We’ve received information this morning that Sky Movies HD are going to create their first ever original feature length movie called Neverland. The movie has been commissioned by Sky Movies HD to create a two part feature length prequel inspired by the story of Peter Pan. It’ll be two 90 minute movies which will air in 2011 on Sky Movies Premiere HD.
Neverland is set to star Rhys Ifans, Anna Friel, Bob Hoskins, and Charlie Rowe.
Synopsis: Raised on the streets of turn-of-the-century London, orphaned Peter (Rowe) and his pals survive by their fearless wits as cunning young pickpockets. Now, they’ve been rounded up by their mentor Jimmy Hook (Ifans) to snatch a priceless—some believe, magical—treasure which transports them to another world. Neverland is a realm of white jungles and legendary mysteries of eternal youth, where unknown friends and enemies snatched from time welcome the new travelers with both excitement and trepidation. These groups include a band of 18th century pirates led by the power-mad Elizabeth Bonny (Friel), and the Native American Kaw tribe led by a Holy Man (Trujillo), which has protected the secret of the tree spirits from Bonny and her gang for ages—and that has meant war. But as the fight to save this strange and beautiful world becomes vital, Hook, Peter, and the ragamuffin lost boys consider that growing old somewhere in time could be less important than growing up—right here in their new home called Neverland.
Check out the press release below for the full low-down!
2nd September, London, UK: Sky Movies HD, MNG Films, RHI Entertainment and Syfy today announces Neverland, starring Anna Friel, Bob Hoskins and Rhys Ifans. Neverland marks the first original feature length commission for Sky Movies HD.
Neverland will be a bold new take on the original mythology of JM Barrie’s famous story. The project will provide an intriguing history of many of the beloved characters including The Lost Boys, Captain Hook, The Indians, Croc and Neverland itself. In short, it is the beginning of everything.
Production is set to begin on the four-hour movie event next week in Genoa, Italy and then move to Dublin. Rhys Ifans (The Boat That Rocked, Notting Hill) will play James Hook with Anna Friel (Pushing Daisies) as Captain Elizabeth Bonny, while Oscar nominee Bob Hoskins will reprise his role from Steven Spielberg’s feature Hook as Mr Smee. Raoul Trujillo (Tin Man) will play the Holy Man and Charlie Rowe (Never Let Me Go) will star as Peter Pan. It is slated to air on Sky Movies Premiere HD in 2011.
“The legend of Peter Pan spans generations, and never fails to delight and entertain,” comments Ian Lewis, Director of Sky Movies. “Despite many different interpretations, there’s never been a movie of how it all could have come to be – this is that story. Neverland is a fantastic coup for us and a landmark event for Sky Movies.”
Nick Willing (Alice, Tin Man) will write and direct Neverland, and Parallel Films will produce. He said “I have always dreamt of making my own version of this classic story and am deeply honoured to be involved. I have found Sky Movies and Syfy bold, innovative, and imaginative – the perfect partners for this ambitious mini series.”
Alan Moloney from Parallel Films said, “The story of Peter Pan is one that resonates for every generation. Nick has brilliantly crafted something that makes sense of the story we all know and love. He takes us back in time and gives us the origins of Peter and Hook’s story in a way that will open this world up to everyone, no matter what their age. We are immensely grateful to Sky and Syfy and delighted that the film is being made in Ireland.”
JM Barrie originally gave the rights to Peter Pan to Great Ormond Street Hospital in 1929. Neverland will subsequently be supporting the great work of this institution. Christine De Poortere, Peter Pan Director at Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity commented, “We’re delighted that Neverland will be benefiting Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity in the spirit of JM Barrie’s legacy.”
Neverland will be produced by Dublin-based Parallel Films on behalf of MNG Films in association with Syfy and Sky Movies HD and will be distributed by RHI Entertainment.
