It’s been 53 years since the first Mary Poppins film burst onto screens, captivating audiences with catchy songs, crazy costumes and plenty of Disney magic. Based on the beloved book series by P. L. Travers, the film has inspired generations and has even been turned into a hit Broadway musical.
Mary is set to inspire all over again when Mary Poppins Returns hit cinemas in many countries around the world next month, before screening in Australian theatres from January 1. If the latest clip is anything to go by, it’s going to be just as enjoyable and enchanting as the original.
In the clip, Emily Blunt plays the loveable nanny who returns to the iconic house on Cherry Tree Lane in London. It’s now the 1930s and Michael and Jane Banks are all grown up. There’s a new generation of kids living in the house, with Michael’s son Georgie excitedly bursting through the front door with news for his father and Aunt Jane. He’s got a big brother called John and a sister named Annabel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vn5L51Jpr60
“I was flying the kite and it got caught on a Nanny,” Georgie says in the clip.
Michael, played by Ben Whishaw, and Jane, played by Emily Mortimer, can hardly believe their eyes when Mary makes her spectacular entrance.
“Close your mouth please Michael, we are still not a cod fish,” she says, causing Jane to burst into laughter.
“Jane Banks, still inclined to giggle I see,” she adds.
Michael points out Mary hasn’t aged at all, while the clip ends with some true Mary Poppins magic with her reflection remaining in the mirror after she walks away.
While Julie Andrews won’t be reprising her iconic role, she will appear as Michael and Jane’s housekeeper in the sequel. Some familiar faces from the first film make a return including Dick Van Dyke who plays Mr Dawes Jr, as well as a number of new characters played by some big names.
Meryl Streep will appear as Mary’s eccentric cousin Topsy, while Colon Firth will star as William Weatherall Wikins.
Another clip explains that Mary Poppins returns to look after the grown-up Banks children, as well as the new generation of kids and teases some more magic including animation and Mary sliding up the staircase. It also hints that more music and dancing is on the way, while Mary can be seen flying through the sky with her iconic red umbrella.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeXZG1KFmKA
“Mary Poppins Returns in an all-new sequel with a fresh sensibility that celebrates the spirit of the original,” Disney said in a statement. “In the film, which hits Australian cinemas in January, Mary Poppins is back to help the next generation of the Banks family find the joy and wonder missing in their lives.”
This is certainly one film not to be missed!