Lin-Manuel Miranda Already Part of the 'Disney Family'; All We Know About MOANA & More

By: Feb. 25, 2016
LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA
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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 addition, Miranda's original music will be featured in Disney's upcoming animated film MOANA. As revealed at 2015's Disney D23 expo, the film is to be scored by Mark Mancina, Opetaia Foa'i, and Miranda. A source reveals that the music will be a Fusion of the three collaboraters, with the Pacific roots of Opetaia, the sense of narrative from Miranda, and Macina's sense of "world music".

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!

In addition, it appears that Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, who lends his voice to the film will be both singing and rapping Miranda's lyrics in the movie. He recently posted to Instagram:

Cardio and singing rehearsals.. Big day today of performing my song with Broadway king Lin Manuel Miranda today in the studio for our Disney's animated musical #MOANA. Lin's writing our film's music and if you know his talents (star and creator of HAMILTON) you know how epically dope of an artist he is. Today I will sing, I will rap and do it all in keys that don't exist - yet somehow make it all sound wonderful to the world's ear. ?? The honey coated gravel voice has entered the damn building..??#LetsRoll #Disney #MOANA #MauiLives #BravadoInHisVoice #AndCottonInYourEar


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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