Get ready for “the first tap-dancing Captain Hook” you’ve ever seen: Christopher Walken will play the pirate villain in NBC’s upcoming live adaptation of the Peter Pan musical.
NBC Entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt announced the casting during his Sunday presentation at the Television Critics Association’s press tour in Beverly Hills, according The Hollywood Reporter.
“[Walken] might really be a song and dance man at heart,” Greenblatt said. “He’s fearless as a comedic actor and always comes to play. I guarantee you he’s going to bring his own spin to Captain Hook.”
NBC’s plans for Peter Pan follow the massive ratings (but mixed reviews) of last December’s The Sound of Music Live!, the network’s successful foray into live musical programming that starred country singer Carrie Underwood.
Peter Pan Live! will air Dec. 4. The previously announced adaptation of The Music Man is expected to follow.
[THR]
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Write to Nolan Feeney at nolan.feeney@time.com