'Mary Poppins Returns' premiere date, cast news, plot updates: Emily Blunt takes on iconic role; Lin-Manuel Miranda stars as a new character

A sequel to "Mary Poppins" that premiered in 1964 will hit theaters in 2018, with Emily Blunt taking on the iconic role of the magical and loving nanny. Opposite Blunt is Lin-Manuel Miranda portraying a character that was similar to Dick Van Dyke's Bert.

The Hollywood Reporter confirmed Disney's announcement that a "Mary Poppins" sequel is already in the works and is slated for a December 2018 premiere. More than 50 years after the original film debuted, "Mary Poppins Returns" will see Blunt play Mary Poppins, returning to a grown up Jane (Emily Mortimer) and Michael (Ben Whishaw) Banks.

Miranda shared in an interview with Variety that Mary Poppins will also be returning to take care of Michael's three kids, and she will be helping him out and his sister, Jane, in their own dilemmas after a tragedy hits them during the Depression-era of London.

Regarding his character, Miranda will be playing someone similar to Van Dyke's Bert, who is a lamplighter named Jack. "I perform that function in the movie, of saying: 'Y'all don't know about Mary Poppins. When Mary's around, cool sh– happens,'" Miranda shared.

The creator of "Hamilton" also shared that he's very excited to become part of the "Mary Poppins" legacy. "That movie is everyone's childhood. Mine too," added Miranda.

"Mary Poppins Returns" is directed by "Chicago" spearhead Rob Marshall, who shared that he is "truly humbled and honored" to bring more adventures from P.L. Travers' books into film.

"The iconic original film means so much to me personally, and I look forward to creating an original movie musical that can bring Mary Poppins, and her message that childlike wonder can be found in even the most challenging of times, to a whole new generation," Marshall explained.

According to Vulture, the director would also love if Julie Andrews — the original Mary Poppins — could be involved in the sequel in any way. Marshall feels that Andrews is happy that a sequel is happening and that her involvement in it would make it very special.

"Mary Poppins Returns" premieres on Dec. 25, 2018.