There’s something about
Mary – the iconic nanny
returns on 21 December
Inspired by Jane and Michael’s letter
in the original film, we wrote to Mary
Poppins detailing our wishes for her
return. And guess what? She replied!
although she admits to a
few nerves about taking on
such an iconic part. “I’m
intimidated and excited,”
said Blunt during the film’s
production. “I hope I can
establish a different Mary
Poppins for this generation
because I don’t think you can
ever outshine what Julie did.
It was so wonderful... It’ll
just have to be my take on it.”
London calling
A continuation rather than a remake or reboot,
this new film is set 25 years after the original,
in Depression-era London. Jane and Michael
Banks are now adults, with Michael (played by
Paddington Bear voice actor Ben Whishaw)
having three children of his own. Struggling
to cope after the death of his beloved wife,
he’s facing financial ruin – can Mary Poppins
help the family find their feet again?
As well as new songs, this magical sequel
features all-new characters too, including Meryl
Streep as Mary’s quirky cousin Topsy and Lin-
Manuel Miranda as lamplighter Jack. Plus one
face we think you’ll recognise. Dick Van Dyke is
back as Mr. Dawes Jr. – looking exactly the same
as he did when he played Mr. Dawes Sr. all those
years ago. It’s a recipe for success if ever there
was one. In fact, we expect this follow-up to go
down like a spoonful of sugar this Christmas.
Welcome back Mary, what took you so long?
Mary Poppins Returns on Friday 21 December
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