Gemma Arterton has said that she will "always be sad" about missing out on playing Mary Poppins at the Olympics.
The Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters star was approached to play the iconic magical character during Danny Boyle's opening ceremony, but was unable to work it into her schedule. Ultimately, Boyle chose to use several actors to play Mary Poppins.
Arterton told Digital Spy that she has "always wanted to be" the English nanny after growing up with the Disney movie.
© Rex Features / Back Page Images
© Rex Features / c.Everett Collection/Rex Features
"I don't regret anything in my life, but [missing the Olympics] is something I will always be sad about. It would've been a real moment."
Asked if she would ever consider playing Poppins in a remake, she replied: "I don't think I would. The Olympics thing was perfect because I wouldn't have been recreating Mary Poppins. I'd like to leave it as it is, I wouldn't want to compete with Julie Andrews."
Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters opens in UK cinemas on February 27.
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