Table Read - When Wendy Grew Up - Act 1
Episode Date: May 21, 2024Act 1 "When Wendy Grew Up" opens on the cusp of change, as 16-year-old Wendy Darling navigates the complexities of growing up in Edwardian London. The return of a familiar figure from her past, Peter ...Pan, sets in motion a chain of events that challenges Wendy's perceptions of childhood, adulthood, and the magical world of Neverland. As Wendy grapples with the expectations placed upon her by society and family, she finds herself torn between the lure of escape and the responsibilities of the real world. The introduction of a pressing family issue further complicates Wendy's decision, forcing her to confront the harsh realities that often accompany the transition into adulthood. With a cast of colorful characters, both old and new, Act 1 sets the stage for a journey that promises to test the limits of Wendy's courage, loyalty, and belief in the power of storytelling. As Wendy sets forth on a quest that will take her far beyond the confines of her London home, she begins to question the very nature of growing up and the sacrifices that come with it. "When Wendy Grew Up" presents a bold reimagining of the classic Peter Pan tale, exploring the universal themes of growing up, family, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. Drawing inspiration from the incisive social commentary to the deep love of storytelling, this screenplay offers a fresh perspective on a timeless story. Set against the backdrop of Edwardian London and a Neverland that has undergone significant changes, "When Wendy Grew Up" follows Wendy Darling as she navigates the challenges and uncertainties of adolescence. As Wendy embarks on a quest that will test her in ways she never imagined, she must confront difficult questions about the nature of adulthood, the power of belief, and the enduring magic of stories. Through a seamless blend of classic elements and contemporary themes, "When Wendy Grew Up" offers a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to grow up in a world that often seems to have lost its sense of wonder. With its rich characters, emotional depth, and timely social commentary, this screenplay promises to resonate with audiences of all ages, reminding us of the transformative power of storytelling and the importance of holding onto the magic within us all.
Transcript
Discussion (0)
Avrò un certo langorino
Ovviamente no panino
No no no
Un boccone ricco di gusto
Se conosco il posto giusto
Siamo d'accordo su su via
Tutti alla piadineria
È tornata la solare con crudo e stracciatella
Aggiungi salsa mango, aglio nero o peperone
Amerai ogni boccone
la piadineria
la più buona che ci sia
table read
when wendy grew up
excellent
alright dennis
it's good
it's like 50% more wins
when wendy grew up
written by jenna st john
based on characters from jm bar. Barrie's Peter and Wendy.
Episode 1. Fade In.
Interior, Darling House. Wendy's room, night. London, 1905.
Wendy Darling, 16, lies in bed wide awake while her window rattles with a wind.
A man's booming voice yells downstairs.
rattles with a whim. A man's booming voice yells downstairs. Wendy grabs a teddy bear off the floor and flops back onto bed, squeezing the bear over her eyes. Rattle, rattle, rattle,
bang! The window flies open and Wendy sits up with a gasp. Skeleton leaves cascade into
the room like scrolls of silver, followed by the faintest dusting of snow. Wendy smiles and looks to the window anticipating.
A shadow of a teen boy emerges at the window sill with his hands on his hips, floating.
Peter!
Wendy springs from her bed and wraps both her arms around Peter's neck in a hug.
They embrace tightly, floating into the bedroom.
I thought you'd forgotten me.
I'd never forget you
you goose more shots come from downstairs when he listens worried let's
go wait let me wait John and Michael I didn't expect you I told you I'd be back
it's been four years you goose Peter studies Wendy's face. How old are you?
I'm 16 tomorrow. You're
grown up Wendy ruffles Peters hair and pushes his face playfully
I'm not grown up you see
Wendy floats around the room by herself twirling in her nightgown Peter laughs satisfied
I'll get John and Michael.
Wendy floats toward her door, but stops with a yank.
She notices Peter holding onto her wrist.
She looks at him.
Peter's face is stoically still.
Forget them, Wendy.
We need to go, right now.
What? Why?
What's happened?
Peter looks down.
Wendy floats to him, lifting his chin up.
Peter, tell me what happened.
Peter looks around her room and Wendy follows his gaze.
The night lamps flicker and the shadows seem to grow along the walls,
forming into tall tree trunks surrounding them.
The shouts downstairs have stopped, and it's silent. Then a faint
tick-tock, tick-tock. Wendy turns back to Peter. He holds his hand out to her. It's
trembling.
Why are you shaking?
Wendy grabs his hand with both of hers, steadying it.
