Christopher Walken Cast as Captain Hook in NBC's 'Peter Pan'; Kristen Bell Rumored for Peter
by Andy NeuenschwanderShow of hands: Who's ready for a singing, dancing Christopher Walken dressed like a pirate?
That's what you'll be getting if you tune in this fall to NBC's live performance of "Peter Pan." The musical special is rumored to have its first starring cast member in Christopher Walken, who will play Captain Hook.
One might not immediately equate Walken with musicals, but those who saw the music video for Fatboy Slim's "Weapon of Choice" know that the actor has some serious dancing skills. Expect Hook to do some tap in the production.
The search is still on for the role of Peter, as Kristen Bell was apparently considered but couldn't accept due to her schedule on "House of Cards" (and, with recent news, her second pregnancy).
"It's tricky finding the right person in the schedule that we need it but we're actually close," said NBC head honcho Bob Greenblatt. "[Peter is] going to be female."
NBC will likely be looking for as much star power as possible for that role, so don't expect to see any newcomers. After all, this is the same production that stunt-cast Carrie Underwood as the lead in "The Sound of Music" last year. The ratings for the live musical special were phenomenal, sparking the plans for "Peter Pan," but reviews of Underwood's acting were less than enthusiastic.
Who do you think should play Peter Pan? Let us know in the comments!