Disney Releases Trailer For New Peter Pan and Wendy Movie
Disney has just released a first look into the new Peter Pan and Wendy live-action film, directed by David Lowery.
Disney announced the film as early as 2020, but the trailer has been released only now, three years later. On the official Disney+ Instagram account, they dropped the trailer to the delight of audiences. The account also unveiled the film’s official poster.
David Lowery, director of Pete’s Dragon and A Ghost Story, describes this project as his ‘favorite,’ according to an article by Indiewire Magazine. Though his love for the film surprised him, it only excites audiences, knowing the critical success of his previous film, The Green Knight. The talented director aims to refresh the story over 100 years after its creation. He explains that he and his team “wanted to invigorate our retelling with emotional sincerity.”
Disney released the first trailer for the movie, which boasts a talented cast. Jude Law is unrecognizable in his role as Captain Hook, while Yara Shahidi plays the beautiful Tinkerbell. A look into Shahidi’s portrayal celebrates both the magic of Disney and Black women as she dazzles in the film.
‘FIRST BLACK TINKER BELL’ 👏👏👏
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) March 1, 2023
LOOK: The official trailer for “Peter Pan & Wendy” gives first look at American actress Yara Shahidi as Tinker Bell. | 📷: Screengrab from Walt Disney Studios pic.twitter.com/HGjX5wURL6
However, one of the most important changes in Lowery’s film is the casting of the controversial character of Tiger Lily, a Native American character from the original Peter Pan play presented as a racist stereotype. The portrayal of Native Americans in Peter Pan has remained contentious since the creation of the play, and even more so with the Disney cartoon adaptation in 1953. The portrayal would later push Disney to preface the film with a content warning.
Fortunately, Lowery’s team insisted that they want to “atone” for Disney’s previous actions. Alyssa Wapanatâhk, a member of the Cree nation, is Tiger Lily in the film. An article from Native News Online mentions how “Wapanatâhk’s Cree heritage provided inspiration for the character and her people in the film to ensure they are grounded in authenticity and specificity.” While the character may have problematic origins, Lowery manages to revise the portrayal in a positive and authentic light.
Lowery describes the story of Peter Pan as “evergreen.” He is excited to share the tale with young audiences for the first time, and the film is set to be a cinematic success. Additionally, the talent behind his previous works makes his new project an even more exciting venture.
The new trailer shows whimsy, adventure, and magic among a promising young cast. Audiences can watch the trailer on YouTube and stream the film on April 28.
Writer | Tweet me @avadlpn