Is it the Lost Boys? Are they in trouble? Are you
in trouble? Please, Wendy, come with me.
Just one last time.
Last time?
Are you not coming back
for me anymore? I'll always
come back for you. Tick
tock. Tick tock.
Tick tock.
We have to go.
We're safe here.
Stay with me.
Peter's shadow shakes its head violently, no,
grabbing onto Peter's arm and dragging him towards the window.
Peter shakes himself loose and slumps on the window sill, torn.
You look older.
I'm the same.
Wendy's eyes dart around the evolving room, the shadows of trees.
I don't hear father. He's been shouting all night.
Perhaps he fell asleep.
Or perhaps this is just...
And you're not.
Will you kiss me?
Peter brightens, floating off the sill towards Wendy.
She waits with a smile, eyes closed, chin lifted towards Peter.
Wendy's eyes pop open as Peter plops something in her hand, an acorn.
Wendy looks at it, disappointed.
And my kiss?
Peter presents his palm.
Wendy looks at it.
Don't you remember?
Remember what?
Wendy takes a breath and lunges forward, wrapping her arms around Peter's neck, planting her mouth onto his.
The two kiss suspended in midair until Peter pushes Wendy off.
Stop that!
Peter rubs the arm of his sleeve over his mouth, washing away her kiss.
Wendy reels back, stunned. Then, like a thread cut, Wendy
falls. She crashes down on her side with a thud. Peter's eyes widen and he flies down
to her.
Wendy? I'll be back!
Where are you going?
To get Tink. Pixie dust, happy thoughts. You can't come to Neverland if you can't fly,
silly goose.
No grown-ups allowed.
I'm not grown up.
Peter zips out of the window and into the night sky.
Wendy holds onto her side, gasping for air, when she sees a menacing cloud shaped as a pirate ship cover the moon.
Interior, darling's house, Wendy's room, day. Wendy shoots up from
her bed, gasps.
Peter!
Wendy squints, the beaming sunlight attacks her eyes and she looks around
her bright room. Pastel bedding, curtains motionless and the window shut, latched
and locked. Wendy's door flies open and Liza, 50's bo shut, latched, and locked.
Wendy's door flies open, and Liza, 50s, boisterous governess, rushes in and touches her chest.
Oh, good God, Wendy!
Why scream like that before I've had a chance to make coffee?
Oh!
What's wrong with you?
I'm sorry.
I had the most vivid dream.
I was right here, and I... No, no, no, no, no, no, no. I'm not getting sucked into one of your stories again.
Your brothers are waiting for you to walk them to school.
By myself?
You're 16 now. Young woman. And that comes with responsibility.
Liza snaps as to say, get to it, before exiting, closing the door behind her.
Wendy leaps out of bed.
Crunch.
Wendy looks down and lifts her foot, revealing a skeleton leaf underneath it.
She bends down to pick it up when her side pings her.
Lifting up her nightgown in front of a vanity, she sees a large bruise formed over her ribs.
Wendy touches the bruise as a hopeful smile spreads across her face.
Interior, Darling House, Closet, Day.
Wendy, dressed in a blue daydress and hair plaited,
digs in a dark closet, pulls out a woven sewing basket.
She sets it on the floor and opens it up, picking up a folded newspaper resting on top.
The paper is folded to an advertisement for Mayfield Girls Finishing School in Bristol.
Pushing the paper aside, Wendy combs through the basket when finally she finds what she's looking for.
A thimble.
Wendy inspects the thimble on her finger, its decorated silver with a wraparound image of a pirate ship,
a mermaid's tail, a feathered arrow.
A boy's scream snaps Wendy out of her trance.
Her father's inaudible shouts follow the screams.
Wendy! Wendy Moira Angela Darling!
Wendy pockets the thimble and shuts the basket closed.
Interior, Darling House, Dining Room, Day.
Wendy rushes into the dining room and relaxes upon seeing Liza holding Michael, seven, mouth open
as she shoves a spoonful of medicine into his mouth.
Liza releases Michael and he plops down at the dining room table with John, 14, and Mr. Darling, 45.
That medicine tastes like death.
Wendy ruffles Michael's hair as he wipes away tears.
Don't encourage him.
Mrs. Darling, 40, is a quiet and graceful woman,
kisses Wendy's head before sitting down next to her.
Happy birthday, darling.
Did you make a wish for what you'd like?
It's been a while since I got a new doll or tea set.
Mrs. Darling and Mr. Darling exchange looks.
John scoffs.
What would you do with a doll at your age?
