Julie Andrews Reacts To Emily Blunt Playing Mary Poppins

Screen legend Julie Andrews has given Emily Blunt her seal of approval ahead of the British actress taking on the iconic role of Mary Poppins.

A sequel rather than a reboot, ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ will see the magical nanny reunited with the now grown-up Jane and Michael Banks after a personal loss.

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Set in depression era London, the film is set to star Meryl Streep, 'Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda and will be directed by Rob Marshall.

It was through Marshall that Blunt heard of Julie Andrews’ reaction. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, the 33-year-old said: “Rob said he was in the Hamptons, and he saw [Andrews], and he said, 'It’s top secret, but Emily Blunt’s playing Mary Poppins’. And she went, 'Oh, wonderful!’.”

“I felt like I wanted to cry. It was lovely to get her stamp of approval. That took the edge off it, for sure,’ she added.

Speaking more broadly of the challenge of taking the role on: “I feel a little more trepidation with this [character] because she’s so emblematic of people’s nostalgia. It’s such an important character in people’s childhood.”

Blunt also revealed a little about the film’s tone. "We’re delving into the books a lot more,” she revealed, “which is a different version of the character, I’ll say that much.”

The original’s other lead, Dick Van Dyke, was less excited by the prospect of a new film, calling it a "difficult” proposition.

“Every day we came to work and we knew there was something magical going on. There was such a spirit. Sequels are traditionally not as good as the first. But I wish them well,” he told The Mirror.

'Mary Poppins Returns’ is set for release in December 2018.

Picture Credits: Disney / WENN