NBC has found its Captain Hook.
Actor Christopher Walken has been cast as Captain Hook in NBC's live version of Peter Pan, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Bob Greenblatt, NBC President, made the announcement Sunday at the Television Critics Association press tour in Beverly Hills.
"He's one of the most unique actors in our business....and he might really just be a song and dance man at heart," Greenblatt said. "He's fearless as a comedic actor and we guarantee he will bring his own take to Captain Hook. This might be the first tap-dancing Captain Hook."
Greenblatt also said in a news release, "We are absolutely delighted that Christopher Walken will be putting his unique stamp on Captain Hook for our holiday musical event 'Peter Pan Live! He's not only one of the most versatile actors in our business, but his love of musicals and uncanny abilities as a dancer make him perfect for stepping into this classic James M. Barrie character. Get ready to be charmed, amused, frightened and dazzled by Captain Hook in an entirely original way."
Walken, who is currently starring Clint Eastwood's film "Jersey Boys," has some experience working on song-and-dance productions. The Oscar-winning actor starred in the musical comedy "Hairspray."
"I started my career in musicals," Walken said in a press release, "It's wonderful after all this time, at this point in my career, to be in this classic musical I watched as a child and to work with Neil Meron and Craig Zadan again after 'Hairspray'. It's a chance to put on my tap shoes again."
Greenblatt also mentioned that executives wanted actress Kristen Bell to star as Peter, but commitments to other projects kept the actress from signing a deal.
The musical is NBC's second attempt at a live show - following the success of 2013's "The Sound of Music" starring Carrie Underwood and Stephen Moyer. Neil Meron and Craig Zadan, who produced "The Sound of Music," will also work as producers on "Peter Pan Live!"
"Peter Pan Live!" will air December 4.
