Mary Poppins Returns eyeing Ben Whishaw to play a now grown-up Michael Banks

Back in June, Disney confirmed that Emily Blunt would take on the titular role in upcoming sequel Mary Poppins Returns and now, reports have emerged that the studio are eyeing Ben Whishaw to play fellow existing character Michael Banks (played by late actor Matthew Garber in the original 1964 film). Only this time, he'll be a little bit bigger, of course!

Actor and composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, best known for creating the hugely-successful musicals In The Heights and Hamilton, is also cast.

The 36-year-old will reportedly portray a new character, a street lamplighter named Jack. Back in July, it was also revealed that Meryl Streep is said to be in talks to play Poppins' cousin, Topsy.

One of Disney's most treasured classics, the original Mary Poppins movie saw Julie Andrews play the titular nanny who takes over care of the two young children of the wealthy and uptight Banks family.

While the pair aren't too keen on the idea at first, they are pleasantly surprised by the arrival of the magical Poppins and embark on a series of fantastical adventures with her and her Cockney chimney-sweep friend, Bert (Dick Van Dyke).

As the children grow close to Poppins, the siblings try to pass on some of their nanny's sunny attitude to their unfortunately preoccupied parents (played by David Tomlinson and Glynis Johns).

Sources previously told Variety that the long-awaited follow-up will be set in Depression-era London and take place 20 years after the first film (which was set in 1910). It will take story lines straight from PL Travers' children's books that chronicled Poppins' times and adventures as a nanny with extraordinary abilities, supposedly having Poppins return to visit the now grown-up Michael and his three children, as well as his older sister, Jane (who is yet to be cast), after they suffer a personal loss.

Into The Woods director Rob Marshall will be at the helm the picture, while Life Of Pi scribe David Magee will pen the screenplay. Producers John DeLuca and Marc Platt are also on board. It is currently unknown as to whether Andrews, 80, or Van Dyke, 90, will appear in some capacity however it has been rumoured that the pair are to be involved.

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