Michael begins coughing, his face turning beet red.
Oh, I still taste that awfulness.
Mr. Darling slams his fist on the table, making everyone jump.
Mrs. Darling quickly plops a piece of toast on Michael's plate.
Here, it'll disguise the taste.
Don't encourage him!
If your mother says to take your medicine every morning and night, you do it without a fight.
Enough disrespect. Understood?
Michael takes a bite of his toast, chewing loudly.
Understood!
Yes, sir.
Michael, mouth closed, please.
Michael flashes his chewed-up toast to his sister.
Wendy and John look over to Mr. Darling, his eyes fuming.
Off to school now. And Wendy, no adventures over to Mr. Darling, his eyes fuming. Off to school now.
And Wendy, no adventures along the way.
Of course, Mommy.
Exterior, London Street, day.
Wendy holds onto Michael's hand loosely.
She walks playfully.
John marches ahead, head buried in his book about ships.
Wendy eagerly takes in the adventurous streets,
dodging double-decker carriages, street vendors, and stray dogs.
Wendy looks down to see Michael pouting.
What part of school do you like the most?
Maths.
You just say you like maths because Father likes maths.
I like maths because all men do.
The darling children pass by the gates of Kensington Gardens.
Inside, twin girls are playing, flapping their arms like wings as they chase each other.
Wendy stops, watching them.
Oh, fairies!
Fairies can be found in even the tiniest of gardens.
Real fairies?
Wendy nods to Michael.
She watches the two girls, and they're pointing and giggling at something in the bushes.
We'll be late.
John looks up from his book, and Wendy and Michael are gone.
He shuts his book with a groan.
Exterior, Kensington Gardens, day.
John chases after Wendy and Michael running into the garden.
Wendy! Michael! We'll be late!
We're just going to find one fairy! We'll be so fast!
John takes his seat on a bench, frustrated.
What should I tell Headmaster, hmm?
So sorry, I got caught up playing make-believe.
Hope I didn't miss anything important, like geometry.
Make-believe? This is a real adventure. Help us, John!
John rolls his eyes and buries his nose in his book again.
Wendy follows Michael through the long curtains of weeping willow branches.
Michael!
Wendy looks up and sees Michael climbing higher and higher.
I can't climb in the skirt.
It feels like I can fly from here.
Michael, stop.
There's a fairy right there.
She's hiding.
Michael settles on a branch, squinting through the leaves.
Where?
I see her.
Wait for me.
Wendy ties her skirt into a knot
and begins climbing the branches slowly.
Wendy, when are you leaving us?
You mean to Neverland?
Mommy and Father talk at night.
And they say you'll be married soon.
I'm too young to be married.
They mean one day.
Not soon.
They said soon.
Wendy finally reaches Michael.
Did you hear them say anything about Bristol?
Finishing school?
So it's true?
You're leaving?
Can I tell you a secret?
Michael nods solemnly.
Peter came to see me last night. Can I tell you a secret? Michael nods solemnly.
Peter came to see me last night.
He did?
But he left you behind?
No, he's coming back for me.
I wish I could remember Neverland.
How could you?
We're still in nappies.
How about after school, we'll play Neverland,
and maybe that'll help you remember bits. Can I be Peter? Of course. Where's the fairy? Oh, right in there. She's hiding. Michael peers
through the branches again. A clump of leaves vibrates unnaturally. Both Wendy and Michael
smile. John peeks his head through the willow's branches.
Honestly, Wendy, this is the latest we've ever been.
Get down, Michael. You'll crack your neck.
Michael makes his way down the tree and Wendy follows,
right as the thimble falls out of her pocket.
Wendy gasps, scrambling down the tree.
She hits the ground and starts fingering her way through the grass,
fallen seeds and leaves. My thimble! I lost it! John pulls Wendy up by the arm. She looks
longingly behind before exiting through the branches. Exterior street, boys school, day.
John walks briskly as Wendy and Michael hold hands. John enters the school's gate and Michael turns to Wendy.
I don't want to go to school.
Think of the headmaster as a pirate and your book as your sword.
Michael smiles and blood springs a leak from his nostril.
Oh, you're bleeding.
Wendy takes the bottom of her skirt and wipes the blood from Michael's lip.
He sniffs sharply and leans his head back.
Are you hurt?
No. Fine now.
Wendy watches as Michael drags his feet into the school.
Kensington Gardens, Willow Tree, Day.
Wendy combs through the dirt and leaves on her hands and knees. She looks and looks until she finally gives up,
sitting with her back against the tree trunk, exhausted.
