Disney, Rob Marshall developing new “Mary Poppins” movie

PanARMENIAN.Net - As Disney continues to reboot old animated favorites into live-action features, the studio is now looking to team with its “Into the Woods” helmer for a new take on one of its classic musicals, Variety reports.

Sources confirm to Variety that Disney is developing a new “Mary Poppins” musical with Rob Marshall set to direct.

John DeLuca and Marc Platt, who also worked with Marshall on “Into the Woods,” will serve as producers on the pic.

Insiders confirm the new film will take place in London 20 years after the first film and will take storylines from the P.L. Travers’ children books focusing on the magical nanny’s continued adventures with the Banks family.

The original film starred Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke in the story of a nanny who came to work for a banker’s unhappy family in pre-World War I England. The film was a huge hit, grossing $100 million at the box office, and earned five Oscars including one for Andrews as best actress.

Disney has reaped rewards recently by turning their classic animated pics like “Alice in Wonderland” and “Cinderella” into live action hits, and is now turning its attention to classic live-action films.

When it comes to reteaming with Marshall on the pic, the “Chicago” director has had a knack for taking Broadway hits and turning them into big screen successes. “Into the Woods” not only earned $199 million worldwide but also landed Meryl Streep an Oscar nomination.

The news was first reported by Entertainment Weekly.