Martin Portlock & Kit Green Discuss Their Futures in TCU’s Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare

Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare: A Twisted Take on Classic Characters

In a bold reinterpretation of beloved fairy tale characters, actors Martin Portlock and Kit Green step into the roles of Peter Pan and Tinker Bell, respectively. Contrary to their traditional portrayals as cheerful guides to Neverland, these characters are reimagined; Peter Pan becomes a sinister figure—a serial-killing kidnapper, while Tinker Bell is depicted as a drug-addicted accomplice.

A New Chapter in the Twisted Childhood Universe

The film, titled Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare, is part of the burgeoning Twisted Childhood Universe (TCU), a franchise that offers a dark slant on classic children’s tales. This interconnected universe was initiated in 2023 with Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey and promises future films such as Bambi: The Reckoning and Pinocchio: Unstrung. The franchise is leading toward an ambitious crossover event, Poohniverse: Monsters. Assembled, which is slated to begin production this summer.

Exclusive Insights from Portlock and Green

To celebrate the limited theatrical release of Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare, ScreenRant had the opportunity to interview Portlock and Green. They shared their initial thoughts on the film’s dark script, discussed how they aim to preserve the essence of Peter Pan and Tinker Bell, and provided a glimpse into their roles in upcoming TCU projects.

Shock and Depth: Initial Reactions to the Script

“A Peter Pan Like No Other…”

Peter Pan tenderly interacting with Tinkerbell in Neverland Nightmare.

Martin Portlock: “When I first opened the script, I was stunned. I exclaimed, ‘He’s a what?!’ What Scott has done is take Peter Pan in a direction that no one has ever envisioned. While he retains elements of seriousness and depth, it serves as a reflective tribute to JM Barrie’s original work. The psychological turmoil Peter undergoes drew me in as an actor, and I was eager to explore it further.”

Kit Green: “Initially, I thought this concept offered a great opportunity to portray something scary, as that’s a new terrain for me. However, upon reading the complete script and discussing Scott’s vision, I realized I’d be able to portray a character with depth that is both terrifying and tragic. This project turned out to be much richer than I first anticipated.”

Staying True to the Characters

“The Essence of Neverland Through Different Lenses…”

Tinkerbell in an emotional moment in Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare. — Image via ITN Studios

Kit Green: “My goal was to maintain a certain lightness and magical quality in Tinker Bell. Despite her struggles, I wanted her to embody a spark of mischief and resilience. She isn’t merely a victim; she has dreams and a sense of hope, which is important to convey given the film’s darker themes.”

Martin Portlock: “Peter Pan’s understanding of Neverland is also central to his character. While the general narrative remains intact, this version explores how his perception of this mystical place diverges from others. He believes in Neverland as his reality and yearns for eternal childhood, which only adds layers of psychological complexity to the character. Balancing these elements with the classic characterization proved challenging yet rewarding.”

Looking Ahead: The Future of Peter Pan and Tinker Bell in the TCU

“Both Characters Will Return in Monsters Assembled Crossover Film”

Martin Portlock and Ryan Oliva in a dramatic moment from the TCU.

Martin Portlock: “I have some insider knowledge about what’s coming in the TCU. The Poohniverse is definitely continuing, and we are a part of it. Scott’s world-building is captivating; it makes one think, ‘Yes, I can see how this could work together.’ It has me excited to see how different stories unfold.”

Kit Green: “I’m equally intrigued by the concept of merging our characters—Peter Pan, Bambi, Pinocchio, and Pooh—in ways that highlight their distinctly different styles and stories. The coming crossover film will be a fascinating challenge.”

About Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare

In this chilling new addition to the Poohniverse, audience favorites take on a darker twist. The plot centers around Wendy Darling’s perilous journey to rescue her brother Michael from the grips of the malicious Peter Pan, who has sinister plans for him in Neverland. Along the way, Wendy encounters a perverse version of Tinker Bell, who has become entangled in her own chaotic beliefs about fairy dust.

Director: Scott Chambers
Featuring: Peter DeSouza-Feighoney

Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare will be available in select theaters for a limited run from January 13 to January 15, presented by Iconic Events Releasing. Don’t miss out on purchasing your tickets at Iconic Events.

For more information and images, visit ScreenRant.