The long awaited sequel to Mary Poppins, Disney’s evergreen children’s fantasy starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, came to London this evening for the premiere of Mary Poppins Returns. Emily Blunt and Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda provide the supercalifragilisticexpialidocious spoonful of sugar for the new film, which sees the grown up Banks’ children sing their hearts out and maybe feed the birds once again.

Joining Blunt and Miranda are Ben Whishaw, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, Angela Lansbury, Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, Nathanael Saleh and Pixie Davies. Rob Marshall directs from David Magee’s adaptation of P. L. Travers’ books. We spoke to the cast about the new film on the red carpet.

Blunt talks about stepping into Julie Andrews’ shoes 54 years after the original film, and that she didn’t watch the 1964 film once she learned she had the role. She also talks about the fear and joy at getting the once-in-a-lifetime role and why the theme of a woman who can get things done, and who brings order to chaos, is a timeless one, as is the mystery of the character.

Meryl Streep talks about the element of hope in the film, and that the optimistic notion of human imagination and the childlike joy which the film delivers. She also talks about the invigorating and challenging pursuit of working with Rob Marshall on this film.

Lin-Manuel Miranda claims that the cockney accent was a breeze but the bike riding whilst singing was a challenge. He told us how Emily Blunt had the role of Mary Poppins figured out from day one, with a little help from P. L. Travers.

Scott Davis and Colin Hart were on the red carpet and conducted these interviews.

The film hits arrives in the US on the 19th of December, 2018, and in the UK on the 21st of December, 2018.

Mary Poppins Returns Premiere Interviews

 

Plot:

In Depression-era London, a now-grown Jane and Michael Banks, along with Michael’s three children, are visited by the enigmatic Mary Poppins following a personal loss. Through her unique magical skills, and with the aid of her friend Jack, she helps the family rediscover the joy and wonder missing in their lives.