Disney announced that the newest Mary Poppins sequel is scheduled for release on Dec. 25, 2018, more than 50 years after its 1964 predecessor hit theaters.
Simply titled Mary Poppins Returns, the musical sees Emily Blunt as the charismatic nanny alongside Lin-Manuel Miranda, responsible for the Broadway musical Hamilton.
Rob Marshall is directing the film, with David Magee in charge of the script. Marshall is also producing with Marc Platt and John DeLuca. Meanwhile, Marc Shaiman is composing the musical score with the help of Scott Wittman, who is writing original songs.
Mary Poppins was introduced in a book by P.L. Travers in 1934, which Disney later brought to the big screen in 1964 with stars Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. Travers went on to publish seven additional Mary Poppins books between 1935 and 1988.
“I am truly humbled and honored to be asked by Disney to bring P.L. Travers’ further adventures to the screen,” Marshall gratefully expressed. “The iconic original film means so much to me personally, 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.”
Mary Poppins Returns is set in Depression-era London with a grown-up Jane and Michael Banks. Michael’s three kids eventually receive a visit from the nanny after a family tragedy begins to affect their daily lives. The new film will also introduce audiences to a new character, Jack the lamplighter, played by Miranda.