Syfy heads to 'Neverland' for 'Peter Pan' prequel
Nick Willing will direct a cast including Anna Friel, Rhys Ifans and Bob Hoskins
Bob Hoskins as Smee in 'Hook'
The writer-director behind Syfy's "Alice" and "Tin Man" is bringing a new take on the "Peter Pan" tale to the cable network.
Syfy announced on Wednesday (Sept. 1) that Nick Willing will write and direct "Neverland," a four-hour original prequel to J.M. Barrie's "Peter Pan," beginning production in Italy and Ireland in September.
The movie event will air on Syfy in 2011.
"Neverland" stars Rhys Ifans ("Notting Hill") as James Hook, Anna Friel ("Pushing Daisies") as Captain Elizabeth Bonny and Charlie Rowe as Pater Pan. Best of all, it features Bob Hoskins as Smee, a role he previously played in Steven Spielberg's "Hook."
Willing's take begins in Victorian England and appears to be mighty Dickensian, making Peter into the head of a gang of pickpockets working the streets of London at the turn-of-the-century. Jimmy Hook is the Fagin-esque mentor, who helps them snatch a treasure which somehow whisks all of them off to Neverland.
"Nick Willing is a master story-teller who has taken a literary Classic and cleverly updated it for a new generation," states Mark Stern, whose unwieldy title is Executive Vice President of Original Programming, Syfy and Co-Head of Content for Universal Cable Productions. "'Neverland' will captivate viewers with a gripping narrative, great characters, and unprecedented film-making techniques."
"Alice" earned a pair of Emmy nominations this summer, including an acting nod for co-star Kathy Bates. "Tin Man," which aired in 2007, was even more successful, picking up nine Emmy nominations and winning for its makeup work.
News From Our Partners
-
Total Recall: Will Smith's Best Movies
Cannes 2012: Critics Scorecard
24 Frames: The Films of Wes Anderson
-
Reasonable Discussions: #34: A Little Deeper Into The Bee Gees Listening Experience
The New Cult Canon: Vampire’s Kiss features one of Nicolas Cage’s best, most out-of-control performances
Random Roles: Actress, memoirist, and set dresser Sissy Spacek looks back on some key roles
-
'Transformers 3' Extra Receives $18.5 Million Settlement For Injury
Samuel L. Jackson As Darth Vader In Hilarious 'Star Wars' Spoof
'Men in Black 3': Pros And Cons
-
'American Idol': Jessica Sanchez is 'relieved' it's all over (and happy for Phillip Phillips)
Chaka Khan would step in for Jennifer Lopez as 'American Idol' judge
Steven Tyler says both Phillip Phillips and Jessica Sanchez will be successful after 'American Idol'
-
'SVU' Meets 'The Godfather' In The Shocking Season Finale
Bethenny Frankel Recalls Days As Personal Assistant On 'Kimmel'
'Don't Trust The B' Finale: Van Der Beek 'DWTS' Dressing Room Drama
-
Sylvester Stallone 'Ups The Ante' In 'Expendables 2'
Big Sean 'Can't Wait' To See Kanye's 'Cruel Summer' At Cannes
Kristen Stewart's 'On The Road': Cannes Reviews Are In!
-
The Telefile - Today's TWoP News: Wednesday, May 23, 2012
The Telefile - Today's TWoP News: Tuesday, May 22, 2012
The Telefile - TV on DVD: Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Comments
Option 1
Comment instantly as a guest GuestOption 2
Option 3
Login or create a HitFix account Login SignupZaphod42
September 2, 2010 at 3:08AM EST Reply to CommentYES! I have been waiting for Smee's return for 19 YEARS...Robin Williams BETTER have a cameo appearance, though...