“Everything is possible, even the impossible”– and that can be said for the sequel 54 years in the making for Walt Disney Studio’s classic film, “Mary Poppins.”
The Banks children, Michael (Ben Winshaw) and Jane (Emily Mortimer), are now all grown up.
The trailer opens with Michael and Jane cleaning out the attic and finding the kite that brought their family together at the end of the first movie.
The magical nanny comes back to watch over Michael’s three children after the loss of their mother. With the help of Jack, a London street lamplighter, the whole family discovers their lost sense of wonder and magic.
Emily Blunt (“Into the Woods,” “A Quiet Place”) takes of the role of the titular character and Lin Manuel Miranda of Broadway’s “Hamilton” and Disney’s “Moana” stars as Jack. The star-studded cast also features Meryl Streep, Angela Lansbury, Colin Firth, Julie Walters and a cameo from Dick Van Dyke, who played Bert and Mr. Dawes Sr. in the first movie.
“I hope to see Emily Blunt bring herself to the character without changing Mary, or taking away any traditional elements,” said freshman musical theatre major Audrey Johnson. Johnson played Poppins in Greensburg Salem High School’s production of “Mary Poppins” earlier this year.. “In addition, I hope to see some things brought back from the last movie, some signature touches or moments that are reinvented but still recognizable.”
Julie Andrews, who originally played Poppins in 1964, was asked to cameo in the film alongside Van Dyke. She declined the offer in order to not steal the spotlight from Blunt, director Rob Marshall said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, but fully supported the production of a sequel. For some fans, this took a spoonful of sugar to get used to the idea of a Poppins without Andrews.
“I was disheartened to learn that Mary Poppins would not be played by Julie Andrews and that Bert wasn’t Dick Van Dyke, but I see why– they’re both meant to be ageless,” Johnson said.
“However, I do think they chose people who fit the parts, at least from what I saw in the trailer.”
Colorful costumes and 2D animation also return, throwing Poppins and her crew into whimsical worlds inside a vase and their bathtub. The film includes a new original score by composer Marc Shaiman and large dance numbers.
“I think Mary’s design alteration (regarding her costuming) was acceptable seeing as it’s a different time period and they still kept the basic outline and color scheme,” Johnson said. “However, I don’t agree with how they changed the umbrella. The umbrella is a staple prop for Poppins.”
Disney has shifted some its focus towards live-action remakes and sequels recently, the most recent being “Christopher Robin” (2018) of Winnie the Pooh and the live-action “Beauty and the Beast” (2017). “Dumbo,” “Aladdin” and “The Lion King” are currently in production for release in 2019.
“I am very excited, and also a little bit skeptical to see how Disney reimagined the classic,” Johnson said. “I’m expecting impressive spectacles of magic as well as fantastic new music. I plan to see it and I hope to enjoy it. Honestly though, is the sequel ever as good, or better, than the original?”
“Mary Poppins Returns” is set to release in theaters on Dec. 19.
Watch the official trailer for the film here.
Published By: Stephen Dumnich