Return to Neverland.|Apr. 20, 2023|USA|106 Min.|PG
Genre: Adventure;Family;Fantasy
Description: The 2023 film *Peter Pan & Wendy* is an American fantasy adventure directed by David Lowery, who co-wrote the screenplay with Toby Halbrooks. Produced by Jim Whitaker under Walt Disney Pictures, this live-action adaptation is based on the 1953 animated classic *Peter Pan*, which itself was inspired by J.M. Barrie’s 1904 play *Peter Pan; or, the Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up* (also known as *Peter and Wendy*). The movie features Alexander Molony and Ever Anderson in the lead roles, supported by Jude Law, Yara Shahidi, Alyssa Wapanatâhk, Joshua Pickering, Jacobi Jupe, Molly Parker, Alan Tudyk, and Jim Gaffigan.
The story follows Peter Pan and Wendy as they journey to the magical realm of Neverland, accompanied by Wendy’s brothers and Peter’s fairy companion, Tinker Bell. Throughout their adventure, Wendy undergoes a life-changing experience and crosses paths with Peter’s sworn enemy, Captain Hook.
Development for this live-action adaptation began on April 13, 2016, with Lowery at the helm. The project saw significant script revisions over the next four years. The official title was announced on January 7, 2020, with production initially set to start in April 2020 and conclude by August of that year. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused delays. Filming eventually commenced in March 2021 in Vancouver, British Columbia, with additional scenes shot on the Bonavista Peninsula in Newfoundland and Labrador in August 2021. Reshoots took place in Vancouver from February 2 to 8, 2022.
The movie premiered on Disney+ on April 28, 2023, and received mixed reviews. Critics praised the performances, visuals, and emotional depth but were divided over Lowery’s directorial choices and the deviations from the original story.
Set in Edwardian London, the narrative begins with Wendy Darling spending her last night at home before leaving for boarding school. Unhappy about growing up, Wendy expresses her reluctance to her parents, George and Mary, and her younger brothers, John and Michael. That night, Peter Pan visits the Darling family nursery, drawn by Wendy’s wish to escape adulthood. He convinces her to join him in Neverland, a place where she’ll never have to grow up. With Tinker Bell’s help, Wendy and her brothers embark on a magical flight to the enchanting world of Neverland.
Cast director: David Lowery
Cast actor: Alexander Molony, Ever Anderson, Jude Law, Alyssa Wapanatâhk, Jim Gaffigan, Joshua Blue Pickering, Jacobi Jupe, Molly Parker, Alan Tudyk, Yara Shahidi
Original name: Peter Pan & Wendy