'Mary Poppins' remake: Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt talk about lead role

Anne Hathaway has been rumoured as the best actress to headline the “Mary Poppins” remake. However, the actress revealed that she is not aware of the role. Instead, she expressed how Emily Blunt would fit the character best. Blunt on the other hand has also spoken up about the remake.

In an interview with Entertainment Online (ET) for her new film “The Intern," Anne was asked to comment about the possibility of her stepping into Julie Andrews’ shoes in the “Mary Poppins” remake. Anne revealed that she hasn’t been approached to play the part.

“Really?! Cool! No one’s talked to me about it,” she said in surprise.

Instead, the actress said that Emily Blunt is likely going to get the role since she’s British. However, her “The Intern” co-star Robert De Niro has her full vote that she would be the “terrific pick” to play Mary Poppins.

“I saw them announce it on television and they mentioned Mary Poppins and I was thinking – I said, ‘That’s Annie,’” De Niro told ET.

Emily Blunt on the other hand is also doubtful over the role being handed to her. In an interview with Digital Spy, the British actress, who recently became an American citizen, remained coy about her involvement in the remake.

"No, I've heard rumours of this and people have spoken to me about it today and there's not been anything official," she said.

Blunt also expressed her hesitation in playing the character since she “is an icon.” When asked if it would be a scary experience for her to replace Andrews, the “Sicario” star replied, “Oh I won't go there yet, but I think it would be."

According to Hello Magazine, Anne and Emily have been pitied against each other when it comes to playing Mary Poppins in the film remake. Irish betting agency Boyle Sports have reportedly given Hathaway 6/4 odds that she will land the role.

The “Mary Poppins” remake will reportedly be based on all of P.L. Travers eight book series. The movie will be set 20 years after the original film and “Into the Wood” director Rob Marshal is said to be on board already.

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