Written by Nynoshka Vazquez Suazo
The story of Peter Pan is a classic, filled with magic and nostalgia. Its story and impact have been followed by many remakes and spin-offs, including Pan and Hook just to name a few. Now 70 years after the classic, Disney Plus has released a new retelling of the tale, Peter Pan & Wendy.
Wendy (Ever Gabo Anderson, Resident Evil: The Final Chapter) is set to go off to boarding school. On her last night, she is visited by Tinker Bell (Yara Shahidi, Black-ish) and Peter Pan (Alexander Molony, The Reluctant Landlord) as they plan to take her to Neverland, after hearing her say she never wants to grow up.
Peter Pan & Wendy follows the original tale of Peter Pan, a boy who never wants to grow up, on Neverland with the Lost Boys, seeking adventure and fighting the infamous Captain Hook (Jude Law, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore). However, this retelling has its twists: Wendy taking control of her own narrative and challenging Peter’s authority and reality, making this story as much Wendy’s as it is Peter’s. Furthermore, it creates a new foundation and origin story for Peter Pan, as well as Captain Hook.
The relationships developed within the film are powerful, as they are deeper than the original assumptions created by the previous and original tellings of the tale. Firstly, the relationship between Wendy and her mother Mrs. Darling (Molly Parker, Lost in Space), is interesting as it is one that has rarely been developed in films past. Her relationship with her father Mr. Darling (Alan Tudyk, Rogue One), is also intriguing as it’s almost non-existent, contrary to the previous. Tinker Bell’s relationship with Wendy also challenges the previous, which was filled with jealousy – instead, it is now one of understanding. Peter’s relationship with Hook is the most emotional and captivating, as it creates a whole new story between the two, more than the gift of a hook for a hand.
The Lost Boys’ stories are more developed than in previous versions as they’re more involved and highlighted in the film. Furthermore, they are not all boys. We also get introduced to the idea of the Lost Boys before these with Captain Hook being the first. Similarly, Tiger Lily (Alyssa Wapanatahk, Riverdale), is introduced with the Lost Boys, different from her previous film introductions. A tip of the hat to Disney for keeping this character true to its Indigenous roots through language and casting.
The casting for Peter Pan and Wendy could not have been more perfect in my eyes. Ever Gabo Anderson gives Wendy a more mature persona; Alexander Molony encompasses everything Peter Pan is known to stand for. They compliment each other in a way different than what has previously seen and gave each character a more emotional and in depth understanding as individuals as well as partners.
Yara Shahidi cuts a stunning figure as the feisty Tinker Bell. To act is an already laborious task, becoming a character and doing it justice while also making it your own. It becomes even more difficult when that character does not speak. However, Yara did not need words to share Tinker Bell’s story and role in the film.
Jude Law had massive shoes to fill, stepping into the role of the oh-so-famous Captain Hook, but he did so with grace. He sparked anger, fear, demanded control and attention, as any good villain would. Even more so, he had the responsibility of creating a new version of Hook never thought to be possible, with a new tale to tell. He gives Hook a sense of vulnerability, a sense of longing for his inner child to heal, and it was beautifully executed.
The original soundtrack/music of Peter Pan is well known. As someone who actually starred in Peter Pan twice during my theatre days, yours truly knows the music by heart and am a bit biased. That being said, the original pirate songs introduced in the film moved the story forward, told their own story, and didn’t take away from the emotion and development.
Peter Pan & Wendy is a beautiful and emotional new retelling of a classic tale. While it keeps the original story at its core, it creates a new story for the next generation of Disney kids.
