In November 2010, it was announced that Ben Hibon (animation director from the first installment of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows) would be directing a contemporary update of J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan in a mature twist of the classic children’s story. Although the title of the film is still in question, Ben Magid stated that the film’s original script (which may simply be titled Pan) has Captain Hook now playing a tormented former detective in a crime thriller.
Today, Screen Daily reports that Aaron Eckhart will be playing Hook, Sean Bean is set for the role of Smee, the chief detective and Hook’s only ally on the police force.
And what about the elusive character of Peter Pan? Talk about turning a novel’s plot on itself—Pan is now a childlike kidnapper whom Hook is relentlessly pursuing. There is no indication who will be cast as the incarnation of youth and childhood, but AnnaSophia Robb from Soul Surfer is confirmed in the role of Wendy, the sole survivor who leaves her asylum to assist in the Pan-hunt.
Though the project is looking for a buyer at Cannes this week with possible production initiating in October of this year, it’s too early to judge how startling this adaptation will be. However, there’s no doubt that the adult themes in this dark version of Peter Pan will be shockingly different from the original story.