Here’s Why Julie Andrews Won’t Have a Cameo in ‘Mary Poppins Returns’
Whenever a reboot, remake or even a sequel based on a truly iconic and beloved original film is in the works, it’s safe to say, fans get a little nervous about the outcome. Will this new, reimagining of their favorite childhood memory live up to the amazingness that was the original film? It’s always a little scary for hardcore fans but, of course, a glowing endorsement from the original cast certainly helps ease the concerns.
For many, the legendary Julie Andrews is the one and only Mary Poppins. This may be why the upcoming film Mary Poppins Returns is a sequel instead of a reboot or remake. Even so, the film and the character is certainly one that’s close to many fans’ hearts since they grew up with Andrews playing the iconic role.
The sequel has some serious star power in its corner including Emily Blunt and Lin Manuel-Miranda but, sometimes, you need just a little bit more assurance as a fan. Director Rob Marshall is helping ease fans concerns by revealing that Julie Andrews herself has given the film, and its star, her official stamp of approval.
Marshall, who has been friends with Andrews since he choreographed her performance in the 1995 stage production of Victor/Victoria, told Entertainment Weekly that he spoke with her a few years ago about the upcoming production:
“She had known it was in the works, then we said, ‘We’re doing it,’ and she said, ‘Oh, thank God,’” the director recalls. “Then we said, ‘And we’re thinking of Emily Blunt,’ and she just threw her hands up in the air and said yes. I think a lot of people feel that way about Emily’s work.”
Isn’t that just supercalifragilisticexpialidocious? While she has expressed her complete and full support of the new production, she has made a decision that, even though she’s been asked, she will not be appearing in the film. While this news might come as a disappointment to some fans, Andrew’s reasoning behind her decision is quite honorable and is out of respect for the new film’s star, Emily Blunt. According to Marshall:
“Julie was incredibly gracious, and we talked about it in a very general way but she made it clear right up front. She said, ‘This is Emily’s show, and I really want it to be Emily’s show. I don’t want it to be, “Oh, here comes that Mary Poppins.” I don’t want that. I really want her to take this and run with it, because she will be brilliant.’”
We would expect nothing less from someone as honorable and gracious as Julie Andrews, proving she truly is “practically perfect in every way!”
A karaoke obsessed, craft beer enthusiast and lover of all things pop culture, Denise enjoys all facets of entertainment from Broadway to box office blockbusters. In her spare time, she enjoys photography, concerts (lots and lots of concerts), volunteering, reading and playing with her rescue kitten, Samantha (who rescued who, right?).
