Shogun Producer Aims to Transform Mary Poppins into a Complex TV Series

The winds are shifting, and something intriguing is on the horizon—a new Mary Poppins TV series is in the works. Following the mixed reception of 2018’s Mary Poppins Returns, this fresh adaptation aims to align more closely with the original novels by P.L. Travers.

According to reports, Tom Winchester, known for his work on Shōgun, is spearheading the development of this series, which will delve into the original eight Mary Poppins books. He has secured the rights from the Travers estate and plans to explore the “more complex elements” of the stories, portraying Mary Poppins as a more enigmatic and potentially perilous figure.

Currently in the early stages of development, Winchester is reaching out to potential showrunners. The project is being produced through his company, Pure Fiction Television, with support from See-Saw Films, known for titles like Power of the Dog and Slow Horses, as well as the British talent agency Hamilton Hodell.

Mary Poppins is widely recognized thanks to the beloved 1964 Disney film featuring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. While it was a hit, the film took creative liberties that strayed from the source material, leading to criticism from P.L. Travers, a story later depicted in Saving Mr. Banks. Disney also brought the character back to life in Mary Poppins Returns, starring Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda, and adapted the original film into a successful stage musical.

Although the upcoming series doesn’t require Disney’s involvement since Winchester holds the rights, discussions with the company are reportedly underway. There’s optimism that Disney might participate in some way, given its historical connection to the character.

I’d bet my last tree star on it.