Disney announced this morning that this sequel Mary Poppins Returns has gone into production, and the full cast has been confirmed. A more detailed synopsis and a few extra character notes have also been revealed. Despite the beloved nature of the original 1964 film there has been a distinct lack of uproar about revisiting (and recasting) characters dear to generations of children. Perhaps time enough has passed, or the fact that Dick Van Dyke is returning at 91 to appear in the film. Perhaps it is the presence of Hamilton’s own Lin-Manuel Miranda, who has an evidenced ocean of talent and a charm so tangible he could punch through walls with it.

Whatever the case, Disney know exactly what they’re doing. In casting Emily Blunt as the title character, Mary Poppins Returns has been carried on a wave of goodwill thus far. Today production begins at Shepperton Studios here in the UK, and Disney have seen fit to update us on the cast, and the character (new and returning) each are playing.Lin-Manuel MirandaOver the past few months Miranda and Blunt have been joined by the likes of Ben Whishaw who will play the grown up Michael Banks, Emily Mortimer will appear as his sister, the adult Jane Banks. New characters to the world include Topsy, as played by Meryl Streep and Colin Firth, who will play William Weatherall Wilkins, president of Fidelity Fiduciary Bank. In a neat twist on his ‘secret’ role in the original Dick Van Dyke will play Mr. Dawes Jr., the chairman of the Bank. The release also states that Julie Walters will the housekeeper Ellen, who appeared in the original film.

The three new Banks children will be played by Pixie Davies, Nathanael Saleh and newcomer Joel Dawson. Rob Marshall is the man calling the shots.

Mary Poppins Returns is set for release around December the 25th, 2018.

Mary Poppins Returns Movie Synopsis

The film sets its scene in 1930s London, Michael and Jane Banks are now grown up, with Michael, his three children and their housekeeper living on Cherry Tree Lane. After Michael suffers a personal loss, the enigmatic nanny Mary PoppinsĀ  re-enters the lives of the Banks family, and, along with the optimistic street lamplighter Jack uses her unique magical skills to help the family rediscover the joy and wonder missing in their lives. Mary Poppins also introduces the children to a new assortment of colorful and whimsical characters, including her eccentric cousin, Topsy