Ben Whishaw ‘in talks’ to join Mary Poppins sequel as grown-up Michael Banks

Ben Whishaw is reportedly in talks to join the cast of the forthcoming Mary Poppins film.

The British actor, known for his roles in Spectre and London Spy, is thought to be in the running to play the gown-up Michael Banks alongside Emily Blunt.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the 35-year-old is set to take on the role of the youngest of the Banks family, who is now 20 years older than he was in the 1964 original.

Disney recently confirmed that Blunt would be stepping into the iconic role made famous by Julie Andrews for Mary Poppins Returns, based on the books by P.L Travers.

Directed by Rob Marshall, the story will follow Michael and Jane Banks and their children as they cope with a death in the family.

Their childhood nanny will re-visit them to help them cope, alongside her friend Jack, who will be played by Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Oscar-winner Meryl Streep has also signed up to star in the forthcoming film, playing a character called Topsy.

Stars of the original film Andrews and Dick Van Dyke are also rumoured to be making cameo appearances.

Speaking about the project last month, Marshall said: “I am truly humbled and honored to be asked by Disney to bring P.L. Travers’ further adventures to the screen.

“The iconic original film means so much to me personally, and I look forward to creating an original movie musical that can bring Mary Poppins, and her message that childlike wonder can be found in even the most challenging of times, to a whole new generation.”

Disney is reportedly working closely with Travers’ estate on the project after the famously frosty relationship between Walt Disney and Travers over the original film