In this April 11, 2016 file photo, Emily Blunt arrives at the LA Premiere of "The Huntsman: Winter's War" in Los Angeles. Blunt will star with Lin-Manuel Miranda in "Mary Poppins Returns," a sequel to the 1964 classic, which will be released on Dec. 25, 2018. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)
LOS ANGELES (AP) --
Move over, Julie Andrews, there's a new Mary Poppins in town.
Walt Disney Studios announced Tuesday that "Into the Woods" star Emily Blunt would be taking over the part of the P.L. Travers-created nanny in a sequel to the 1964 classic, with "Hamilton" creator Lin-Manuel Miranda joining as a new character, Jack, the street lamplighter.
The film, entitled "Mary Poppins Returns," will center on a now-grown Michael Banks and his three children in the aftermath of a tragedy and the help they get from Mary Poppins and Jack in Depression-era London.
Rob Marshall is set to direct off of a script from "Finding Neverland" writer David Magee.
The film is scheduled to hit theaters on Dec. 25, 2018.
Indian film directors Shyam Benegal, right, is seen during a discussion on Indian Cinema in Hyderabad, India, Monday, Feb. 18, 2008. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A, File)
Shyam Benegal, a renowned Indian filmmaker known for pioneering a new wave cinema movement that tackled social issues in the 1970s, has died after suffering from chronic kidney disease. He was 90.
His contribution to cinema was recognized as a director, editor and screenwriter. He was also credited with a new genre of filmmaking.
Benegal passed away on Monday at Mumbai's Wockhardt Hospital, and his cremation will take place on Tuesday, the Press Trust of India news agency reported, citing his daughter Piya.
"Benegal had been suffering from chronic kidney disease for several years but it had gotten very bad. That's the reason for his death," Piya said.
Many paid tribute to the legendary filmmaker on social media platform X.
Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt wrote that Benegal told stories without pretense. "They were raw and real, about the struggles of ordinary people. His films had craft and conviction."
"Deeply saddened by the passing of Shyam Benegal, whose storytelling had a profound impact on Indian cinema. His works will continue to be admired by people from different walks of life," India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted.
He was a mentor to top Indian actors, including Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil, Naseeruddin Shah, and Om Puri who made their mark in Bollywood's popular cinema as well.
"I have lost my foster father, a man to whom I owe more than I can say," posted Naseeruddin Shah.
"Shyam Benegal was not just a legend; he was a visionary who redefined storytelling and inspired generations," said actor Manoj Bajpayee.
Benegal came into the limelight in the 1970s, with a series of films that challenged mainstream Bollywood. His films Ankur (1974), Nishant (1975), Manthan (1976), and Bhumika (1977)... Read More
