We had the chance to interview Emily Mortimer who plays the role of Jane Banks and Ben Whishaw who plays the role of Michael Banks in the new Mary Poppins Returns, which opens everywhere next Wednesday, December 19th!
These 2 actors simply put were just adorable and their adorableness can be seen on screen in this movie. The plot revolves around grown up Michael Banks who now has his own three kids, two boys and girl. When tragedy strikes (not seen in the movie), Michael Banks is seen as the sole provider/parent to the three Banks kids along with help along the way from his sister, Jane. It was so great to see the Banks kids grown up and now Michael having his own kids. They play very refreshing roles in Mary Poppins Returns.
Interview with Emily Mortimer and Ben Whishaw:
Question 1: I wanted to ask you both, how do you work joy and wonder into your life?
Ben joked to us it is drinking and cigarettes. Emily agreed with him. Emily also added in, it is her kids that bring her the most joy, mixed with so many emotions. She mentioned how she loves to see life through her kids eyes.
Question 2: So did your children see the old one and now have seen the new one?
She said they did not see the new one but did see the old one.
“They love the old one. Yeah. They’re psyched! They’re totally pumped about the whole thing. And May (her daughter) found my picture. We were in Barnes & Noble the other day and she found the book of Mary Poppins Returns, which I didn’t realize they’d even done the book of. But there was Emily Blunt was on the front. And then she found a photo of me. And she’s never been more impressed by me ever. It was so funny. She kept telling everyone we met. Mom’s in a book!”
Question 3: Rob Marshall said last night he got his first choice of all the actors. How does it feel for him saying that, and to be in such an iconic remake of a movie.
Ben said when Rob likes you, he really does and well Disney is Disney! He says Rob gives it his all and loves his actors. Ben said he really valued that and both of them said it makes them trust.
“My dad always said that if you tell people they’re beautiful or wonderful and clever and talented and special and amazing, they are.”- Emily
Question 4: Did you get a chance to talk to the original Jane about taking on such an iconic role?
She said they did. She hung out with them during filming and did a small cameo in the movie too. They loved it!
Question 5: What was the most challenging scene for you both to create?
“ I think that the final scene when we were on the balloons was quite challenging. And also playing different emotions through the movie too was very difficult.”- Ben
Emily also agreed it was hard to play with the different emotions. She said Rob Marshall was really good with helping.
Question 6: Is there anything that you did special to be able to do that. Did you spend extra time together? Was it difficult to live up to the expectations of these kids that have experienced something marvelous as children. And come into as adults, and kids around you.
“We didn’t. We were really lucky. We just immediately got on, and enjoyed each other’s company. “- Ben
Question 7: Do you have favorite scene from the movie?
Ben said he really loved the big dance number. Emily said the same. I have to agree with them. It is amazing!
“Just when you think you’ve had enough, then comes along Dick Van Dyke at the end and that dance. All if it is so amazing.”-commenting on another favorite scene at the end.
Mary Poppins Returns opens everywhere on December 19th and you can buy your advanced tickets on Fandango now. Be sure to check out my other posts about the new Mary Poppins Returns here:
Mary Poppins Returns Movie Review
*I walked the red carpet thanks to Disney. I collaborated with Disney to help promote this new movie. All opinions are my own and not swayed by outside sources.*