Mary poppins: In 'Mary Poppins Returns,' The Practically Perfect Nanny Is Back

When the teaser trailer for Walt Disney Pictures' Aladdin debuted in October, fans got a first look at Mena Massoud as the titular street rat. The sneak peek showed him entering the Cave of Wonders and finding a magical lamp—moments before he'd finally meet Genie (Will Smith).

At the time, fans didn't get to see Genie—or Naomi Scott's Princess Jasmine.

After months of anticipation, their wishes were finally granted this morning, as the acting trio appears on the cover of Entertainment Weekly's Dec. 28, 2018/Jan. 4, 2019 issue. Smith, in particular, had big shoes to fill, as the late Robin Williams originated the role when the animated film was released in 1992. "Whenever you're doing things that are iconic, it's always terrifying," he admits. "The question is always: Where was there meat left on the bone? Robin didn't leave a lot of meat on the bone with the character." But, as director Guy Ritchie explains, "The great thing about the role of the Genie is that it's essentially a hyperbole for who that individual actor is, so it's a wonderful platform and tapestry for an actor to fill his boots on."

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MONDELLO: ...To provide an American version of a Cockney accent and introduce some new kite-flying children to the nanny who floats down from the clouds, umbrella held aloft and not a hair out of place. Jack's played by a chim-chim-cheery Lin-Manuel Miranda and Mary Poppins by a perfectly prim and proper Emily Blunt.

(SOUNDBITE OF FILM, "MARY POPPINS RETURNS")

EMILY BLUNT: (As Mary Poppins) You'll need to be more careful when the wind rises, George. You nearly lost your kite. And you two nearly lost your Georgie. He might have got away completely had I not been holding onto the other end of that string. My goodness, Anabel, what have you done to your clothes? You could grow a garden in that much soil. And John - yes, just as filthy.

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