Exterior, London Street, day.
Wendy walks back towards home,
noticing that her hands are covered in dirt.
She brushes them clean as she walks.
A well-dressed gentleman, 25, spots Wendy checking out her swaying hips.
He changes course to approach her.
Excuse me, miss.
Wendy turns and looks at well-dressed gentleman.
Yes, me?
The gentleman's eyes bulge and his face turns bright red.
Oh, you're a child, I thought.
I'm sorry. Excuse me.
No.
The gentleman spins around and slowly jogs off in the opposite direction of Wendy.
She watches him, confused.
Interior Darling House, kitchen, day.
Liza pulls fresh pastries out of the oven.
Mrs. Darling polishes teacups.
I'm home.
Wendy enters the kitchen and both women freeze, mouths agape upon seeing the girl. I'm home! Oh! Am I a fool to ask if the boys made it to school on time, hm? and a blood stain from Michael's nerves. Interior, Darling House, family room, day.
Wendy, cleaned up in a new dress,
happily observes a bustling tea party in full swing.
A clock ticks away overhead.
Tick, tock, tick, tock.
Michael tugs on Wendy's arm.
Come on, you said we could play.
Later.
Michael groans and grabs a fistful of tea pastries, Come on! You said we could play! Later.
Michael groans and grabs a fistful of tea pastries, bouncing from one tiered pastry tray to another.
A bespectacled girl, 14, approaches John.
He smiles awkwardly before running away upstairs, leaving the girl behind.
Wendy!
Wendy spots Alice, 15, a heavily freckled girl with a mouth as large as her voice,
walk in through the front door.
Wendy, I haven't seen you since Easter, and something very important has happened to me. Alice approaches Wendy, hand first, her large engagement ring leading the way.
Wendy's eyes widen.
You're getting married?
But we're the same age.
Actually, I'm still 15 for another two months.
You've got anyone?
We should have children at the same time and play together.
Wendy glances over her shoulder, then leans into Alice's ear.
Peter.
Ooh!
Will he marry you?
I don't think he ever wants to be married, but he's coming to see me tonight. Peter. Ooh! Will he marry you?
I don't think he ever wants to be married, but he's coming to see me tonight.
Don't cheapen yourself, Wendy. What kind of man doesn't want to be married? Who will take care of him?
Take care of him? Like a mum?
All men want to marry women like their mums. Find someone here you like, and when Peter comes,
you tell him that you've got a real man.
Hmm, what about him?
Alice looks to Preppy Boy, 17, standing next to his clingy mother.
Wendy shakes her head and laughs along with Alice.
Wendy then notices Gary, 17, charmingly carefree.
He catches Wendy watching and smiles.
Mmm, that's Gary Kent.
He may like how boyish you are.
I'm not boyish.
You think I act like a boy?
You know this.
It's not your fault.
You're the only girl with two brothers.
At least you're pretty.
Wendy frowns and Alice slips her a small bronze tin. Forget what I said. You're the only girl with two brothers. At least you're pretty.
Forget what I said.
Go put this on.
A tiny bit on your lips and cheeks.
Interior Wendy's room, day.
Wendy opens Alice's tin, revealing pink wax.
She delicately dips her fingers into it and dabs a bit on her cheeks and lips.
Arr!
Wendy yelps seeing Michael charge at her with a toy sword.
Come on, Wendy! The pirates are taking over Neverland!
Interior, nursery, day.
Wendy chases Michael into his room.
John's tucked away in the corner with his nose in a book.
What are you doing here?
Hiding. I don't like parties.
Wendy takes in the nursery and its magic.
The night lights give a warm celestial glow all around the tall ceilings.
Michael opens up a large wooden chest, pulling out a top hat.
It's Father's hat!
John quickly snatches the hat.
That's mine!
I'm you! I'm Joy. I'm Peter Pan. Captain Hook,
this is your end. Raise your hook. Hook's on the left hand. Play. Don't be dull like father.
Wendy guides Michael out of the room. John sets down his book and lifts the top hat,
his fingers swiping dust gathered at the
brim. It glistens with a gold shimmer as he hears a distant crowing outside. John's brows lift
hopefully before they pinch together in a frown. Don't be stupid. John tosses the hat, discarding
it toward the toy chest. Interior, family room, day.
Wendy enters the room and looks for Gary.
Wendy Moira Angela Darling?
He's right behind her.
Gary Kent?
Your name is prettier.
I suppose I have that in my favor, since I'm so boyish.
