Spielberg considering Mary Poppins remake

Directing legend Steven Spielberg (Jaws, AI, Saving Private Ryan) clearly thinks that the musical classic Mary Poppins is supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, as he plans to film a remake.

According to reports, the Schindler's List director is to get together with the former head of the National Theatre, Sir Richard Eyre, to give the 1964 film the Hollywood treatment of the 21st century.

Sir Richard said he wants Spielberg to keep Mary Poppins English. He said: "I'm taking the stage show to Broadway next year, and I want to take the English cast with me.

"I think the studio will use the success of the Broadway show to decide whether or not to use the English cast for the film.

"But I would hope to use as much of the West End cast as possible and keep Mary English rather than have the role go to a big American star name."

Laura-Michelle Kelly, who won an Olivier award for her performances in the title role in the West End, is Sir Richard's favourite to pick up the carpet bag and sail over the rooftops in the eponymous role originally played by Julie Andrews (Shrek 2, The Sound Of Music).