The First "Pan" Trailer is a Beautiful Spectacle Promising Great Adventure

Hugh Jackman

With awards season in our midst, it isn't entirely wise to look forward to next year's potential selections. However, there are few names as reassuring a contender as that of director Joe Wright. Known for making definitive adaptations of some of the best literature with Pride & Prejudice and Atonement, there is reason to celebrate every time he comes around with a new film. After making the divisive Anna Karenina, he has been out of the limelight working on a new adaptation of a Peter Pan origin story known as Pan. The first trailer has dropped and it's time to get excited once again. Wright cannot make an ugly film. That's just fact.

For those who cannot go in on the confidence of Wright's name, simply look at the impressive cast. Leading the cast is Levi Miller as the titular Pan who with Hook (Garret Hedlund) discovers that Neverland is full of colorful and exciting things. Along the way, Blackbeard (Hugh Jackman) and Tiger Lilly (Rooney Mara) show up. The cast is full of top notch names that put the upcoming live musical version to shame. Still, beyond all of this, the thing to likely grab you right now is the visuals.

For the most part, Wright is an expert on stage design. The only disconcerting factor here is that there may be too much CG animation. Even then, the costumes and look is very mystical in ways that make this adaptation a worthwhile investment. I cannot comment for how good it will be and the idea of a prequel to Peter Pan does seem unnecessary, but with almost every other Disney film getting a reboot in 2015, this is one that at least feels like it is striving for something greater.

Check out the trailer:

Looks pretty good. In terms of "teaser" trailers, this actually is a very thorough reveal of settings and events. It's probably for the best, as it shows off the spectacle, gives hint of the story and leaves something to captivate. I am not entirely sure what to expect from the film but I sure like looking at it. It may end up being Wright's most commercial film because of the established popularity of Peter Pan and the sudden resurgence of it.

Here's the plot according to IMDb:

"The story of an orphan who is spirited away to the magical Neverland. There, he finds both fun and dangers, and ultimately discovers his destiny -- to become the hero who will be forever known as Peter Pan."

It sounds like a rather enjoyable romp. Since it is too early to be talking about next year's Oscars, I am merely reserving this post as a mention of yet another exciting film to look forward to in the year ahead. If you are a little skeptical, now is a good time to visit the filmography of Wright, whose work is some of the best adaptations of the past decade. Also, as a Les Miserables fan, I have been waiting for Jackman to do something exciting beyond the dull Wolverine character. This may be it.