'Mary Poppins Returns' release date, news: Dick Van Dyke confirms role in 'Mary Poppins' sequel

"Mary Poppins Returns" is going to feature a lot of new faces, but people who have seen the original "Mary Poppins" is going to see someone familiar, although he is a lot older now. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Dick Van Dyke, the actor who played Bert, confirmed that he's going to appear in the sequel.

"This one supposedly takes place 20 years later and the kids are all grown up. It's a great cast — Meryl Streep, Angela Lansbury and that guy [Lin-Manuel Miranda] from Hamilton."

The 91-year-old actor also spoke with Entertainment Tonight recently and he talked about filming his cameo role for the film. "I'll be going to London in the spring to do my role, and I get to do a little song and dance number. I gotta be a part of it," he stated.

Van Dyke revealed that he will be playing Mr. Dawes' son. Dawes was George Bank's (David Tomlinson) greedy boss in the original film, and Van Dyke also played the character under heavy makeup. Well, he doesn't need makeup to play the part this time since he already looks old. "This time there's no four hours in the makeup chair, I grew into the part! I don't have to wear makeup at all!"

Van Dyke also told Entertainment Tonight that he has heard some of the music from "Mary Poppins Returns," and he said it's "a little different" from the music score the Sherman Brothers composed for the original.

The film is set in Depression-era London and it will follow George Bank's children Jane and Michael, who are now adults. Michael also has three children of his own. Following a tragedy, Mary Poppins (Emily Blunt) will pay the Banks a visit. With her magical skills, she will help the family rediscover joy in their lives. It is rumored that Emily Mortimer and Ben Whishaw may be portraying Jane and Michael, respectively.

"Mary Poppins Returns" will also star Meryl Streep, Colin Firth and Lin-Manuel Miranda. The film is scheduled to premiere on Dec. 25, 2018.