Here’s a fun bit of casting news: Variety has learned that Jude Law is in talks and near set to play Captain Hook in Disney’s live-action remake of Peter Pan, titled Peter Pan & Wendy.
David Lowery is set to direct. Lowery also co-wrote the script with Toby Halbrooks. Jim Whitaker is on board as producer. All three held the same roles in their previous Disney remake, Pete’s Dragon. Word is that this is being planned as a theatrical release rather than a Disney+ project.
If Jude Law signs on board, he’ll join the long and distinguished line of what my friends and I like to call Sexy Captain Hook. Looking at you, Garrett Hedlund (Pan), Colin O’Donoghue (Once Upon a Time) and Jason Isaacs (Peter Pan). But, okay, maybe not so much you, Dustin Hoffman (Hook). It’s an entertaining role to envision Law in. He oozes natural charm, but it’s the sort of charisma that can turn smarmy at a moment’s notice. If he plays up that ability and leans into the villainous camp, it will be a terribly fun role for Law, who continues to be one of the busier and more sought-after actors in Hollywood.
Clearly, Law is no stranger to balancing a number of projects. Big studio tentpole fare have included playing Yon-Rogg in Captain Marvel and a young Dumbledore in the Fantastic Beasts movies (a third movie is currently in the works), as well as a third Sherlock Holmes movie, which is also in preproduction. He’s also worked on acclaimed TV series with The New Pope and the upcoming miniseries, The Third Day. Smaller indie films have included The Rhythm Section, Vox Lux and The Nest, and he’s even found time to squeeze in some stage work and theater with National Theatre Live: Obsession.
To date, Disney’s 1953 animated version of Peter Pan is still the most successful adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s book ever. Barrie originally wrote the story of the magical world of Neverland, where children never age, as a play in 1904 before adapting it as a book in 1911. Since then, countless stage adaptations, movies, and TV shows have been made, but none are more beloved than the animated Disney classic – though ’90s kids may argue that Hook came close.
Considering how well Disney’s live-action remakes have done so far, it’s fair to guess that this Peter Pan adaptation will be another success for the studio. No release date is yet set.