Official: Lin-Manuel Miranda Will Star in Disney's MARY POPPINS Sequel Alongside Emily Blunt

About two months ago, BroadwayWorld reported that Lin-Manuel Miranda was in talks to star in Disney's MARY POPPINS sequel. Now, Disney is setting the release dates for their upcoming live action films, and The Wrap has confirmed that Miranda is officially on tap to star in the film, alongside INTO THE WOODS star, Emily Blunt.

The article also discusses future live action films that Disney is slatting to release, including CRUELLA with Emma stone, and a Tim Burton directed DUMBO.

Miranda has already established a relationship with the studio having composed original music for STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS. In addition, his original music will be featured in Disney's upcoming animated film MOANA.

Miranda would portray Jack, described as a lamplighter in the vein of chimney sweep Bert, the character portrayed by Dick Van Dyke in the 1964 hit film. 'Into the Woods' helmer Rob Marshall will direct the movie with John DeLuca and Marc Platt producing.

MARY POPPINS will feature a score by Broadway vets Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray, Smash, Catch Me If You Can), and a screenplay written by Finding Neverland's David Magee.

The original film starred Julie Andrews and Van Dyke and was a box office giant, grossing $100 million and receiving five Academy Awards, including one for Andrews as best actress.

Miranda wrote the music and lyrics for the musical In the Heights, which opened on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in March 2008. His written work for the show earned him numerous accolades, including the 2008 Tony Award for Best Original Score and the 2009 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. Miranda's performance in the show's lead role of Usnavi earned him a nomination for the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical.

Miranda is currently performing on Broadway in the lead role of Alexander Hamilton in HAMILTON. He is a 2015 recipient of the MacArthur "Genius" Award. This month HAMILTON received the 2016 Edward Kennedy Prize for Drama.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos