Lead Cast and Main Characters
The 2018 Disney musical fantasy film Mary Poppins Returns stars Emily Blunt as Mary Poppins, the magical nanny who returns to help the Banks family in Depression-era London. Lin-Manuel Miranda plays Jack, a lovable street lamp lighter and poet who assists Mary Poppins on her adventures. The film was directed by Rob Marshall and written by David Magee, based on the original stories by P.L. Travers. It serves as a sequel to the 1964 classic Mary Poppins, set decades after the events of the first film.
Emily Blunt, known for her roles in Forbes-covered projects and the 2018 film A Quiet Place, brought a modern yet classic energy to the role of Mary Poppins. Lin-Manuel Miranda, the Tony and Grammy award-winning creator of Hamilton, added musical charm to the character of Jack. The casting was announced by Disney in 2016, with principal photography taking place at Pinewood Studios in the United Kingdom. The film was produced by Walt Disney Pictures and Lucasfilm, with John DeLuca, Rob Marshall, and Marc Platt serving as producers.
Supporting Cast and Key Roles
Ben Whishaw and Emily Mortimer portray the adult versions of Michael and Jane Banks, the siblings who were children in the original film. Pixie Davies, Nathanael Saleh, and Joel Dawson play the three Banks children, whose family struggles form the emotional core of the story. Colin Firth appears as William Weatherall Wilkins, the stern bank chairman and antagonist. The supporting ensemble includes Julie Andrews in a cameo as the Balloon Lady, reprising her connection to the original character.
Meryl Streep has a small but memorable role as Topsy, a eccentric cousin of the Banks family. The film also features performances by Angela Lansbury as the voice of the Balloon Lady and Dick Van Dyke, who reprised his iconic role as Bert in a brief cameo. The cast also includes Nathaniel Parker as Admiral Boom, and Julie Walters, who plays the role of Ellen, the Banks family's housekeeper. The ensemble was praised for its blend of seasoned Hollywood veterans and fresh young talent.
Production, Release, and Reception
Disney's 2018 annual report listed Mary Poppins Returns among its major studio releases for the fiscal year. The film had its world premiere at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on November 29, 2018, and was released theatrically in the United States on December 19, 2018. It grossed over $349 million worldwide against a production budget of $130 million, making it a commercial success for the studio. The film received four nominations at the 91st Academy Awards, including Best Original Song for "The Place Where Lost Things Go."
The soundtrack, composed by Marc Shaiman with lyrics by Scott Wittman, features songs such as "Can You Imagine That?" and "Trip a