The film called "Saving Mr. Banks" began production on Wednesday. It tells of Walt Disney's 20-year pursuit of the film rights to author P.L. Travers' novel "Mary Poppins," Walt Disney Co's movie studio said in a statement.

Hanks will play Walt Disney, marking the first time the legendary animator and film producer has ever been depicted in a dramatic film. Thompson will play Travers, who reluctantly granted Disney the film rights while demanding script and character control that clashed with Disney's vision for the movie musical.

"Mary Poppins" was released in 1964 and won five Oscars, including a best actress award for Julie Andrews in the title role, best original score and best song for "Chim Chim Cher-ee."

The story of the magical English nanny who flies with her umbrella has also been made into a hit stage musical, playing on Broadway. The Cameron Mackintosh production was also a hit in London's West End.

John Lee Hancock, whose best-known films include "The Rookie" and "The Blind Side," will direct "Saving Mr. Banks." The film also stars Colin Farrell as Travers' father and Rachel Griffiths as her aunt.

"Saving Mr. Banks" will be released sometime in 2013, Disney said.

(Reporting by Nichola Groom; Editing by Jan Paschal)

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