Emily Blunt to play Mary Poppins in new Disney sequel

More than 50 years after the original Mary Poppins, the magical nanny is set to return to the big screen in a sequel starring Emily Blunt.

The British actress will take over from Julie Andrews, who played the role opposite Dick Van Dyke as Bert the chimney sweep in 1964.

This is "super(califragilisticexpialidocious)" news for fans, says the Radio Times, although the plot for Mary Poppins Returns sounds a little sombre.

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"In Depression-era London, a now-grown Jane and Michael Banks, along with Michael's three children, are visited by the enigmatic Mary Poppins following a personal loss," says Disney's synopsis. "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."

Jack the lamplighter is thought to be a new character played by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who has won a handful of top awards for his song-writing and lyrics. Casting for Jane and Michael, originally played by Karen Dotrice and Matthew Garber, is yet to be announced.

Chicago director Rob Marshall is at the helm, with the script adapted by David Magee, who is best known for Life of Pi and Finding Neverland.

"The iconic original film means so much to me personally and I look forward to creating an original movie musical that can bring Mary Poppins and her message, that childlike wonder can be found in even the most challenging of times, to a whole new generation," said Marshall in a statement.

Mary Poppins was first introduced as a book character in 1934 by PL Travers, who went on to write seven additional novels about the ever-optimistic nanny.

The musical movie is due out on Christmas Day 2018 in the US, although Radio Times says this date might change for the UK.