Disney’s new live-action Peter Pan & Wendy is rated PG for “parental guidance” rather than just G for all ages. The film is the latest live-action remake by Disney, reimagining J.M. Barrie’s Peter & Wendy, which was originally a play and then a book. The film is also inspired by Disney’s own 1953 animated adaptation of Barrie’s work, Peter Pan.
Like most Walt Disney Animation Studios films, the original Peter Pan was rated G. Disney’s live-action remakes, however, tend to get more mature ratings than their animated counterparts. For example, the 2020 Mulan remake and 2021’s Cruella were both rated PG-13, as was the recently released live-action Pinocchio. A PG rating means “some material may not be suitable for children” and according to the Motion Picture Association of America, Peter Pan & Wendy is rated PG for “violence, peril and thematic elements.” So is it appropriate for kids?
What Ages Peter Pan & Wendy Is Suitable For
Peter Pan & Wendy may be too scary for very young children, but most tweens would be able to handle the more mature themes and violence. The film has barely any blood, despite there being multiple fight scenes between the Lost Boys and the pirates. Captain Hook being an adult threatening to kill Peter Pan, a child, could be distressing for some kids, but no more than the original animated Peter Pan film. Some violence is exaggerated for cartoonish comedic effect, like in the animated film, and doesn’t have any gore.
How Dark & Scary Is Peter Pan & Wendy
Peter Pan & Wendy is still darker and slightly more mature than Disney’s original Peter Pan. The most violent and scariest element of the film is by far the crocodile, which is much bigger and more terrifying than its animated counterpart. The crocodile is featured heavily in the Skull Rock scene. It snaps at people, and at least one pirate is eaten by it, though off-screen while Captain Hook watches in horror. A few other pirates fall into the water around the crocodile, implying they might also be eaten. Peter, Wendy, and the Lost Boys safely escape the crocodile.
Not all the scary and mature elements of Peter Pan & Wendy are violent. Peter Pan & Wendy delves into the themes of growing up, something that may actually hit adults in a more emotional way than children. But the lesson of Peter Pan & Wendy about how growing up isn’t inherently a bad thing can be good for kids to hear. And kids who aren’t quite grown up enough to understand the lesson may still enjoy a romp through Neverland.
