Yesterday, BWW reported the exciting news that HAMILTON's star and creator Lin-Manuel Miranda is currently in discussions to star in Disney's upcoming sequel to the beloved film MARY POPPINS.
Miranda would portray Jack, described as a lamplighter in the vein of chimney sweep Bert, the character portrayed by Dick Van Dyke in the 1964 hit film. As previously reported, 'Into the Woods' star Emily Blunt is also in talks to take on the role of Mary Poppins. The original musical will reportedly follow the now grown Banks children, Jane and Michael who are facing a personal loss that precipitates the return of the magical Mary Poppins who, together with her lamplighter friend Jack, help the family through the crisis. The casting would not be the first time Miranda collaborates with Walt Disney Studios. The Grammy-winning composer penned the original music for STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS' iconic Cantina scene. J.J. Abrams spilled the beans on the collaboration during an appearance on NBC's TONIGHT SHOW in which he explained how a chance meeting with the Hamilton creator led to his participation in the film. Watch the clip below:In a recent Tweet, Miranda teased that one of his songs that appears in the movie is so emotional that it made his wife reach for the tissues!
It is going well.
- Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) January 31, 2016
I played a new tune for my wife and she got teary and she's the toughest. So you guys are dead. https://t.co/5hfJXK8jrC
In early January, Miranda shared a look at the first footage from MOANA on Facebook, along with the comment "I can't wait for you to meet Moana" Check out the video:
What are your thoughts on Miranda's possible casting for MARY POPPINS? Let us know in the comments section below!
Miranda wrote the music and lyrics for the musical In the Heights, which opened on Broadway at the Richard RodgersTheatre in March 2008. His written work for the show earned him numerous accolades, including the 2008 Tony Award for Best Original Score and the 2009 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. Miranda's performance in the show's lead role of Usnavi earned him a nomination for the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical.
Miranda is currently performing on Broadway in the lead role of Alexander Hamilton in HAMILTON. He is a 2015 recipient of the MacArthur "Genius" Award. This month HAMILTON received the 2016 Edward Kennedy Prize for Drama.
Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos
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