OPINION (CBN News) – Rob Marshall, the openly gay director of Mary Poppins Returns, says the next installment of the classic film should promote LGBTQ rights. Marshall spoke with The Advocate and argued Mary Poppins is a platform for social and cultural movements. The first Mary Poppins film starring Julie Andrews depicted the mother, Winifred Banks, as a member of the woman’s suffrage movement. The second film starring Emily Blunt featured Winifred’s daughter, Jane, as an advocate for labor rights. “I wanted to
root it in a real place. That’s why Jane works for the rights of workers. This is the ’30s, the Depression era when it was the great slump. There was a sadness in the world and (Mary Poppins) needs to come back,” Marshall said. The director hopes the next generation of Mary Poppins champions LGBTQ rights. “Our movie takes place in the ’30s. But if it were to take place now, that’s exactly what it should be,” Marshall said. “I understand so deeply what it’s like to be on the outskirts and not feel like you are worthy. READ MORE
