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]
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Cybersecurity Experts Are Sounding the Alarm on DOGE
- Meet the 2025 Women of the Year
- The Harsh Truth About Disability Inclusion
- Why Do More Young Adults Have Cancer?
- Colman Domingo Leads With Radical Love
- How to Get Better at Doing Things Alone
- Michelle Zauner Stares Down the Darkness
Write to Nolan Feeney at nolan.feeney@time.com