Christopher Walken, the 71-year-old Oscar-winning actor, will play Captain Hook in a live version of Peter Pan on NBC.
“I started my career in musicals and it’s wonderful after all this time, at this point in my career, to be in this classic musical I watched as a child,” the actor said according to Mashable. “It’s a chance to put on my tap shoes again.” “It’s a chance to put on my tap shoes again.”
Remember that live version of The Sound of Music starring Carrie Underwood that gained 65 million viewers and four Emmy nominations? This project is done by the same people. They also have plans to do a live version of The Music Man, according to Deadline.
“He’s not only one of the most versatile actors in our business, but his love of musicals and uncanny abilities as a dancer make him perfect for stepping into this classic James M. Barrie character,” NBC Entertainment chairman Robert Greenblatt added. “Get ready to be charmed, amused, frightened and dazzled by Captain Hook in an entirely original way.”
There is, however, no Peter Pan cast yet. The producers wanted Kristen Bell to play that part, but she cannot due to scheduling conflicts. The producers are still looking for an actress to fill the part.
NBC wanted #Frozen's Kristen Bell to star as Peter Pan. Timing didn't work but the role will be played by a woman http://t.co/oEGtdPYWD3
— Hollywood Reporter (@THR) July 13, 2014
Walken most famously showed off his ability to dance in the 2003 Fatboy Slim’s “Weapon of Choice” music video.
Plus, the actor’s dancing skills have been recently complied in a video that went viral a few months ago. It happens to feature 57 films that show Walken dancing. Hopefully NBC will take advantage of that skill in their production of Peter Pan.
Image via FatboySlimVEVO, YouTube