Meryl Streep is in talks to be the newest actress to join the cast of the Mary Poppins sequel, Mary Poppins Returns.
Streep is set to play the character of Topsy, the cousin of the film’s heroine. This character is a new introduction to the film franchise, having not been mentioned at all in the original film. Much like the original, Streep’s character will sing in the musical-film, as will her co-stars.
Streep has herself already worked with the actress cast as the title role of Mary Poppins for the film, Emily Blunt. Blunt will play the eponymous heroine, who returns to the family during the depression era in London. Poppins comes back to find a grown up Jane and Michael Banks, with the addition of Michael’s three children, who are all struggling in the wake of a personal loss. Poppins hopes to bring her joy and magic back into their lives with the help of her friend Jack, played by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
David Magee wrote the screenplay for this new film, and Rob Marshall is set to direct. Completing this impressive production team is Marc Shaiman who is writing the score and collaborating with Scott Wittman on new songs for the film. Marc Shaiman has previously won multiple Emmy, Tony and Golden Globe awards for his compositions, including the 2003 Tony award for Best Original Score for the musical Hairspray.
In a statement, Marshall expressed his gratitude for being involved in this development, claiming: “I am truly humbled and honoured to be asked by Disney to bring P.L Travers’ further adventures to the screen. 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 to be released in cinemas on the 25 August 2018.
Watch the trailer for Mary Poppins below.
