One of the best-loved family films of all time, Mary Poppins, got a sequel a few years back — and what else is there to say but Supercallifragilisticexpialidocious! Here’s a look back at Mary Poppins Returns and the wonderful cast who brought it to life.
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Mary Poppins is a personal favourite in many families, thanks to its fun story, unforgettable songs, and Dick Van Dyke’s famously wobbly cockney accent. The sequel had a lot to live up to — and it brought a stellar cast along to do the original justice.
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The Cast of Mary Poppins Returns is Stellar
The cast of Mary Poppins Returns is fantastic, including Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Emily Mortimer and Colin Firth, among others.
In the story, it’s 1932, and the boy Michael Banks has grown up. Helped by his sister Jane, he’s now bringing up children of his own, in the absence of their mother.
Mary Poppins Returns stars Emily Blunt as the practically-perfect nanny with unique magical skills, who can turn any task into an unforgettable, fantastic adventure.
Lin-Manuel Miranda (rapper and creator of Hamilton) plays her friend Jack, an optimistic street lamplighter who helps bring light and life to the streets of London.
Julie Walters appears as the Banks family’s housekeeper Ellen, with Colin Firth as Fidelity Fiduciary Bank’s William Weatherall Wilkins.
Ben Whishaw plays Michael Banks; Emily Mortimer plays Jane Banks; and Meryl Streep plays Mary’s eccentric cousin, Topsy.
The film also introduces three new Banks children, played by Pixie Davies, Nathanael Saleh and newcomer Joel Dawson.
And here’s the treat — Angela Lansbury appears as the Balloon Lady, a much-loved character from the P.L. Travers books. Dick Van Dyke makes a delightful reappearance as Mr. Dawes Jr., the retired chairman of the bank.
You have to agree, it all sounds “practically perfect.”
Like the original, Mary Poppins Returns blends live action with animated scenes, bringing back that same sense of magic and wonder that made the first film such a family favourite. It was released in cinemas in December 2018, in time for the festive season.
Have you watched Mary Poppins Returns with your family yet? Tell us in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mary Poppins Returns a sequel to the original 1964 film?
Yes. It’s set decades later, in 1932, and follows a grown-up Michael Banks as he raises his own children with help from his sister Jane and a familiar magical nanny.
Who plays Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins Returns?
Emily Blunt takes on the role, alongside a cast including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Emily Mortimer, Ben Whishaw, Julie Walters, Colin Firth, Meryl Streep and Angela Lansbury, with Dick Van Dyke also making a return appearance.
Is Mary Poppins Returns suitable for young children?
It follows the same family-friendly, musical style as the original, making it a good pick for family movie nights with children of most ages. Always check the film’s rating and reviews for your child’s age group before watching.
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Loved this look back at Mary Poppins Returns? Save this article or browse more classic and family film ideas on MyKidsTime for your next cosy movie night in.
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