Emily says it would be scary to be Mary

Los Angeles - Emily Blunt would be scared to play Mary Poppins.

The 32-year-old actress has been heavily linked to the iconic role in a planned Disney remake, but has insisted she's yet to agree to a deal with the studio and she said the idea has not progressed beyond mere rumours.

Asked if there's anything she can officially reveal, the actress said: "No, I've heard rumours of this and people have spoken to me about it today and there's not been anything official.

"I mean, she's an icon."

Emily admitted the idea of replacing Julie Andrews as the flying nanny was intimidating.

She told Digital Spy: "Oh I won't go there yet, but I think it would be scary."

Last week, it was reported Emily had already been offered the role of Mary Poppins and was likely to accept Disney's invitation to star in its much-anticipated remake.

The planned movie will follow storylines from more of P.L. Travers' children's books that focus on Mary's magical adventures with the Banks family, and could be directed by Rob Marshall, who previously helmed Disney's Into the Woods.

The remake will take place in London 20 years after the original movie, which also starred Dick Van Dyke.