Yara Shahidi to play Tinkerbell in Disneys live-action Peter-Pan remake

Actor Yara Shahidi who is known for playing Zoey in Grown-ish, will feature as Tinker Bell in Disney’s live-action remake ‘Peter Pan and Wendy.’ Written and directed by David Lowery, the film follows Peter, a boy who would not age and Wendy, a girl who accompanies him to the magical world of Neverland.

Shahidi celebrated the news by reposting a fan drawing of herself as Tinkerbell to Instagram. ‘Thank you for all of your love. It, truly, means so much to me. I’m excited about this next adventure!” she wrote.

There had been many adaptations of the Peter Pan stories, however, it is the first time that the role of Tinkerbell has been portrayed by a Black actor. The movie will also star Alexander Molony and Ever Anderson as the titular children, while Jude Law will portray villain Captain Hook.

While other studios have made live-action versions of JM Barrie’s classic children’s story, this will be Disney’s first attempt, with their animated version being released in 1953. Lowery has co-written the script with Toby Halbrooks. Jim Whitaker is producing the project.