We’ve all been there. You finish a cozy rewatch of the 2005 classic or the 2010 sequel, The Big Bang, and you’re left wondering why on earth we haven't seen that crooked nose and magical walking stick again. Seriously, where is Nanny McPhee 3?
The short answer is both hilarious and a total bummer. Emma Thompson, the mastermind behind the films, didn't just want a third movie; she actually wrote the thing. And she didn't just write a standard "nanny visits a new house" story.
She set it in space.
The Nanny McPhee 3 Space Script is Real
It sounds like a fever dream or a weird internet hoax, but it’s 100% true. Emma Thompson confirmed in several interviews, including a notable chat with Chris Evans on the BBC, that the script for Nanny McPhee 3 involved taking the magical governess into the cosmos.
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Think about it. The Victorian-era aesthetic clashing with a sci-fi backdrop? It’s exactly the kind of eccentric, bold swing Thompson is known for.
Unfortunately, the suits at the studio didn't share her "nanny in a nebula" vision. The main reason we aren't watching Nanny McPhee navigate a zero-gravity nursery right now comes down to cold, hard cash.
- The Budget Problem: A space setting isn't cheap.
- Box Office Reality: While Nanny McPhee Returns (the US title for the second film) was a critical darling, it didn't rake in the mountains of gold the first one did.
- The $14 Million Target: Thompson famously recalled getting a call during the second film's opening weekend. The studio wanted $14 million; it made $9.7 million. That gap was enough for Universal to get cold feet on a high-budget third installment.
Is the Film Still Possible in 2026?
Honestly? As a movie, it’s basically in "development hell" purgatory. There are no active reports of a film production starting. The kids from the first two movies—like Thomas Brodie-Sangster or Asa Butterfield—are full-blown adults now.
But don't lose hope just yet. The franchise isn't dead; it's just changing shape.
As of early 2026, the energy has shifted from the silver screen to the stage. Emma Thompson has spent the last few years pouring her heart into a Nanny McPhee musical. She’s writing the book and lyrics herself, collaborating with singer-songwriter Gary Clark.
The stage version is aiming for a West End debut in 2026. This isn't just a "backup plan." Major names like Olivia Colman and Lily James were involved in early workshops. If the musical is a smash hit—which, let’s be real, it probably will be—it might just be the catalyst a studio needs to finally greenlight a new film or a streaming revival.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Series
People often assume the movies were just "British Mary Poppins clones." That’s a mistake. The Nanny McPhee world, based on Christianna Brand's Nurse Matilda books, is much grittier. It’s about the ugly becoming beautiful as behavior improves.
The internal logic is strict:
"When you need me, but do not want me, then I must stay. When you want me, but no longer need me, then I must go."
That rule is the emotional backbone of the series. It’s why a third film is so hard to write. You need a family that is truly desperate, not just mildly annoyed.
What to Do While You Wait
Since a 2026 release for a Nanny McPhee 3 film isn't on the cards, here is how you can get your fix of that specific brand of British magic:
- Track the Musical: Keep an eye on London West End casting announcements for the latter half of 2026. This is where the "New McPhee" will officially debut.
- Read the Source Material: If you haven't read Christianna Brand's Nurse Matilda stories, do it. They are weirder and darker than the films.
- Watch the "Lost" Cameos: Go back and look for the connections. Did you notice that the old lady (Mrs. Docherty) in the second film is actually the baby (Aggy) from the first? The continuity is surprisingly tight.
Basically, the dream of Nanny McPhee in space might be grounded for now, but the character is far from retired. We’re just trading the cinema popcorn for theater programs.
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If you’re looking to scratch that itch for magical British storytelling, check out Emma Thompson’s work in Matilda the Musical (the movie version) or look into the upcoming stage production schedules in London for 2026.