Gulliver’s Travels, Jonathan Swift’s satirical adventure novel, is being adapted into a new television series. Oscar nominated filmmaker Uberto Pasolini (The Full Monty) is leading the project as the showrunner.

Writer William Ivory (The Great Escaper) is penning the scripts for the six-episode show. It will be produced by Italy’s Roberto Sessa (The Sea Beyond) and Germany’s Jan Wünschmann (The Swarm).

Pasolini stated that they could “make something really, really fun” with the show. He said that like Swift did when he wrote it, the series will talk about the modern world, politics, greed, and other contemporary issues.

The book, which rarely shows signs of self-reflection or deep thinking on the part of Gulliver, offers a parody of the traveling narrative and satire of human nature. Broken into four parts, the first two and latter two contrast each other both obviously and subconsciously. It begins with Gulliver’s adventure in Lilliput, where people are one twelfth his size, then his next adventure takes him to Brobdingnag where he is one twelfth the size of its inhabitants and is treated like an exhibit for their entertainment. The third trip takes him to various locations, many portraying the misuse of knowledge, and his final trip leads him to the land of Houyhnhnms where the horses are in the logical place of humans. 

The book was adapted into a TV special in 1996, starring Ted Danson as Gulliver. Pasolini developed that adaptation, which earned five Emmy wins.

The show is in its early stages, and they are looking to cast a British actor in the lead role. They are seeking broadcasting partners and are planning to start production by the end of 2025.