Horrible puns aside, the latest development revolving Disney’s planned reboot of the classic Mary Poppins might be more than spoonful of sugar. Lin-Manual Miranda, the multi-talented Tony winning creator of the current Broadway sensation Hamilton, is in talks to join the cast. Emily Blunt (Sicario) is the Mouse House’s planned titular “practical perfect in every way” nanny.
If plans come to fruition, Miranda may portray a character reminiscent of one the one Dick Van Dyke portrayed in 1964 classic which earned star Julie Andrews an Academy Award. He would play Jack, Mary’s lamplight pal. The updated working of Mary Poppins will seemingly play as a sequel of sorts to the first movie, presumably taking place about 20 years (Depression-era London) following those events and continuing Mary’s adventures with the Banks family. As before, Mary Poppins is based on P.L. Travers’ immortal book series- the 2013 film Saving Mr. Banks chronicled the anxiety on both Travers and Walt Disney to get the 1964 made at all.
Even more enticing is that Miranda may help develop and ground the soundtrack of the updated Poppins. He already has some ties with Disney after contributing original music of the recent smash Star Wars: The Force Awakens as well as their upcoming animated feature Moana. Miranda also had a supporting part in Disney’s 2012 family film The Odd Life of Timothy Green.
Miranda is more well-known for his work in the theater. For the acclaimed musical In the Heights, Miranda won Tony Awards for Best Musical as well as Best Original Score. He also earned a Grammy Award for that show as well as Pulitzer Prize nomination for Drama. The phenomenal success of the current Hamilton (in which Miranda not only composed but also stars in) has ushered in an entirely new wave of fans and respect for the artist. He recently picked up a second Grammy Award for Hamilton‘s cast recording.
We will stay tuned to latest involving Mary Poppins.
Leave a Comment