Emily Blunt Making The Magic

The Mary Poppins returns star talks about playing everyone’s favorite nanny and life with her own family

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When Emily Blunt signed on to star in Mary Poppins Returns, she was determined to make this Mary Poppins her own. “People hold that character so close to their hearts. No one wanted to see me do a cheap interpretation of Julie Andrews!” explains Emily, 35. “Julie’s Mary Poppins was so unique and so impressive. There was no sense in trying to copy her.” So the English-born actress got to work. “I found the books to be a huge springboard,” says the star, who describes her version of the beloved nanny as stern but very funny. “It was a delicious character. I loved playing her.” As she celebrates the Dec. 19 release of the Disney film (and her Golden Globe nod for Best Actress!), the mom of two — Hazel, 4, and Violet, 2, with actor John Krasinski, 39 — gets candid about the role, her career and her family.

Were you a fan of Mary Poppins growing up?

Heck, I wanted to be like her! She had such a big imprint on my life.

Did you say yes as soon as they offered you the role?