As beloved actress Julie Andrews turns 80 years old this October, the multi-awarded star reflects on her career and the news that "Mary Poppins" is going to get a reboot. Andrews earned an acting award for playing the titular role in the 1965 movie, and she told Today that she's happy it's getting a new movie treatment.
Speaking before the hosts of the "Today" show, the legendary actress said, "It's been 50 years since [the original] came out. So, I think it's time."
A sequel to "Mary Poppins" was announced in late September, as reported on Parent Herald, but few details about it has been revealed by the studio. According to Entertainment Weekly (EW), Disney plans on delivering a new "Mary Poppins" set some 20 years after the classic story took place. Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman ("Smash") are tasked by the studio to write new music for the sequel, while David Magee ("Life of Pi") is hired to write the screenplay. According to The Wrap, Rob Marshall is going to direct the film.
While no actress has been named to take over the iconic role, Anne Hathaway is reportedly a favorite choice. Andrews has worked with the younger star in the "Princess Diaries" movies when Hathaway was just starting out. "She sings wonderfully and she's so talented. She can do anything," said Andrews in the interview.
"I've got a lot [of theories]," Andrews also said when asked if she has any ideas about the sequel. "But I'm not sure which [story] they'll go for or how they'll shape it."
The tale of "Mary Poppins" is based on a book series by author P.L. Travers, and there are seven other stories from the novels that the new movie could adapt from. Like Julie Andrews who has given her blessing for the new movie, the family of Travers are reportedly working closely with Disney and the writers for the sequel adaptation, as reported by EW.
Meanwhile, just in time for Halloween, Julie Andrews and her daughter Emily Walton Hamilton have released a children's book that centers on the said holiday. Entitled "The Very Fairy Princess: A Spooky, Sparkly Halloween," the book is inspired by Hamilton's daughter, Hope, and it's ideal for reading with children between the ages of three to six. It is the eighth book in the "The Very Fairy Princess" series, which has been listed in the best-selling list by the New York Times.
