The classic tale of Peter Pan & Wendy Darling comes to life once again in the latest adaptation on Disney Plus. This time, the 1953 Disney animated version is transformed into a live-action movie, with Jude Law portraying the iconic villain, Captain Hook. The movie stays true to J.M. Barrie’s original novel as Wendy defies her parents’ expectations and journeys to Neverland with her brothers and the mischievous Tinker Bell, encountering pirates, mermaids, and the fearless Lost Boys along the way. However, the danger of Captain Hook is ever-present as he seeks to defeat Peter Pan once and for all.
While some critics have given mixed reviews, praising the grand scale and impressive visuals, while others criticized the movie for inventing a derivative backstory for Captain Hook, my personal opinion is that it was a fantastic adaptation. The script was well-written, and the film tackled important themes of acceptance and the power of women.
One of the most significant changes made was the elimination of racism present in the original novel and animated movie, showing a commitment to inclusivity and diversity. The music and cinematography were excellent, creating a magical and immersive experience for viewers.
Cast and Crew
The director is David Lowery, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Toby Halbrooks
- Ever Gabo Anderson as Wendy Darling
- Yara Shahidi as Tinker Bell
- Alexander Molony as Peter Pan
- Jude Law as Captain Hook
- Alyssa Wapanatahk (of the Bigstone Cree First Nation) as Tiger Lily
- Jim Gaffigan as Mr. Smee
Alan Tudyk and Molly Parker as George and Mary Darling, and Caelan Edie, Deborah Ramsay, Diana Tsoy, Felix de Sousa, Florence Bensberg, and Jesse James Pierce as other characters.
Correcting the Racism
In an effort to address longstanding criticisms of the original animated film, Disney and Lowery have taken a new direction with Peter Pan seventy years after its initial release. The original film has been heavily criticized for its use of a song called “What Makes the Red Man Red?” as well as its inclusion of racist caricatures and slurs directed towards indigenous peoples. The new film, which is available for streaming on Disney+, features a more diverse cast and portrays its characters in a more nuanced manner.
It is worth noting that Peter Pan is not the only Disney film with problematic depictions of race and ethnicity – examples include Song of the South and the crows in Dumbo. As of 2020, Disney+ has added disclaimers to many of its films, including Peter Pan, which now opens with a content warning that acknowledges the film’s stereotypical portrayal of Native peoples and its failure to accurately represent the diversity of Native cultures and traditions. With its new live-action approach and updated title, Peter Pan & Wendy, based on J.M. Barrie’s 1911 novel, Disney aims to correct these issues.
About Indigenous Natives
The new version of Peter Pan & Wendy attempts to correct Disney’s racist history with the story. In the movie, Tiger Lily sometimes speaks English but mostly speaks another language, part of the film’s major revamp of the character. The book does have “natives” in it: shipwrecked on an island, the white heroes come upon two groups of native people, one in pursuit of another. When they see the pursuers threaten to kill a captive native, Peter and the boys rescue him. The native is grateful and leads them to his tribe, where they are welcomed and entertained.
About the Power of Women (Wendy)
In article in Psychology Today talks about the “Peter Pan and Wendy” relationship dynamic. The female counterparts in these relationships, known as the “Wendy,” often enable Peter Pan to continue living a life without responsibility. To help them recognize the need for change.
If you’re interested in the movie adaptation of Peter Pan & Wendy, there is an opinion article on CNN that talks about how both “Wendy” and “Peter Pan and Wendy” make their non-White Peters less heroic, less competent, and more morally compromised. The intention in both is to elevate Wendy as the hero, giving her more agency and power than she has in previous versions.
Bottom Line:
Ultimately, the film emphasizes the importance of family and finding one’s place in the world, inspiring us to embrace our journeys and reach for the stars. Peter Pan & Wendy on Disney Plus is a must-see for fans of the classic story, and it delivers a magical and heartwarming experience for viewers of all ages.
References and suggested links:
1. hollywoodreporter.com
2. upi.com
3. cinemablend.com
4. decider.com
5. rogerebert.com
6. theguardian.com
7. psychologytoday.com
8. edition.cnn.com
9. yourtango.com
10. nypost.com
11. msn.com
12. smithsonianmag.com
13. msn.com
14. thehindu.com
15. time.com
16 today.com
