Emily Blunt Shines in Mary Poppins Returns: A Musical Masterpiece
Emily Blunt’s Musical Journey
Four years after her debut in the Broadway musical adaptation of “Into the Woods,” Emily Blunt graced the silver screen once again in a musical masterpiece. This time, she took on the lead role in “Mary Poppins Returns,” the sequel to the iconic musical.
The Versatility of Emily Blunt
Who would have thought that the actress who played the haughty secretary in “The Devil Wears Prada” would turn out to be a warm, cheerful woman with exceptional vocal talents? Meryl Streep, who played the formidable Miranda Priestly, has also showcased her singing prowess in films like “Mamma Mia!.” It’s possible that Streep’s success inspired director Rob Marshall to reunite the two actresses in “Into the Woods,” a film based on several popular fairy tales.
Hidden Talents
Interestingly, Emily Blunt’s husband, John Krasinski, was unaware of her singing abilities for a long time. Krasinski, known for his role in the comedy series “The Office,” first heard his wife sing on the set of “Into the Woods.” Moved to tears, he playfully admonished her for hiding her talent for five years. This secrecy might be linked to Blunt’s past relationship with Michael Bublé, a renowned jazz singer who dedicated a romantic song to her.
From Silence to Song
In contrast to her role in the horror film “A Quiet Place,” directed by her husband, where she had to remain silent, “Mary Poppins Returns” allowed Blunt to fully display her musical talents. The film is a sequel to the 1964 classic “Mary Poppins,” based on the books by Pamela Travers.
The Plot
Blunt plays Mary Poppins, the magical nanny who returns to help the now-grown Michael Banks and his children during the Great Depression. Despite the new songs and dance numbers, the characters stay true to their predecessors.
Stellar Cast
In “Mary Poppins Returns,” Blunt reunites with Meryl Streep, who plays Mary Poppins’ eccentric cousin. The film also stars Colin Firth, Angela Lansbury, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Dick Van Dyke, who reprised his role from the original film.
Interview with Emily Blunt
First Encounter with Mary Poppins
Blunt shares that she first saw “Mary Poppins” when she was six years old. She chose not to rewatch the original film to preserve her childhood memories and create her own version of Mary Poppins.
The Unique Charm of Mary Poppins
Blunt describes Mary Poppins as a unique character who combines strictness with a whimsical ability to turn ordinary things upside down. Children feel incredibly protected in her presence, and she has the power to heal any childhood wounds.
Family Reactions
Blunt’s daughters watched the original film before seeing the new one. Her eldest daughter, Hazel, was disappointed when Mary Poppins flew away at the end of the original film. Blunt understands her daughter’s attachment to the character, as it’s hard to say goodbye to Mary Poppins.
Singing in Front of Others
Blunt admits that she has always been shy about singing in front of others. She only sings freely when she’s alone, like when she’s driving or in the shower. However, she finds it easier to sing when she’s in character, as it’s Mary Poppins singing, not Emily Blunt.
Overcoming Childhood Stuttering
Blunt reveals that acting helped her overcome her childhood stutter. She never dreamed of becoming an actress, but her teacher encouraged her to participate in school plays, which ultimately helped her find her voice.
