Yara Shahidi, playing the first black Tinker Bell in the upcoming Disney reboot, made us happy as she brought some much-needed pixie dust on the red carpet for the premiere of Peter Pan & Wendy.
Yara Shahidi bringing her youthful energy to the world premiere of Peter Pan & Wendy in London, England on April 20, 2023 (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages)
Yara Shahidi Makes History as Disney’s First Black Tinker Bell
The 23-year-old actress stars as the iconic Tinker Bell in the latest retelling of the literary classic penned by Scottish novelist J.M. Barrie.
“The diversity in the film is more than just popping black and brown folks in the cast for the sake of updating the story,” said the actress in an interview with Byrdie for the outlet’s digital Revival Issue.
Yara Shahidi as black Tinker Bell in the upcoming fantasy adventure film Peter Pan & Wendy (Credit: Disney+)
Disney’s Peter Pan & Wendy Brings a New Perspective to a Beloved Classic
Shahidi shared that she spoke with director David Lowery about the reason behind retelling the story. “They wanted to bring some new fun to this classic but also give us the fairy tale we deserve,” she said.
“It’s evident they’re not just popping black and brown folks in the cast for the sake of updating the story. Instead, it’s about creating a story that so many more people can see themselves in after we’ve been left out for so long,” added Shahidi.
Yara Shahidi’s Glamorous Red-Carpet Look Captivates at the Peter Pan & Wendy Premiere
Yara looked magical in a yellow Alexander McQueen dress embroidered with bugle beads. It featured a column silhouette, a chevron design, and fringe detailing on the hem.
The high neck contrasted with the glimpses of skin courtesy of the cut-out detailing for that flirty touch.
Yara Shahidi giving the nod to Tinker Bell in a yellow Alexander McQueen dress with all-over bugle-bead embroidery (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages)
The embellishments and fringed hemline certainly gave Yara Shahidi a glamorous red-carpet moment that was also fabulously on theme as she stars as the pixie sidekick for the infamous Peter Pan.
Keri Shahidi’s biggest supporter kept her styling minimal, opting for long cornrows to show off her stunning face and Cartier jewelry for added sparkle.
As for her footwear, Yara wore matching yellow pin-heel boots from Alexander McQueen, giving the glamorous dress a dose of cool edge.
Ever Anderson, Alexander Molony, Jude Law, director David Lowery, and Yara Shahidi at the world premiere of Peter Pan & Wendy (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages)
Peter Pan & Wendy Cast Celebrates Premiere Night Together on the Red Carpet
Yara Shahidi joined the cast and director David Lowery at the world premiere of Peter Pan & Wendy at the Curzon Mayfair in London.
Alexander Molony stars as Peter Pan, while Ever Anderson portrays Wendy Darling. Jude Law takes on the iconic role of Captain Hook, a pirate and Peter Pan’s archenemy.
How Peter Pan & Wendy Stays True to the Spirit of the Original Story
Director David Lowery assures that Peter Pan & Wendy stays true to the source material, making sure that the essence of the beloved literary classic remains.
In an interview with SFX Magazine, he said it is an “adaptation of all the best parts of that film, with plenty of intervention and reinvigoration.”
Ever Anderson as Wendy Darling in the upcoming fantasy adventure film Peter Pan & Wendy (Credit: Disney+)
Neverland Comes Alive: How Peter Pan & Wendy Creates an Immersive Experience
He also touched on the grounded tone of the adaptation. “As a Peter Pan film, it’s not going to surprise anyone who knows the original material,” he said.
“It’s very fun and it’s funny. If it’s grounded, it’s only because we were trying to shoot on location, build all of our sets, and have everything feel like a real place.”
Alexander Molony as Peter Pan in the upcoming fantasy adventure film Peter Pan & Wendy (Credit: Disney+)
The director continued, “I always value the idea that Neverland is a place that a child could actually get to. As to whether it’s a dark and gritty version of Peter Pan… it’s not.”
Get Ready for Magic: Peter Pan & Wendy Premieres Soon on Disney+
Watch the Peter Pan & Wendy trailer, which premieres on Disney+ on April 28, 2023.