Dick Van Dyke confirms he'll appear in the new 'Mary Poppins' movie

He won't play a chimney sweep this time.

Buena Vista Distribution

Last week, we celebrated Dick Van Dyke's 91st birthday by claiming the TV legend had one of the best years ever.

As it turns out, his year just got better!

Van Dyke recently announced to The Hollywood Reporter that he will, in fact, appear in Mary Poppins Returns, the sequel to the classic 1964 movie musical.

"This one supposedly takes place 20 years later and the kids are all grown up," Van Dyke says. "It's a great cast — Meryl Streep, Angela Lansbury and that guy [Lin-Manual Miranda] from Hamilton."

Wait, did he just say Angela Lansbury would appear in the film too? (More on that later.)

In August, Dick Van Dyke and Julie Andrews were rumored to be in talks to appear in the sequel. 

However, later that month Van Dyke spoke out about the rumors, telling the UK's Daily Mirror it would be difficult to appear in the film without seeing the script and having the cooperation of Andrews.

He added, "Sequels are traditionally not as good as the first. But I wish them well."

Someone — or something — must have changed his mind during the past few months. Perhaps it's the performer's apprehension to retiring?

When asked about the subject, Van Dyke stated, "I think it's the worst thing you can do. Certain people who do retire suddenly age. I think you have to stay active."

Of course, Van Dyke won't appear in Mary Poppins Returns as the lovable Cockney chimney sweep, Bert. Emily Blunt will take on the role of Mary Poppins, with Emily Mortimer, Colin Firth and Ben Whishaw also attached to the project. 

There's no word on what Lansbury's part will be, either. 

Mary Poppins Returns is slated for release December 25, 2018. If you can't wait until then to see Dick Van Dyke in action, you can catch on Diagnosis Murder on MeTV, weekdays at 11AM | 10C. 

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