ANAHEIM — The big headlines out of Walt Disney Studios film presentation at D23 today were surrounding the behind-the-scenes footage from Rain Johnson’s “The Last Jedi” and the jaw-dropping preview of the Russo Brothers’ “Avengers: Infinity War.” What can’t be overlooked, however, were the equally enlightening sneaks of Jon Favreau‘s live action “The Lion King” and Rob Marshall’s “Mary Poppins Returns.”
The latter was the one film everyone expected would have a presence at the event. The long awaited sequel to the 1964 classic recently wrapped production and Marshall appeared on stage alongside star Emily Blunt to eventually screen a teaser for the new movie musical. Blunt is stepping into the shoes of the legendary Julie Andrews, a proposition that would be daunting for any actress.
“I think I tried to do was approach it like every other part. I watched the first 15 min of the original and then stopped watching it,” Blunt says. “I needed to pay homage to what Julie did. No one is going to out Julie Julie Andrews. I had to do my version of her. I think we were loyal to the books.”
Disney ramped up the showmanship by having the Disney Orchestra play the score to the new film alongside the teaser trailer. Marc Shaiman, who co-wrote the film’s new songs with Scott Wittman, conducted the orchestra.
Be warned: spoilers ahead.
Set 25 years after the original film, ‘Returns’ finds Jane Banks (Emily Mortimer) and Michael Banks (Ben Whishaw) all grown up and with some very adult problems. England is in the middle of its own version of the Great Depression and the Banks are trying to figure out how to hold on to their home which is under threat from a Bank run by William Weatherall Wilkins (Colin Firth).
The teaser featured a montage of scenes from the movie but made sure to hold on the moment when Jack (Lin-Manuel Miranda) and one of the Banks‘ children are playing with a kite on a stormy day. Who should pop out of the clouds but none other than Ms. Poppins? (Although the studio quickly cut before too much of the shot could be given away). There were dancing chimney numbers with Poppins, Jack and a crew of chimney sweepers. Topsy Poppins (Meryl Streep) has her own musical number and the three-time Oscar winner looks heavenly and hilarious at the same time. Also included were cameos of the Balloon Lady (Angela Lansbury) and the original chimney sweeper himself Dick Van Dyke (as Mr. Dawes, Jr.).
And, yes, Poppins still has those magical tricks. She slides up the banister. She pulls an umbrella from the bathroom sink. And in an homage to “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” Poppins and Jack have a musical number with animated animals (or at least partially).
There is no doubt “Returns” is as much a traditional musical as the first movie. And while none of the new songs were played Shaiman’s score was old fashioned, breezy and as delightful as the preview itself. It all felt a little like the musical moments of “Enchanted” but in the best way possible.
What followed was sort of remarkable. It was unclear how far along Favreau is with production on the live action version of the 1994 animated feature and subsequent Tony Award winning musical. but it’s now obvious he’s been hard at work. Favreau surprised with a complete scene from “King” and an iconic one.
As the sun rises over an African prairie the familiar chords of Elton John’s “Circle of Life” begin to plan. A long line of elephants, zebra and even insects head in unison toward a familiar looking peak. Popping his head into frame is none other than Rafiki, looking remarkably like the mandrill in the animated film. Then there is a close up on the young Simba.
Who is. Simply. Adorable.
When Rafiki breaks the powder to put on the crown of his head Simba sneezes (a nice touch). Rafiki then lifts Simba up to the assembled animals below who lower their heads for their eventual new king. And at the end of the song, the screen went black and the audience in attendance roared.
It’s clear Favreau is looking to improve upon his work in “The Jungle Book” and if you aren’t a fan of cats now it’s hard to see how you aren’t after his adaptation of “The Lion King.” The CG work is exemplary and combined with John’s music this could be the most impressive Disney live action adaptation yet. And that’s not hyperbole this pundit throws around loosely.
Donald Glover voices Simba in the movie and James Earl Jones returns as his father, Mufasa, but neither were on hand or mentioned during the presentation.
“Mary Poppins Returns” opens in theaters on Dec. 23, 2018. “The Lion King” arrives in theaters on March 28, 2019.