There are two Mary Poppins movies officially released by Walt Disney Pictures: the 1964 classic Mary Poppins and the 2018 sequel, Mary Poppins Returns. These two films constitute the officially canonized cinematic adventures of the beloved nanny.
A Tale of Two Tapes (and Beyond)
The story of Mary Poppins’ journey to the screen, and the subsequent continuation of her story decades later, is one steeped in history, legal complexities, and creative reimagining. Understanding the nuances of this journey helps appreciate the relatively small number of official Mary Poppins films.
The Original: A Magical Triumph
Mary Poppins (1964), starring Julie Andrews in her Academy Award-winning role, remains a cinematic masterpiece. Based on the series of children’s books by P.L. Travers, the film blends live-action with animation to tell the story of the Banks family in Edwardian London and the magical nanny who transforms their lives. The film’s enduring popularity solidified Mary Poppins as a cultural icon. The original book’s material only loosely guided the movie’s plot; Disney made significant creative choices, even changing character personalities and adding musical numbers that became legendary.
The Long-Awaited Sequel: A Return to Cherry Tree Lane
After years of speculation and legal hurdles, Mary Poppins Returns (2018), starring Emily Blunt as the titular character, brought Mary Poppins back to Cherry Tree Lane. Set decades after the original, the film sees Mary Poppins return to help the now-grown-up Michael Banks (Ben Whishaw) and his three children after the death of his wife. While paying homage to the original, Mary Poppins Returns also carved its own identity with new songs, fresh characters, and a contemporary sensibility. The movie serves as a direct sequel, acknowledging the events of the first film and building upon the established world and lore.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mary Poppins Films
Here are some of the most common questions asked about the Mary Poppins film franchise:
FAQ 1: Why were there so many years between the first and second Mary Poppins movies?
The primary reason for the long delay was the contentious relationship between Walt Disney and P.L. Travers, the author of the Mary Poppins books. Travers was notoriously protective of her characters and disapproved of many of the changes Disney made to the original film. She refused to grant Disney the rights to produce a sequel for many years. Even after her death in 1996, securing the necessary rights and developing a suitable script took considerable time.
FAQ 2: Is there a third Mary Poppins movie planned?
As of today, there are no officially announced plans for a third Mary Poppins movie. While Mary Poppins Returns was a critical and commercial success, Disney has not confirmed any further installments. However, given the franchise’s enduring popularity, it is certainly possible that another film could be made in the future.
FAQ 3: Are there any other movies based on P.L. Travers’ Mary Poppins books?
No. While the Mary Poppins books are extensive, only the first film and its sequel, Mary Poppins Returns, are considered direct cinematic adaptations of Travers’ work. There have been no other official film adaptations produced.
FAQ 4: What about the stage musical? Is that considered a “Mary Poppins movie”?
The Mary Poppins stage musical, a collaboration between Disney and Cameron Mackintosh, is a separate entity from the films. While it draws inspiration from both the books and the original movie, it is a theatrical production and not considered part of the Mary Poppins film canon. So no, it is not considered a “Mary Poppins Movie”.
FAQ 5: Which Mary Poppins movie is considered better?
This is a subjective question and depends on individual preference. Mary Poppins (1964) is widely regarded as a classic and holds a special place in cinematic history, winning multiple Academy Awards. Mary Poppins Returns (2018) offered a fresh perspective and modern sensibilities while paying homage to the original. Ultimately, the “better” movie is a matter of personal opinion.
FAQ 6: Where can I watch Mary Poppins and Mary Poppins Returns?
Both Mary Poppins and Mary Poppins Returns are typically available for streaming on Disney+. They are also frequently available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, and Apple TV.
FAQ 7: Who owns the rights to the Mary Poppins stories?
The rights to the Mary Poppins books are held by the estate of P.L. Travers. Disney secured the rights to adapt specific aspects of the books for their films, but the estate retains control over the underlying intellectual property.
FAQ 8: What awards did Mary Poppins (1964) win?
Mary Poppins (1964) won five Academy Awards, including Best Actress (Julie Andrews), Best Film Editing, Best Visual Effects, Best Original Song (“Chim Chim Cher-ee”), and Best Original Music Score. It was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, and Best Sound.
FAQ 9: Did Emily Blunt sing in Mary Poppins Returns?
Yes, Emily Blunt performed all of her own singing in Mary Poppins Returns. She received critical acclaim for her vocal performances, further showcasing her versatility as an actress.
FAQ 10: Are there any deleted scenes from either Mary Poppins movie that are available to watch?
Yes, both Mary Poppins and Mary Poppins Returns have deleted scenes that can be found on their respective Blu-ray and digital releases. These scenes often provide additional insights into the characters and the story. Search for “Mary Poppins deleted scenes” or “Mary Poppins Returns deleted scenes” online to find them.
FAQ 11: Is there a connection between Saving Mr. Banks and the Mary Poppins movies?
Saving Mr. Banks (2013) is a biographical drama that tells the story of Walt Disney’s efforts to convince P.L. Travers to sell him the rights to her Mary Poppins books. While not directly a Mary Poppins movie, it provides valuable context to the making of the original film and the complex relationship between Disney and Travers.
FAQ 12: Are the Mary Poppins films suitable for children of all ages?
Both Mary Poppins and Mary Poppins Returns are generally considered family-friendly films suitable for children of all ages. They contain no offensive content and promote themes of family, love, and the power of imagination. However, some younger children may find certain scenes slightly scary or overwhelming. Parental guidance is always recommended.
The Enduring Magic of Mary Poppins
While the number of official Mary Poppins movies remains at two, the impact and legacy of these films are immeasurable. They continue to captivate audiences of all ages with their timeless stories, unforgettable songs, and enduring message of hope and wonder. Whether it’s the animated penguins of the first film or the gas lamp lighters of the second, the magic of Mary Poppins will undoubtedly continue to charm generations to come.