The storyline for the Mary Poppins sequel, Mary Poppins Returns, ought to make us weep at some point: after being away for 25 years, Poppins returns to the now-grown Banks children (and the Banks children’s children) to help them through a personal loss. Our money’s on either George or Winifred Banks going up where the air is clear.
As well as imminent tears, this also means that the film has to cast Jane and Michael Banks as adults. And according to THR, Ben Whishaw (Skyfall, The Lobster) is currently in talks to join the film as Michael.
Whishaw’s involvement comes shortly after the news that Meryl Streep (The Devil Wears Prada, you know who she is) might be signing up too, as Poppins’ cousin Topsy.
If (when?) their involvement in the film is confirmed, Whishaw and Streep will be joining Emily Blunt (Edge Of Tomorrow) as Mary Poppins and Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton) as Poppins’ streetlamp lighter friend Jack.
Rob Marshall (Chicago, Into The Woods) is directing the film and Marc Platt and John DeLuca are producing.
The film will feature a screenplay written by David Magee and original songs by Marc Shaiman and Tony-winner Scott Wittman.
Mary Poppins Returns will hit cinemas Christmas 2018. Get all the latest fantasy news with every issue of SciFiNow.
