The producers of the new Mary Poppins film has already signed up Britsh actress Emily Blunt to play the lead role and it seems they might have convinced one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses to play a minor part.
According to reports the 19 time Oscar nominated actress is set to play the part of Topsy, a role which didn’t feature in the original 1964 hit starring Julie Andrews. Topsy is Mary’s cousin the book by P.L Travers and the role would reportedly require Meryl to sing, something she has become accustomed to in recent years.
The Sophie’s Choice actress has taken on several singing roles in the last few years including the lead in Abba’s Mamma Mia, as the witch in Sondheim’s Into the Woods and most recently as Florence Foster Jenkins in the film of the same name.
The new film will be set some years after the original and see Poppins make her return to a depression-hit London and once again save the day in the Banks family household. The film will be directed by Robert Marshall whose previous works include Chicago and Into the Woods. He has said of being asked to direct the film ‘I am truly humbled and honoured to be asked by Disney to bring PL Travers’ further adventures to the screen.’