London, June 1 (IANS): British actress Emily Blunt will star in the sequel to 1964 Disney classic "Mary Poppins".

Walt Disney Studios announced on Tuesday that "Mary Poppins Returns" will be released on Christmas Day in 2018, reports dailymail.co.uk.

Lin-Manuel Miranda, the 36-year-old creator and star of the hit Broadway musical "Hamilton", will play a new character named Jack, a street lamplighter, in the film.

"Mary Poppins Returns" will the tell the story of an older Jane and Michael Banks and Michael's three children, who are visited by Poppins in the aftermath of a "personal loss" in Depression-hit London, the studio said.

The nanny will use her unique magical skills and the assistance of Jack to help the family regain its lost joy.

The film's director is 55-year-old Rob Marshall, whose previous work includes "Chicago" and "Into The Woods", while the script is being produced by "Finding Neverland" writer David Magee.