Syfy is bringing another re-imagined take on a classic tale to life. Mark Stern, Executive Vice President of Original Programming, at Syfy has announced that production is set to begin ona  prequel to J.M. Barrie's classic Peter Pan, entitled Neverland.

Neverland will be helmed by writer/director Nick Willing. Syfy and Mr. Willing have successfully teamed up in the past to create several Syfy television mini-series.

Willing directed the three part reinterpretation of The Wizard of Oz, Tin Man for Syfy in 2007, and wrote and directed Syfy’s spin on Alice In Wonderland, Alice in 2009.

Tin Man offered an engaging take on Oz and its central characters. The story was fresh, dynamic, and emotionally rewarding. An outstanding cast, rounded out by Richard Dreyfuss as the infamous “wizard,” brought the tale to rich life. Though I have not yet been able to see Alice, I look forward to how this team will interpret the tale of Pan and his journey to Neverland.

Neverland focuses on the story of how orphaned street urchin Peter, played by Charlie Rowe, goes from pick pocketing on the streets of London to the magical and timeless realm of Neverland. Rhys Ifans takes a turn as Jimmy Hook; a quasi “Fagan-like” character to a gang of street kids led by Peter.

“Jimmy” convinces the kids to go in search of a treasure that is rumored to be magical in nature. Their hunt will lead them all to Neverland; a world of beautiful pirates, tree spirits, the secrets of eternal youth – and ultimately their united destiny.  As a nod to Pan fans, Bob Hoskins will revisit his role as Smee, which he debuted in Steven Spielberg's 1991 feature film, Hook.

Production begins in Genoa, Italy and Dublin, Ireland next week. Look for the four hour movie to air in 2011.

What do you think about the planned prequel to Pan?

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