The British actor is in negotiations to play William Weatherall Wilkins, president of Fidelity Fiduciary Bank, in the sequel to 1964's 'Mary Poppins'.
- Oct 20, 2016
AceShowbiz - Colin Firth is eyed to join the cast of Disney's "Mary Poppins Returns". Variety brings the words that the British actor is in negotiations to play William Weatherall Wilkins, president of Fidelity Fiduciary Bank, in the sequel to 1964's "Mary Poppins".
In the upcoming movie, Firth will share screen with Emily Blunt and Broadway star Lin-Manuel Miranda. Blunt is on board to play the magical nanny, while Miranda has been tapped to portray a new character, a street lamplighter named Jack.
Emily Mortimer is set to play the now-grown Jane Banks, who was one of the children Mary Poppins looked after in the original fantasy flick. Meanwhile, the grown-up version of Jane Banks' brother Michael will be played by Ben Whishaw. Additionally, Meryl Streep is cast as Mary's cousin, Topsy.
Rob Marshall will direct "Mary Poppins Returns" which is scheduled to be released in U.S. theaters on December 25, 2018. Oscar nominee David Magee ("Life of Pi") is attached to pen the screenplay based on "The Mary Poppins Stories" by P.L. Travers.
Set in Depression-era London, the sequel follows a now-grown Jane and Michael Banks, who along with Michael's three children, are visited by the enigmatic Mary Poppins following a personal loss. Through her unique magical skills and with the aid of her friend Jack, she helps the family rediscover the joy and wonder missing in their lives.
Firth was recently seen in "Bridget Jones's Baby" alongside Renee Zellweger and Patrick Dempsey. The Oscar-winning actor is set to reprise his role as Harry Hart in "Kingsman: The Golden Circle", which is set for a June 16, 2017 release.
