Mary Poppins Returns features a delightful cast that carries on the tradition that started with the classic 1964 Disney film. Let’s break down the cast of the new movie.
Since its premiere in 1964, Mary Poppins has been a classic Disney film staple for generations of families and now Mary Poppins Returns continues the stories created by PL Travers and brought to life by Walt Disney. Let’s take a look at the cast of characters in this inspired new movie.
Mary Poppins comes to life thanks to an incredible performance from Emily Blunt, who embraces the character’s trademark wit and snark with ease. The talented Blunt sings and dances her way into the audience’s heart as she returns to help the Banks children, and their own children, as they cope with difficult times in 1930s England.
Lin-Manuel Miranda stars along with Blunt as Mary Poppins’ old friend Jack, a lamplighter who has a twinkle in his eye and a bounce in his step. Lamplighters were a beloved group back in their day, with children following them around as they worked to illuminate the dark streets, and so we can expect that Jack knows the second generation of Banks children well.
Michael Banks (Ben Wishaw) and Jane Banks (Emily Mortimer) care for Michael’s three children along with housekeeper Ellen (Julie Walters). Dick Van Dyke returns to the Mary Poppins franchise as Mr. Dawes Jr (he played Mr. Dawes Sr. in the original film) as well as Angela Lansbury as the Balloon Lady. There’s also a cameo from actress Karen Dotrice, who played Jane Banks in the original film. Meryl Streep joins the cast as Mary Poppins’ cousin Topsy, and Colin Firth plays a character by the name of William Weatherall Wilkins.
With so much talent in this cast, there’s no question that Mary Poppins Returns will be a big hit for Disney, with the possibility of sequels in the future.
Mary Poppins Returns opens Dec. 19.