A new live-action television adaptation of Mary Poppins is currently in early development, focusing on the original literary works by author P.L. Travers rather than Disney’s 1964 film. Producer Tom Winchester is leading this project through Pure Fiction Television, an independent studio supported by See-Saw Films and UK agency Hamilton Hodell. Winchester is working directly with the trustees of the P.L. Travers estate to create a more faithful version of her original eight novels for the screen. Unlike the cheerful musical character from Disney’s film, Travers’ original literary Mary Poppins is portrayed as no-nonsense, stern, vain, and mysterious. The planned television series aims to explore the broader, surreal, and occasionally eerie universe created across Travers’ books with complex magical adventures extending beyond Cherry Tree Lane. From a legal perspective, the production team optioned rights directly from the estate trustees without requiring Disney’s permission, though discussions about potential Disney involvement are underway. Winchester is currently seeking a showrunner to guide the creative vision before pitching to potential platforms or networks.
Key Points:
- Producer Tom Winchester is spearheading the development through Pure Fiction Television, an indie studio backed by See-Saw Films and UK agency Hamilton Hodell.