One of the most anticipated movies for fans of Disney history is rapidly coming up on release: “Saving Mr. Banks,” a fictionalized account of the machinations and negotiations that went on behind the development and creation of the classic film “Mary Poppins.”

Featuring a star-studded cast, the film marks the first time Walt Disney has been portrayed in feature-length drama. Academy award winners Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson take the lead roles of Walt and Mary Poppins author P.L. Travers, while Jason Schwartzman and BJ Novak play the Sherman Brothers, who did the music and lyrics and book adaptation for the film. Colin Farrell plays P.L. Traver’s father in flashbacks, while Bradley Whitford depicts screenwriter Don DaGradi. Last month the cast, along with Director John Lee Hancock, Writer Kelly Marcel, and Producer Alison Owen all gathered at the Beverly Hills Hotel for a press conference.

Here are some excerpts from the good-humored cast’s press conference. Among the things we learned:
—Both Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson did extensive research into their characters to try to make them authentic to life.
—Emma Thompson can put on P.L. Traver’s voice at the drop of a hat
—Tom Hank’s granddaughter is maybe not a fan of Pooh
—BJ Novak had never seen Mary Poppins prior to working on “Saving Mr. Banks.”
—There will probably not be a third “Nanny McPhee” movie.

“Saving Mr. Banks” will be out in limited release December 13, 2013; and in general release December 20, 2013.