Disney has reportedly started development on yet another reboot, this time tackling the practically perfect in every way Mary Poppins.
According to Entertainment Weekly, the project will reunite the team behind last year’s Into The Woods: director Rob Marshall and producers John DeLuca and Marc Blatt. Songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray) were picked to write new music and lyrics, while David Magee (Life of Pi) will write the screenplay.
Although Disney hasn’t said anything, EW claims that the studio is already in contact with the estate of author P.L. Travers, as they plan to adapt the later books in the Poppins series. However, this will not be a straight sequel to the beloved 1964 film.
Richard Sherman, who co-wrote the original film’s famous songs with his late brother Robert Sherman, has also given his support to the new project.
The original 1964 film recently celebrated its 50th anniversary and Disney even made a movie about making the movie, 2013’s Saving Mr. Banks. The original film made Julie Andrews an overnight star and earned her an Oscar. The film won four other Oscars, including Best Original Song for “Chim-Chim Cher-ee.” It was also nominated for Best Picture.
Marshall does have an extensive musical background, directing the 2002 Best Picture winner Chicago, 2009’s Nine and Into The Woods. Platt is currently producing Fox’s live Grease broadcast and will produce another film musical, Damien Chazelle’s La La Land with Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling.
It’s not clear when Disney wants this Poppins to start floating away with her umbrella.