Five stars who should play Mary Poppins in the new Disney film

WITH the announcement that beloved nanny Mary Poppins will once again take flight, speculation is already mounting about who could - and should - play her.

Julie Andrews as Marry Poppins from the movie

FILLING Julie Andrews’ shoes is no easy task.

But with the announcement that beloved nanny Mary Poppins will once again take flight thanks to a new Disney film, one lucky leading lady will get to stand under her umbrella.

And speculation is already mounting about who it could - and should - be.

Entertainment Weekly reports the new original live-action musical will not be a remake or reboot of the 1964 classic but will instead explore stories from author P.L Travers’ 1934-1988 children’s book series.

Julie Andrews as Mary Poppins from the 1964 classic.

Casting is just as important as the script, so we’ve been wondering who the spoonful of sugar that will take on Mary Poppins should be.

Here are five actresses who could make this iconic character their own:

Anne Hathaway.

After her turn in Les Miserables we know the gal can sing. She’s also an Oscar winner who is quite familiar with Andrews’ style after starring alongside her in The Princess Diaries. Hathaway will want this one bad.

Email from: Anne Hathaway To: [e-mail] Subject: Mary Poppins sequel Hi Bob, Just accept it & cast me. pic.twitter.com/ptizIXQ1EL

— Jarett Wieselman (@JarettSays) September 14, 2015

Amanda Seyfried

Give her an umbrella and she’ll fly.

She’s as versatile as they come with a wide smile and vocal chords to boot. She’s also a Les Miserables alumna, and is clearly comfortable in period costume.

Anna Kendrick

Anna Kendrick as Cinderella in Into The Woods.

She’s got sass, she’s got talent and already has the role of Cinderella under her belt. Let’s not forget Kendrick began her career in the 1998 Broadway musical High Society where she was nominated for a Tony. On paper, she’s good, but on film, she’s even better.

Taylor Swift

It’s only a matter of time before Taylor Swift launches her movie career, why not now?

It’s a little bit left field, but when it comes to Mary Poppins, you’ve gotta dream big. Taylor Swift is known as one of the nicest celebs around and with an ever-expanding girl squad of the most powerful and popular celebs in the world. Could you imagine the cameos she could bring to the film? Vote Tay for Poppins.

Kristen Bell

She’s one of the sweetest women in Hollywood, with charm, confidence and warmth in equal measures. After her spectacular turn as Anna in the animated smash that was Frozen, it’s time Bell stepped back in front of the camera and wowed us once again.

From: Kristen Bell To: [e-mail] Subject: M.P. Hi Bob, I'm sure Hathaway has already emailed you, but... pic.twitter.com/EHJQsIju78

— Jarett Wieselman (@JarettSays) September 14, 2015

Who do you think should take on the role of Mary Poppins? Leave your comments below.

Originally published as Five stars who should play Mary Poppins in the new Disney film