Top 5 Things You Missed in “Mary Poppins Returns”

These Details Floated Right By You

Everyone’s favourite magical nanny is back on the big screen today in “Mary Poppins Returns”, this time portrayed by Emily Blunt and we’re hoping this rendition will be just as sweet as the original spoon full of sugar. For this list, we’re taking a look at 5 of the biggest easter eggs, small details, and connections that might’ve eluded you in this long-awaited sequel. We’ll try to keep any spoilers to a minimum, but we will be delving into a few plot points, so if you haven’t seen the new movie yet proceed with caution!

#5: The Penguins Return

Although P. L. Travers was reportedly upset about the first film’s animated portion, it’s hard to imagine “Mary Poppins” without that enchanting trip into Bert’s drawings. One of the highlights from this segment found Bert dancing alongside four penguin waiters. In “Mary Poppins Returns,” we’re treated to another glorious sequence that merges live-action with hand-drawn animation. When Mary and Jack perform “A Cover Is Not the Book,” some penguins sporting tuxedos are ready to accompany them. While their designs have been altered slightly, the penguins are every bit as scene-stealing as you remember them, making an already spellbinding scene even more supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

#4: Mary’s Wardrobe

For “Mary Poppins Returns,” costume designer Sandy Powell reportedly made “448 original costumes from scratch.” According to Powell, “The only time I really alluded to the original was for Mary Poppins’ arrival outfit.” While the ensemble Mary first dons in the sequel possesses a more contemporary look, it certainly has echoes of her first appearance in the 1964 film. The most notable accessory is the bird on Mary’s hat, which resembles the robin she shared a song with in the original. Speaking of birds, the parrot head on Mary’s umbrella also makes a comeback and he still can’t keep his beak shut. If anything, he’s even chattier this time around.

#3: The Kite

Rummaging through the attic, Michael and Jane stumble across a few nostalgic Easter eggs. For starters, the snow globe Michael finds is exactly like the one Mary held during the “Feed the Birds” song. Keen eyes might also see the letter blocks from their nursery. Even more significant is their childhood kite, which Mr. Banks patched up at the end of the first film. Even after all these years, the kite is still held together with old papers while Mrs. Banks’ “votes for women” sash substitutes the tail. The kite ends up being much more than a throwback, however, as it serves as a symbol of childhood. Once the kite takes flight again, Mary Poppins returns and brings the magic back into the Banks’ lives.

#2: “Can You Imagine That?”

While the original film had no shortage of timeless tunes, several songs were cut from the final product, including one number entitled “The Beautiful Briny.” Nevertheless, the Sherman Brothers would eventually work the song into “Bedknobs and Broomsticks,” which was something of a spiritual successor to “Mary Poppins” – even starring Mr. Banks himself. Mixing live-action with animation, the song takes our protagonists under the sea where they encounter several colorful characters. “Mary Poppins Returns” cleverly brings things full circle during the “Can You Imagine That?” number, in which Mary turns bath time into an underwater adventure. Although it’s not a recreation of “The Beautiful Briny,” you can definitely see its influence here as Mary once again makes the impossible possible.

#1: Cameos

Julie Andrews decided against appearing in “Mary Poppins Returns” as to not distract from Emily Blunt’s performance, but the film is loaded with cameos nonetheless. In addition to playing Bert, Dick Van Dyke also appeared as Mr. Dawes Sr. in the 1964 film. Although Mr. Dawes laughed himself to death, Van Dyke returns here as his son – and his jumbled after-film credit is another nod to that appearance. The Balloon Lady is played by Angela Lansbury, who’s solidified her status as a Disney Legend between her performances in “Bedknobs and Broomsticks” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Karen Dotrice, who played Jane in the original film, can also be spotted as a woman who asks for an address.

To find out what else you probably missed in “Mary Poppins Returns”, check out the full video below!

And if you’re a fan of this Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious film, here are some fascinating facts you need to know!