Disney's Mary Poppins Sequel Moving Forward With Emily Blunt - Report

Disney is planning a Mary Poppins sequel and is in discussions with actress Emily Blunt for the lead role of the charismatic and magical nanny, according to a new report from Variety. The film is reportedly going to be directed by Rob Marshall, who directed Blunt in Disney's 2014 fantasy film Into the Woods.

According to Variety's sources, Blunt has "always been the favorite" for the role of Poppins since her performance in Into the Woods. The site reports that Disney is hoping to get the movie into production "soon," but nothing is final yet and it's possible Blunt's recently announced pregnancy may play a role in whether or not she takes the part.

Sources told Variety that the Mary Poppins sequel will be set in Depression-era London 20 years after the 1964 original. The story will reportedly take elements from P.L. Travers' books and follow Poppins and her "continued adventures with the Banks family."

The original Mary Poppins, which starred Julie Andrews as Poppins alongside Dick Van Dyke, was a huge hit. It earned five Oscars, including Best Actress in a Leading Role for Andrews.

Head to Variety to get the full story.

Disney's 2013 film Saving Mr. Banks chronicled Walt Disney's efforts to obtain the rights to Travers' books for feature films. Tom Hanks played Disney in the film.