced before and knows the difficult task ahead.
“The iconic original film means so much to me personally," said Marshall. "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.”
Firth-Blunt Reunite After Arthur Newman
While Firth and Blunt have stellar reputations in the acting world, few will remember the 2012 flop that was Arthur Newman. That paired the British duo to tell the story of a former pro golfer who becomes bored and disillusioned with life. His solution to his woes? The title character fakes his death, only to come across the lovely Charlotte Fitzgerald (Blunt).
Their romance on screen did not translate to box office success, far from it. $500,000 return tells its own story and the ratings on Rotten Tomatoes are even worse. But despite this forgettable mishap, they clearly have chemistry and Mary Poppins Returns will offer a more family friendly environment to rekindle it.
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