The sequel to 1964 classic Mary Poppins had released last year. Mary Poppins Returns starred Emily Blunt in the title role. Directed by Rob Marshall, it also starred Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ben Whishaw, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, Dick Van Dyke and others.
The Walt Disney production, which was originally a live adaptation from the popular book series, was released as a fantasy musical comedy, then starring acclaimed actress Julie Andrews. The film was critically acclaimed and was considered as Walt Disney’s crowning live-action achievement, garnering the only Best Picture nomination, Disney witnessed during his lifetime.
The record-breaking 54-year-old gap between Mary Poppins and Mary Poppins Returns is considered to be one of the longest gaps in cinema history. Upon release, the sequel was equally showered with praises.
When asked about what she loved about the character, Emily stated “I do quite like the vanity. I mean the really self-indulgent vanity it just makes me laugh so much, and I think she is terribly rude.”
Describing her first day on the set, the actress said that it was the animated sequence on the first day. “It was all green screen and so rather overwhelming. It was full of music and joy. Rob Marshall is so awesome because he sorts of transports you into because he blares the music so loudly from the speakers that everyone feels it! People were just so happy, the whole crew,” said the actress known for films like A Quiet Place and The Girl on the Train.
She added that the whole atmosphere on set was utterly bewitching. “I think we all knew we were taking on something completely iconic obviously, but I think Rob has this wonderful way of creating sort of an exquisite intimacy that it didn’t feel overwhelming or bigger than me or something that I couldn’t do and he’s very embalming in that way. So every day was imbued with a sense that we were making something very special and very unique and very important.”
When asked what people don’t know about Emily Blunt, she replied, “I’m really forgetful, very bad with direction well, not direction but from director’s point of view. Like I don’t know where I am at times, like I have no idea how I would get from this room back to where I was! What else do you want to know?”
Catch Mary Poppins Returns on April 26 at 1 pm only on Star Movies.
