Disney has released the first trailer for the new live-action adaptation of “Peter Pan & Wendy.” Directed by David Lowery, the film is a new look at a Walt Disney Animation Studio’s cassic, which tells the story of Wendy (Ever Anderson) who joins Peter Pan (Alexander Molony) on an epic journey to Neverland. Along the way, she meets Tinkerbell (Yara Shahidi), and encounters the evil pirate Captain Hook (Jude Law). But this journey isn’t for the faint of heart as she faces her fears and learns about the true meaning of growing up.
Director/co-writer David Lowery says, “In making ‘Peter Pan & Wendy,’ we set out to craft a film that honors both the original J.M. Barrie text and Walt Disney’s animated adaptation; we wanted to invigorate our retelling with emotional sincerity, an open heart, and a grand yearning for adventure. Hundreds of incredible artists spent many years bringing this film to the screen; I’m excited for audiences to see their work, to go on this ride, and to rediscover an evergreen tale from a new perspective.”
It’s interesting to see how a film that can look so visually cinematic be released on a streaming platform. That being said, it will be exciting to see how Lowery translates Barrie’s timeless novel for the streaming age. Having worked on “Pete’s Dragon,” another live-action adaptation of a Disney film, Lowery felt challenged by directing his latest feature given the its popularity and his love for it.
“Wendy and Peter Pan” also stars Alyssa Wapanatâhk, Joshua Pickering (“A Discovery of Witches”), Jacobi Jupe, Molly Parker (“House of Cards”), Alan Tudyk (“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”), and Jim Gaffigan (“The Jim Gaffigan Show”).
“Peter Pan and Wendy” is directed by David Lowery from a screenplay by David Lowery & Toby Halbrooks (“The Green Knight”) based on the novel by J. M. Barrie and the animated film “Peter Pan.” The producer is Jim Whitaker (“Pete’s Dragon”), with Adam Borba (“A Wrinkle in Time”), Thomas M. Hammel (“Thor: Ragnarok”), and Toby Halbrooks serving as executive producers.
Here’s the official plot synopsis for “Peter Pan & Wendy:”
“Peter Pan & Wendy” introduces Wendy Darling, a young girl afraid to leave her childhood home behind, who meets Peter Pan, a boy who refuses to grow up. Alongside her brothers and a tiny fairy, Tinker Bell, she travels with Peter to the magical world of Neverland. There, she encounters an evil pirate captain, Captain Hook, and embarks on a thrilling and dangerous adventure that will change her life forever.
