The project has been revived presumably for Disney+.
Under a rich multiyear production deal, Marsh will be developing content for Disney’s streaming and linear platforms including Disney+, Hulu, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, ABC, National Geographic, Freeform and FX. Marsh is currently finalizing the first projects on the inaugural development slate of his company, including [...] projects Tink, a take on Peter Pan's Tinker Bell.
Marsh's production deal with Disney General Entertainment includes several projects in development including [...] series for 'Tink,' 'School for Sensitive Souls' and 'Witch Mountain'.
In a new production sheet that we’ve managed to get our hands-on, it’s revealed that the project was recently been assigned a new writer within the last year or so. Currently, Maria Melnik is listed as the scribe. On top of that proof that the project still has a pulse, the sheet also features several incredibly detailed character breakdowns. In addition to giving us insight into what other characters the story will center on, they also do a fantastic job of framing the planned plot for the film.
The unofficial synopsis states that after Peter becomes gravely injured, “Tink” (as she’s referred to), makes a deal with the head fairy (named Variel Tarin) to save his life. This results in Peter staying a 9-year-old forever and her losing her voice. The story doesn’t end there though. After Peter meets Wendy, Tink becomes incredibly jealous. However, when Hook kidnaps Peter she and Wendy must team up to save him before it’s too late.
Even though Tink is the clear lead of the film, the character of Peter is not even listed as a co-lead. Instead, he’s a supporting role and Wendy is the co-lead. Interestingly enough, Reese Witherspoon is still attached as the film’s producer, though it’s not made entirely clear if she still plans to star should the film come to fruition.
For Tink, the ideal lead being considered is a female between the ages of 30-39. For Wendy, the studio is looking for a 15-26 year-old girl that is “sweet, a teeny bit chubby, and intense.” For Peter, an ideal candidate is a boy between the ages of 8-9. For Hook, the breakdown indicates that the studio is looking for a male between the ages of 20-39.
The breakdown also consists of descriptions for many others including The Lost Boys, as well as two other new and important characters. One is a young girl who goes by the name of Winnie. The other, an older woman by the name of Jocelyn. Their descriptions reveal that the story will be told as a fairy tale in third person. We also learn that Tink’s mother, would’ve appeared, a first in film, as well as mentioning her father and brother.
According to industry insider Daniel RPK, Disney is eyeing none other Jennifer Lawrence for the role of Tinker Bell in the film. He revealed the update on his Patreon account early Sunday evening. While he had no other info regarding the status of the film – or where it might fall on Disney’s slate post the ongoing, Hollywood strikes he revealed that Witherspoon was very much still involved. Given that this has been her passion project for the better part of a decade we’re not surprised. That does not mean she may not appear as another character in the film if Jennifer Lawrence does get the leading role.
Wow... What a turn-around! I was completely disinterested by the prospect of this--in fact, it sounded awful--and now I think it's one to watch. Definitely sounds more appetizing than the Peter Pan remake right now...* I've never been a fan of Tinker Bell outside of her design. I've always found most of the depictions of the female characters in PP to be misogynist, although that's never got equal attention to the blatant racism--of course. That preliminary plot description solves most of the problems out the gate. Witherspoon is a good actress, but I'd rather have someone else in the role. If she does play Tinker Bell, I suppose it won't be the worst thing in the world as long as the story is more serious rather than comedic as it seemed like it was going to be originally.
* I'm not a PP fan by any means. Not too much of the original story, and even less of Disney's animated film. My disinterest is probably the reason I haven't thought of it, but I suppose they'll be cutting the music from the live-action PP? At least, it doesn't sound like it's going to retain the soundtrack the way Pinocchio is; so far the only priority--and the only thing to set it apart from every other bland live-action PP--seems to be diversity with a racebent Pan. (Come Away beat it to the punch there, too, for that matter.) Peter Pan's soundtrack is pretty classic though... "Second Star to the Right" and "You Can Fly! (x3)" in particular. Another one like Hercules where the iconic music would be a good way to help separate it in audience's minds from all the flop versions of the original story that have come out before and they flubbed it (again).
Listening to most often lately:
Taylor Swift ~ ~ "The Fate of Ophelia"
Taylor Swift ~ "Eldest Daughter"
Taylor Swift ~ "CANCELLED!"
