Mary Poppins could be returning to screens, but this time not in film or in the version popularized by Disney in the sixties. According to specialist outlet Deadline, a new adaptation is being developed in television series format based directly on the original novels written by P. L. Travers.
The news is significant now because it marks an important shift in how the story of the iconic British nanny is told, moving away from the family-friendly, musical tone of the Disney feature films and closer to the more literary and complex essence of the original books.
An Adaptation Faithful to the Books
The Mary Poppins saga is made up of a total of eight books, which makes the series format a particularly suitable option for developing the universe created by Travers in greater depth.
This change in format could result in a version of the character quite different from the one audiences know from film. In the original novels, Mary Poppins has a more mysterious and, at certain points, even unsettling character, far from the sweetened image associated with the film starring Julie Andrews.
At this time it has not been confirmed whether the project will take the form of a limited series or a production with longer, multiple seasons. According to outlets that have reported on the project, that decision is still to be determined.
Tom Winchester Leading the Project
The person in charge of leading this new adaptation is Tom Winchester, through Pure Fiction Television. Winchester already has experience with highly successful productions, including the acclaimed series Shogun.
The rights to the Mary Poppins novels remain in the hands of P. L. Travers' heirs, although that situation will change in a relatively short time. The character, along with the first book in the saga, will enter the public domain in the year 2030.
Disney in Early Talks
According to information gathered by Deadline, Disney is reportedly holding preliminary talks regarding this new project. However, there is still no certainty as to whether the company will end up acquiring the broadcast rights to the future series.
The project's development is at a very early stage, so no agreement is currently in place, either on the part of the producers or on the part of Disney.
A Complicated Relationship Between Travers and Disney
The path toward a faithful adaptation of the Mary Poppins books has not been simple. P. L. Travers agreed in the sixties to let Walt Disney bring her most famous character to the big screen, but the final result of that first film left her deeply dissatisfied.
For the rest of her life, the author maintained strict control over the rights to her novels and openly expressed her rejection of the film adaptation. Travers also opposed the possibility of a sequel for decades, a project that would not finally materialize until 2018 with the release of Mary Poppins Returns.
The tense relationship between the writer and the studio was portrayed, with significant narrative liberties, in the film Saving Mr. Banks, which explores the negotiation process leading up to the release of the original 1964 film.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new Mary Poppins series about?
It is an adaptation based on the original books by P. L. Travers, different from the films produced by Disney.
Who is producing this new version of Mary Poppins?
The project is led by Tom Winchester through Pure Fiction Television, the production company also responsible for the series Shogun.
Will Disney be involved in the Mary Poppins series?
According to Deadline, Disney is holding early talks related to the project, although its final involvement has not yet been confirmed.
How many books make up the original Mary Poppins saga?
The saga written by P. L. Travers consists of a total of eight books.
When will Mary Poppins enter the public domain?
The character and the first book in the saga will enter the public domain in the year 2030.
Will the new series be faithful to the tone of the Disney films?
Not necessarily. Since it is based on the original novels, the series could present a more mysterious and less sweetened version of Mary Poppins than the one seen in the films.
