Last week, the internet was buzzing when reports surfaced that Margot Robbie (Birds of Prey) had been offered the role of Tinkerbell in Disney’s live-action adaptation of Peter Pan, now titled Peter Pan and Wendy. Well, the studio has reached out to another DC alum.
According to The Illuminerdi, Joker star Joaquin Phoenix has been offered the role of Peter’s nemesis, the villainous Captain Hook. An interesting tidbit I can share is this film will break the tradition where the actor playing Hook also plays Mr. Darling, in this film two different actors will be cast in those roles respectively.
Like with the Margot Robbie/Tinkerbell report, Phoenix has only received an offer, and it’s likely the studio has other actors on the table. So let’s be clear this doesn’t mean Phoenix has the role at this time.
Here is a breakdown of Captain Hook provided by the site:
An unhinged, dramatic, and menacing swordsman, who is out to seek revenge on Peter Pan for cutting his hand off and feeding it to a crocodile. When Hook takes Wendy’s brothers John and Michael hostage he uses them as bait to lure Peter Pan.
The site also obtained a breakdown for Hook’s first-mate, Smee:
A rotund fellow with a great grey beard, Smee is Captain Hook’s main henchman and servant who will do anything to please his captain.
Peter Pan and Wendy will begin production this April in Vancouver, Canada and is expected to wrap in late-August.
Read: Exclusive: Disney Casting Ariel’s Sisters In ‘The Little Mermaid’
David Lowery (Pete’s Dragon) is on board to direct with Toby Halbrooks, who co-wrote Pete’s Dragon, is on board wrote the most recent draft for the film. Jim Whitaker (A Wrinkle In Time) will be producing the project alongside Joe Roth (Maleficent: Mistress of Evil). Casting for other major roles is currently ongoing.
Back in 2018, we reported that the project could make its way to Disney+, and as far as we know that is still the case. However, Disney has declined to comment on that report as of now.
Phoenix is at the height of his career, he just earned himself an Academy Award nomination for his role as the classic DC villain the Joker, the actor took home the Golden Globe and the SAG for his portrayal. He also lent his voice to Kenai in Walt Disney Animations Brother Bear in 2003.
Source: The Illuminerdi