Yara Shahidi cast as Tinkerbell in upcoming Peter Pan remake

Shahidi will join Jude Law in the cast of Peter Pan and Wendy, set to begin filming next year

It has been reported that Disney has cast Grown-ish star Yara Shahidi as Tinkerbell in the upcoming remake of Peter Pan.

Peter Pan and Wendy, slated to begin filming in 2021, has already cast Jude Law as Captain Hook, Alexander Molony as Peter Pan and Ever Gabo Anderson as Wendy Darling.

Shahidi appeared to confirm the reports, posting a cartoon depiction of Tinkerbell on her Instagram, thanking followers for their support.

Shahidi’s casting marks the first time a person of colour has been cast in the traditionally-white role of Tinkerbell. The move follows Disney’s efforts to diversify its casting of modern remakes of cartoon classics, including setting Halle Bailey to play Ariel in The Little Mermaid.

Sources say that Peter Pan and Wendy will be released in theatres, and not go the Disney+ streaming route, like Mulan earlier this year.

Shahidi had her breakout role in the U.S sitcom Black-ish, where her character Zoey became such a fan favourite that she spawned her own spin-off, Grown-ish.

During last week’s Emmy Awards, Shahidi spoke about the importance of on-screen representation for BIPOC and other marginalised groups. “The stories we tell on TV shape how we see ourselves in others, and how we are seen can many times determine how we are treated,” she said. “The dream of television is the freedom to live our full and nuanced lives outside of boxes and assumptions. We continue to strive for a more complete definition of inclusivity.”

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