Premium Content:

Emma Thompson on PL Traver's Sexuality

PL TravewrsDoes the hit film ‘Saving Mr Banks’ whitewash PL Traver’s sexuality?

In the new movie ‘Saving Mr Banks’ Emma Thompson plays Australian author P.L Traver’s the scribe behind the Marry Poppins books.

- Advertisement -

The film, which as earned Thompson a Golden Globe nomination, focuses on Walt Disney’s campaign to get the author to sign over the rights to her stories so they can make a movie.

While the films being getting rave reviews it’s also attracted some criticism for glossing over parts of Traver’s life, primarily her rumoured bi-sexuality and close relationship with friend Madge Burnand.

“You can’t fit everything about a person’s life into two hours,” Thompson told journalist Brandon Voss in an interview for The Advocate.

“‘Saving Mr. Banks’ is about a woman’s creative, artistic life. It’s a relief, quite frankly, because when is a movie about a woman not about her love life?”  Thompson does say however that she thought about Traver’s sexulaity when taking on the role.

Read the full interview at The Advocate for Thopmson’s comments on her gay following and other gay characters she’s played in the past, and one that’s coming up in the future.

OIP Staff

Latest

HBO teases new season of ‘The Comeback’ among 2026 lineup

Steaming service HBO Max has given a sneak peek at next year's offerings.

The United Kingdolls are touring Australia this January

RuPaul's Drag Race UK season 2 favourites Bimini, Tayce, A'whora and Lawrence Chaney are coming down under.

Celebrate the new year with Fremantle Arts Centre’s annual concert

Spend the first day of 2026 than good vibes, great company and an outstanding selection of live local music.

Head down to The Rams ‘Have a Try’ day and give rugby a go

Is 2026 your year to take a new sport?

Newsletter

Don't miss

HBO teases new season of ‘The Comeback’ among 2026 lineup

Steaming service HBO Max has given a sneak peek at next year's offerings.

The United Kingdolls are touring Australia this January

RuPaul's Drag Race UK season 2 favourites Bimini, Tayce, A'whora and Lawrence Chaney are coming down under.

Celebrate the new year with Fremantle Arts Centre’s annual concert

Spend the first day of 2026 than good vibes, great company and an outstanding selection of live local music.

Head down to The Rams ‘Have a Try’ day and give rugby a go

Is 2026 your year to take a new sport?

The Year in Review | October 2025

There was podcast controversy, court challenges, badly named clubs and the Gay Games announcement!

HBO teases new season of ‘The Comeback’ among 2026 lineup

Steaming service HBO Max has given a sneak peek at next year's offerings.

The United Kingdolls are touring Australia this January

RuPaul's Drag Race UK season 2 favourites Bimini, Tayce, A'whora and Lawrence Chaney are coming down under.

Celebrate the new year with Fremantle Arts Centre’s annual concert

Spend the first day of 2026 than good vibes, great company and an outstanding selection of live local music.