Mary Poppins Returns: Julie Andrews explains why she won't appear
Her co-star Dick van Dyke will, however, be making an appearance, though not as his beloved character Bert
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Julie Andrews won't be making a cameo appearance in the upcoming sequel Mary Poppins Returns.
Though for the sweetest and most supportive reason possible, as she'll do anything to ensure her successor to the role, Emily Blunt, is given the fullest spotlight possible. She's lent her full approval to Blunt's casting, with director Rob Marshall revealing how Andrews reacted to the news to Entertainment Weekly.
"She had known it was in the works, then we said, ‘We’re doing it,’ and she said, ‘Oh, thank God,'" Marshall stated. "Then we said, ‘And we’re thinking of Emily Blunt,’ and she just threw her hands up in the air and said yes. I think a lot of people feel that way about Emily’s work."
He added: "Julie will always be, for me and for everybody, the most astonishing performance as Mary Poppins, winning the Oscar and bursting onto the scene so brilliantly. But Emily is the perfect person to carry the torch, and I know Julie feels the exact same way. She loves her."
Which is why she decided not to take up a cameo appearance in the film, out of respect for Blunt, with Marshall explaining: "Julie was incredibly gracious, and we talked about it in a very general way but she made it clear right up front. She said, ‘This is Emily’s show, and I really want it to be Emily’s show. I don’t want it to be, 'Oh, here comes that Mary Poppins.' I don’t want that. I really want her to take this and run with it, because she will be brilliant.'"
Her co-star Dick van Dyke, however, will appear, though not as Bert; he'll play the son to the original film's villain Mr. Dawes Sr., a role van Dyke had also played.
The film is set to flash forward to the era of the Great Depression and a now grown-up Jane (Emily Mortimer) and Michael (Ben Wishaw) Banks, alongside Michael's three children. After a tragedy which leaves their lives completely bereft of joy, the Banks' former nanny makes a return visit, with the help of lamplighter Jack (Lin-Manuel Miranda).
Mary Poppins Returns hits UK cinemas 21 December 2018.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments