It’s time to allow your happiest thoughts to take flight – Yara Shahidi, of Black-ish and Grown-ish fame, will make her grand entrance as Tinker Bell in the newly released trailer for Peter Pan & Wendy, the live-action Disney feature.
This marks a groundbreaking moment in the world of representation – Shahidi is the first person of color to take on the role of the iconic fairy that leads children to adventure with the power of some Pixie Dust and positive affirmations. Her casting follows in the footsteps of Halle Bailey as Ariel in The Little Mermaid, further exemplifying Disney’s efforts to move away from whitewashed roles.
The trailer of Peter Pan & Wendy also brings forth other beloved Neverland characters, like Captain Hook – brought to life by Jude Law and opening the trailer with a sinister inquiry of “Where is Peter Pan?” Additionally, indigenous actress Alyssa Wapanatâhk portrays Tiger Lily, a role that in the past has received criticism for the 1953 Peter Pan animated film’s portrayal of her as an offensive stereotype of a Native American.
The film is an adaptation of the novel by J.M. Barrie, as well as Disney’s animated version, and it tells the story of Wendy Darling (played by Ever Anderson) – a young girl fearful of leaving her childhood home, who meets Peter Pan (Alexander Molony), a flying Lost Boy that refuses to ever grow up. Following Tink and Peter, Wendy and her brothers go on a magical journey to the wondrous Neverland.
“As we created Peter Pan & Wendy, we had a vision of combining J.M. Barrie’s original text and Walt Disney’s animated feature into one movie, whilst also radiating genuine emotions and a grand appetite for exploration,” said director and co-writer David Lowery in a statement. “A plethora of amazing talents have spent a countless amount of time bringing this film to the screen, and I’m delighted for everyone to experience their work, be part of the voyage, and explore a classic fairytale in a fresh new light.”