The 'Hamilton' creator slightly explains the plot details of the sequel as well as how his character, a lamplighter named Jack, has a connection with the original 'Mary Poppins'.
- September 28, 2016
AceShowbiz -
Production on "Mary Poppins Returns" will begin early next year and Broadway star Lin-Manuel Miranda has shared tidbits on what to expect from his character in the "straight up" sequel to Disney's classic hit "Mary Poppins". The "Hamilton" creator slightly explains the plot details of the sequel as well as how his character, a lamplighter named Jack, has a connection with the original movie.
"It's straight up a sequel," Miranda tells Variety. "Michael and Jane Banks have grown up, and they find themselves in their own spot, and Mary Poppins comes back to take care of Michael's kids." He goes on to say that Jack somehow connects to Dick Van Dyke's Bert from the original. "I play a lamplighter named Jack who sort of grew up apprenticing to Bert."
He explains how Jack will somewhat serve the same purpose that Burt did in the original, saying, "I know if Mary Poppins shows up, it's gonna get awesome. I perform that function in the movie, of saying: 'Y'all don't know about Mary Poppins. When Mary's around, cool s**t happens.' "
Of playing Jack in the movie which also stars Emily Blunt as the title character and Meryl Streep as Topsy, Miranda adds that he has yet to get advice from Van Dyke. "I haven't met Dick Van Dyke," he says." I'd love to meet him."
Rob Marshall will direct the sequel which is set in Depression-era London. It follows a now-grown Jane and Michael Banks, who, 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.
"Mary Poppins Returns" is set for a December 25, 2018 release in U.S. theaters.
