Since I haven't seen Hamilton and probably never will, Lin-Manuel Miranda's sudden prevalence in the movie scene hasn't meant a whole lot. But to others I know, and obviously millions of others who have long appreciated the Broadway superstar's talents, he's the main reason to be excited about Disney movies like Moana and Mary Poppins Returns.
He recently spoke to Variety about his role in the latter, in what has been billed as a lamplighter character named Jack, and revealed his connection to the similar character of Bert, played by Dick Van Dyke in the 1964 movie...
"It’s straight up a sequel. 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. I play a lamplighter named Jack who sort of grew up apprenticing to Bert (Dick Van Dyke’s character in the 1964 film). So 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 sh– happens.’“
So it sounds like he'll have plenty of opportunity to sing, dance, and be in awe of the "cool shit" Poppins is capable of. Emily Blunt will play the title character, who returns with Jack and uses her magical gifts to help a grown-up Michael and Jane to recover after suffering a terrible personal loss. Ben Whishaw plays the adult Michael while Meryl Streep is Mary Poppins' cousin, Topsy.
Directed by Into the Woods' Rob Marshall, Mary Poppins Returns opens Christmas Day 2018. It was confirmed today that Miranda will host Saturday Night Live on October 8th.
