Last year, we learned that Walt Disney Studios had tapped Academy Award winner and Tony Nominee Rob Marshall to direct a new ‘Mary Poppins’ film starring Emily Blunt as the titular nanny that is practically perfect in every way. Then back in May, we received word that ‘Hamilton’ writer/composer/star Lin-Manuel Miranda would be starring in the sequel as well. Now, it seems that another major name is being brought in for the upcoming live-action Disney musical.
According to Variety, Meryl Streep is in talks to play the part of Mary Poppins’s cousin Topsy in the film written by David Magee with new music from ‘Hairspray’, ‘Catch Me If You Can’, and ‘Smash’ composer Marc Shaiman and lyricist Scott Wittman. Though no details have been revealed about Streep’s character at this time, we do have the latest details about the plot of the film that has come to be known as ‘Mary Poppins Returns’:
The story 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 (Blunt) following a personal loss. Through her unique magical skills, and with the aid of her friend Jack (Miranda), she helps the family rediscover the joy and wonder missing in their lives.
Should this deal go through, this will mark a reunion for Marshall, Blunt, and Streep. While the three have previously worked together on the 2014 adaptation of ‘Into The Woods’, the legendary actress also appeared in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ with Blunt in 2006. Also, with Streep’s name attached to the movie, it will be interesting to see who else will be brought on to fill out the cast, particularly the parts of Jane and Michael Banks.
What do you think about Meryl Streep joining the cast of ‘Mary Poppins Returns’? Are you looking forward to hearing the legendary actress take on another musical? Let us know in the comments.
‘Mary Poppins Returns’ hits theaters on December 25, 2018.
Despite being a “professional writer”, Ben likes run-on sentences far too much. For more of his attempts at being funny and the occasional insightful thought, follow him on Twitter and Instagram.
