NBC announced Wednesday morning that “Girls” actress Allison Williams, who is the daughter of NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams, will star as Peter Pan in the network’s live production of “Peter Pan.”
Williams will play the title role—traditionally played by a woman in the Broadway version of the show—alongside Christopher Walken, who was previously cast as Captain Hook.
NBC broadcasted a live production of “Sound of Music,” which featured country singer Carrie Underwood as Maria von Trapp, last December. The ratings success of the production prompted the network to plan “Peter Pan” as a follow-up.
Execs at NBC appear thrilled that Williams is joining its next telecast.
“We couldn’t be happier that Allison Williams is our Peter Pan,” said Robert Greenblatt, chairman at NBC Entertainment. “She’s a lovely rising star on the award-winning show ‘Girls’ — where she occasionally shows off her incredible vocal talent — and we think she will bring the perfect blend of ‘boyish’ vulnerability and bravado to save the day against Christopher Walken’s powerful Captain Hook.”
“Allison Williams is a major find,” gushed executive producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron. “She will reinvent the iconic role of Peter Pan with her wit, her warmth, her dynamic flying and her wonderful musical abilities. The score will be sung beautifully and introduced to a whole new generation of families.”
NBC also proudly tweeted the exciting casting news Wednesday morning.
Dreams do come true! #Girls star Allison Williams will play Peter Pan in #PeterPanLive! pic.twitter.com/b69aVLj9tg
— NBC (@nbc) July 30, 2014
Williams, who portrays the character Marnie Michaels on “Girls,” has already recorded several songs for that show’s soundtrack and seems excited to have another opportunity show off her vocal chops. (RELATED: Brian Williams Laughs As He Watches His Daughter’s Sex Scenes On ‘Girls’ With Her)
“I have wanted to play Peter Pan since I was about three years old, so this is a dream come true,” said Williams. “It’s such an honor to be a part of this adventure, and I’m very excited to get to work with this extraordinarily talented team. And besides, what could go wrong in a live televised production with simultaneous flying, sword fighting and singing?”
Viewers can check out Williams in NBC’s telecast of “Peter Pan” on December 4.