Production Company Developing TV Series Based on Titanic Survivor's True Story
The Set Up, a television production company founded by Bruna Papandrea, is adapting Lisa Wilkinson's bestselling non-fiction book 'The Titanic Story of Evelyn' for television. The book, which debuted at number one on the Australian bestseller list in April 2026, chronicles the life of Evelyn Marsden, the only Australian-born survivor of the Titanic, and her romance with a ship's doctor. The adaptation will chronicle Evelyn's experiences as a stewardess and her heroic actions during the historic maritime disaster.
The Set Up represents a significant venture in prestige television production, bringing together established industry figures Papandrea, Hutensky, and Hurbert-Burns. The production company's inaugural project demonstrates confidence in adapting historical narratives for contemporary audiences, particularly those centered on overlooked historical figures. Wilkinson's book achieved remarkable commercial success upon its Australian release, indicating substantial audience appetite for this particular narrative.
The adaptation focuses on Evelyn Marsden's dual narrative arc—her maritime career and personal relationships alongside her involvement in the Titanic disaster. By centering an Australian perspective on this globally significant historical event, the television series may introduce viewers to a lesser-known dimension of the tragedy, emphasizing individual survival stories and acts of heroism rather than exclusively focusing on the disaster's technical or structural failures.
This adaptation could appeal to audiences interested in historical dramas, particularly those featuring women's experiences in early twentieth-century settings. The project may influence cultural conversations about underrepresented survivor narratives and Australian contributions to well-known historical events. Additionally, the series' development may strengthen the market for literary adaptations based on non-fiction works, potentially encouraging more publishers and producers to pursue similar projects in the crowded streaming landscape.