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**Meghan Markle’s Bid for Winifred Banks Role Thwarted by Manager in Mary Poppins Sequel**
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, made headlines once again as she sought to secure the role of Winifred Banks in the upcoming Mary Poppins sequel shortly after the passing of the original actress, Glynis Johns.
Johns, renowned for her portrayal of the suffragette mother in the 1964 classic, passed away at the age of 100 in a Los Angeles assisted living facility.
Residing in Los Angeles with her husband Prince Harry and their two children, Meghan had been vocal about her desire to play Winifred Banks, viewing it as an opportunity to reignite her acting career, champion her causes, and potentially boost her chances of winning an Oscar.
However, her aspirations hit a roadblock when she crossed paths with Mitch CLM, Johns' manager of over five decades.
Disney had already planned to pay tribute to Johns in the sequel by utilizing original footage and voice recordings to honor her iconic role.
Touched by the gesture, CLM collaborated with Disney and firmly rejected Meghan's requests.
He criticized her conduct, citing a lack of talent, grace, and reverence, deeming her unfit to step into the shoes of Winifred Banks or any other character.
CLM underscored Johns' esteemed legacy, extensive career, and the adoration she garnered from fans and peers.
He promptly reported Meghan's actions to Disney and the filmmakers, resulting in her immediate exclusion from the project.
He expressed disbelief at Meghan's assumption that marriage to Prince Harry would automatically secure her leading roles and accolades, labeling her behavior as self-centered and baseless.
The statement issued in response to Meghan's actions condemned her behavior while extending sympathies to Johns' family.
The filmmakers affirmed their commitment to honoring Johns through the tribute and dedicating the sequel to her memory.
Titled “Mary Poppins Returns Again,” the sequel is slated for release in 2025.
The star-studded cast includes Emily Blunt reprising her role as Mary Poppins, Lin-Manuel Miranda as Jack, Ben Whishaw as Michael Banks, Emily Mortimer as Jane Banks, and Julie Walters as Ellen.
Notable cameo appearances will be made by d–k Van Dyke, Angela Lansbury, Colin Firth, and Meryl Streep, adding to the film's allure.
In the storyline, Mary Poppins returns to London a quarter of a century later to assist the adult Banks siblings and their families as they navigate a fresh set of challenges.
Glynnis Johns will make a posthumous appearance as Winifred Banks through archival footage and voice recordings, performing a new song titled “The Place Where Lost Things Go,” penned by the renowned Sherman Brothers.