Rita Osakwe
US actress Yara Shahidi has been cast as Tinker Bell in Disney’s live-action Peter Pan movie, Peter Pan and Wendy.
Shahidi, who is best known for playing Zoey Johnson in ABC sitcom, ‘Black-ish’ and its spin-off series ‘Grown-ish’, will be the first woman of colour to take on the iconic role, previously played by Julia Roberts in 1991 and Ludivine Sagnier in 2003.
Her casting in Peter Pan and Wendy is the latest move in Disney’s commitment to diversity in their live-action remakes.
The company previously announced Halle Bailey will play Ariel in the forthcoming live-action remake of The Little Mermaid.
That announcement sparked divided reactions — some fans thought that an actor of color playing a fictional character was long-overdue, while others expressed confusion over the casting choice.
After her casting was announced, Shahidi wrote on Instagram: “Thank you for all of the love. It, truly, means so much to me. I’m excited for this next adventure!”
The film will also feature British actor Jude Law as villain, Captain Hook. Actress Ever Anderson will play Wendy, and Peter Pan will be played by Alexander Molony, according to publication Deadline.
The story of Peter Pan, Wendy and Tinker Bell has been brought to the big screen several times before. But Walt Disney’s 1953 animated Peter Pan, is arguably the best known version.
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