Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, set for ‘Mary Poppins’ sequel

Walt Disney Studios today announced that Emily Blunt (“Into the Woods,” the upcoming “Girl on the Train”) and Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Hamilton”) are set to star in “Mary Poppins Returns,” the sequel to the 1964 classic, which starred Julie Andrews in her film debut and Oscar-winning turn as the magical nanny, and Dick Van Dyke as the chimney sweep Bert.

The new film, which will hit theaters on Dec.25, 2018, will be directed and produced by Rob Marshall, and written by Marc Shaiman with an all-new score written by Shaiman and Scott Wittman.

While Blunt will take on the title role, Miranda will step into a new character, a street lamplighter named Jack. The story takes place in Depression-era London and “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.” The story draws from “Poppins” novelist P.L. Travers’ seven additional books.

The national touring production of “Hamilton” begins performances in Chicago on Sept. 27 at the PrivateBank Theatre.