TV

Christopher Walken cast as Captain Hook in NBC’s ‘Peter Pan Live’

LOS ANGELES — NBC has cast Christopher Walken in the role of Captain Hook in its upcoming musical special “Peter Pan Live.”

Walken is the first star to be cast in “Peter Pan,” which follows in the success of NBC’s “Sound of Music Live,” which drew more than 18 million viewers last December.

Known for movies like “Pulp Fiction” and “Catch Me If You Can,” Walken actually started his acting career in Broadway musicals and has starred in the movie musicals “Hairspray” and “Jersey Boys.” He is also a frequent host of “Saturday Night Live,” having hosted the NBC variety show seven times.

“He’s fearless as a comedic actor and he always comes to play,” NBC entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt said in making the announcement at a press conference on Sunday. “I guarantee he will bring his own spin to Captain Hook. This might be the first tap-dancing Captain Hook that you’ve ever seen.”

“Peter Pan Live” will premiere on Dec. 4. Additional casting is to be announced.