Peter Pan: Auditions held for the role that never grows old

Casting call for latest big-screen version of ‘Peter Pan’ draws hundreds of child actor hopefuls

Casting directors were looking for actors who could play an ‘orphaned boy living in a world of fantasy and dreams’ (Micha Theiner)

“Living with him is like being in a film. Everything is a drama,” says Caroline Stammers of her 11-year-old son, Harley, as they stand in the queue for Wembley Arena.

Harley was among the throng of more than 400 hopeful young child actors who descended on the venue in North West London on Sunday, hoping to impress producers searching for the spark of genius that will set one boy apart to play the role of Peter Pan in the latest big-screen version of JM Barrie’s novel, directed by Joe Wright.

One lucky boy could be catapulted from obscurity to star alongside Hugh Jackman, who is already cast as the villainous Captain Blackbeard, and Garrett Hedlund, who has been approached to play Captain Hook.

By 10am, the queue that snaked inside the venue was peppered with pushy parents and their precocious offspring, all of whom had to conform to a tight casting brief. All ethnicities are welcome, Warner Brothers said – but they must be aged between 11 and 13 and no taller than 5ft 4in. Casting directors have their eye on someone who can deliver a performance worthy of an “orphaned boy living in a world of fantasy and dreams”. Such was the demand that the casting brief warned candidates not to travel from abroad.

Sunday’s hopefuls included Oljas Kudabayev, from Barnet, North London, whom his mum says is originally from Kazakhstan. “I’ve lived in England all my life,” the 11-year-old stresses, adeptly handling his first press interview. “I have prepared by practising a solo from a production I did last winter,” he adds proudly.

Peter Pan, somewhat like its protagonist, fails to grow old with audiences. While Warner Brothers prepares for Pan, set to be released on 17 July next year, Colombia studios also has a rival version in the pipeline. Both will compete with Peter And The Starcatchers – a prequel to the original tale – on its way from Hunger Games director Gary Ross.

Scenes at the Peter Pan audition in the Wembley Arena (Micha Theiner)

Even the hopeful parents were skeptical. “Another Peter Pan film?” says Roland Beecham, from Brighton, who arose at 4am so his son Jonathan could get near the front of the queue. “There are already so many variations. It seems to have been done to death and yet they’re still churning more out.”

Pan, however, will reportedly focus on the hero’s origins. It is expected to tell the story of Peter Pan and Hook’s early friendship, when the future villain was working as a member of Blackbeard’s pirate ship. The lead is expected to be announced by April and can surely expect stardom to follow.

For now though, few dare dream that far. Massimo Poli, 11, from Southport, boasts acting credentials that include school productions of the Jungle Book and Treasure Island. “I’ve seen the Peter Pan movie and been thinking about this. If I get it would be great,” he says.

His mother, Caroline, soon moves in to manage his expectations. “I think he could be the next Peter Pan. But there’s a certain look and if he has that, then great. If he’s doesn’t, then that’s fine too. What will be will be.”