The New Mary Poppins Has Big Shoes To Fill

Let the nostalgic reboots reign on! On Monday, it was reported by Vanity Fair that a Mary Poppins sequel is underway, adding to a long list of classic Disney films that are being given a second go-round. As one who finds that delectable nostalgia is best paired with Disney fodder, I couldn't be more thrilled about this news. Still, a gander at my Twitter feed is telling me that many fans are balking at the idea of revamping the 1964 classic.

Look, I get it. The original piece of cinema was basically perfection. Along with its tantalizing visuals and unparalleled performances, Mary Poppins was timeless in its themes of family, friendship, and the fact that true bliss can't be bought. (I also used lines from the movie to coax my parents into letting me have a "spoonful of sugar" before taking any type of cough syrup — it didn't work.)

Perhaps the most arguably untouchable part of the original film was its casting of Julie Andrews as the female lead and movie's namesake. Not only did Andrews' portrayal garner her an Academy Award for Best Actress, the icon infused the beloved character of Mary with a sass, confidence, and warmth that seems nearly impossible to replicate. In other words, whoever gets cast in the role for the Marry Poppins sequel has a big umbrella to fill — or hold up, rather.

Casting can truly make or break a film — especially when it comes to a sequel. Lucky for us, there are a bevy of talented actresses that I feel could make this iconic character their own. So, who should be cast as Mary? I have a few ideas.

1. Kristen Bell

There's no question that Bell is an amazing actress, but she also wowed audiences with her singing chops while voicing Anna for Disney's animated mega-hit, Frozen. Add to the fact that she has one of the most charming personas imaginable, IMHO, and you have a definitive top contender.

2. Anne Hathaway

I could tell you about Hathaway's Oscar-winning performance in Les Misérables or her versatility in the art of acting. I could also simply mention that she starred in The Princess Diaries, and her costar was — you guessed it — Julie Andrews. Casting doesn't get much more fitting than that — amiright? There's also this:

3. Ellie Kemper

Kemper's portrayal of the unremittingly optimistic Kimmy Schmidt in Unbreakable: Kimmy Schmidt is all the evidence you need as to why she would make a perfect Mary.

4. Beyoncé

Everything this woman touches basically turns into gold, so why wouldn't she be able to slay in a Disney film? Aside from that, Beyoncé has showcased mad skills both in music and onscreen. If Jay Z got cast as Mr. Banks, I would literally faint from excitement.

5. Anna Kendrick

Kendrick has the sass, talent, and pipes to slay as the new Mary. She also proved she knows her way around the land of Disney protagonists when playing Cinderella in Into the Woods.

6. Jennifer Lawrence

Aside from being one of the coolest A-listers anyone could ask for, Lawrence has proven she can light up a screen in a variety of different roles. She also showed off some impressive pipes while singing "The Hanging Tree" for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1.

7. Taylor Swift

Swift may be known as one of the nicest celebs around, but she also has proven there is no shortage of sass or confidence when it comes to standing up for what she believes in. The aforementioned are perfect traits for the type of female lead a Mary Poppins sequel would demand. Also, being that Swift's ever-growing squad is close to including every famous person in current existence, I'm guessing there would be a ton of awesome cameos.

It is understandable that many fans would become reticent at the idea of rebooting a classic. With the right leading lady, however, I think that Disney could make lightning strike twice.

Images: Walt Disney; Giphy (8)