If there were any doubts that you would be among the millions of people watching the debut of NBC’s “Peter Pan Live!” musical when it premiered later this year, you may now have a reason to watch as it was announced at this year’s Television Critics Association’s (TCAs) press preview that Oscar-winning actor Christopher Walken would be joining the production as none other than the villainous Captain Hook.
Best known for dozens of roles, too many to count, from The Deer Hunter (for which he won the Oscar) to a classic scene in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction to Steven Spielberg’s Catch Me If You Can (his second Oscar nomination), the popularity of the often comedic character actor has translated into Walken becoming even more popular as his career has progressed.
He’s already proven his singing and dancing ability from his appearances on “Saturday Night Live” as well as his memorable dance routine from Fatboy Slim’s music video Weapon of Choice, which you can watch below:
Oddly, Walken only appeared in the closing dance number in Clint Eastwood’s recent big screen version of the musical Jersey Boys, not singing or dancing otherwise.
The “Peter Pan” musical wil reunite Walken with Craig Zadan and Neil Meron who produced the movie adaptation of the Broadway musical Hairspray in 2007.
NBC chairman Bob Greenblatt paid Walken great lip service in a press release, saying: “We are absolutely delighted that Christopher Walken will be putting his unique stamp on Captain Hook for our holiday musical event ‘Peter Pan Live!.’ 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. Get ready to be charmed, amused, frightened and dazzled by Captain Hook in an entirely original way.”
The Hollywood Reporter also noted that an offer went out to Frozen voice star Kristen Bell to play the role of Peter Pan, but she may have been too busy shooting the next season of Showtime’s “House of Lies.”
No word on whether Walken’s involvement would involve any cowbell.
(Photo Credit: Ivan Nikolov/WENN.com)