Boyish?
Not looking, just never mind. I think your mother invited every man in the neighborhood for you. Oh, you consider yourself a man? You consider
yourself a boy? I don't. Gary touches Wendy's hand slightly.
She looks down, her heart ticking loud, echoing all over the room until she hears a distant crowing and pulls her hand away.
Peter?
I'm Gary.
Wendy pushes past the crowd and straight to the window, looking outside.
The sun setting and two bright stars peeking through the purpling sky.
What are you looking at?
Wendy notices that Gary has followed her, also looking out.
The second star to the right, straight on till morning. Wendy looks down at her hand on the windowsill where she notices her pinky finger touching Gary's hand.
Straight on to where?
Gary's pinky moves to climb onto Wendy's.
She allows his entire hand to envelop hers in a soft embrace.
Where dreams are born and time is never planned.
Just keep an open mind and suddenly you'll find Never Neverland.
Clatter. Wendy quickly pulls her hand away and spins around to see spilled teacups and a silver
tray on the floor. Mrs. Darling stands frozen, hands shaking with a hot tea pooling at her feet.
Mommy? Wendy tracks her mother's eyes to Michael, his gaze fixed, trance-like, pale skin sweaty,
and blood trickles from his right nostril, arms rigid
and shaking as though possessed.
Michael's eyes roll to the back of his head,
and he faints, hitting the floor with a thud.
Interior, Darling House Dining Room, night.
Wendy pours tea for Dr. Atkinson, 50s,
who sits at the dining table with Mrs. Darling and Mr. Darling.
Thank you.
The cold medicine you started giving Michael has alcohol in it
and has likely exacerbated his condition.
His symptoms are aligned with a few other cases we've seen over the years.
Wendy pauses, listening.
A cancer of the blood.
There's no cure, and the prognosis is not good.
Mr. and Mrs. Darling sit frozen.
Um, how much, uh, time?
Given his state, weeks.
He's likely to have had this for years.
You may have noticed he bruises and he bleeds easier than most.
Wendy begins to nod, but Mrs. Darling shakes her head no.
Will it...
Will he be in pain?
No reason for him to be in pain.
We can make sure of that.
Michael has good days ahead of him,
but then he'll want to sleep more often,
maybe seem confused,
see or hear things that aren't there.
That's when you know he has just a few days left.
Now, there's a very good children's hospital in Wales.
When he exits, as Dr. Atkinson's voice trails behind her.
Interior, nursery, night.
Wendy taps on the door. It cracks open.
The night lights are on, and Wendy sees Michael playing with his stuffed toys.
Can you hear them talking downstairs?
Michael ignores Wendy.
The crocodile toy ravages a bear.
Shouldn't you be resting?
I'm just playing. Un boccone ricco di gusto Se conosco il posto giusto
Siamo d'accordo su su via
Tutti alla piadineria
È tornata la solare
Con crudo e stracciatella
Aggiungi salsa mango, aglio nero o peperone
Amerai ogni boccone
La piadineria
La più buona che ci sia
Michael rilascia il teddy a Wendy
Il teddy sentisce come Neverland? Michael lifts the teddy up to Wendy.
Does Teddy smell like Neverland?
I don't know.
Michael tosses the bear across the room.
Nobody seems to remember Neverland.
I think you need to rest. You're a spoil sport.
Just like the other grown-ups in this house.
Wendy's stuck.
She exits for a moment as Michael continues to play.
Wendy returns with her blanket.
We'll wait for Peter together.
We will?
If you get in bed.
Michael eagerly jumps into bed.
Wendy sits beside him.
I wish I could go to Neverland again.
And maybe my memories from before would come back.
Michael hugs Wendy tightly and she looks around the nursery.
When we were there in Neverland, we forgot all about Mummy.
I know. Neverland makes you forget.
It does. But that's not all.
Do you think Mommy forgot us?
No. Never.
Go to sleep. I'll wake you up when Peter comes.
Interior nursery, night.
Wendy sits wrapped in a blanket at the window seat while Michael is sound asleep in his bed.
Wendy fights sleep with every nod, jerking back awake.
Peter, come back to me.
Wendy flips the latch to the window, unlocked and curls on the window seat, her eyelids fluttering shut.
Wendy!
Interior nursery, day.
Wendy jolts awake and the window is wide open.
Michael's still in bed, shivering.
Liza rushes over and shuts the window,
flipping the latch locked.
What would have happened if you'd rolled over in your sleep?
Falling out of that window.
Break your neck.
I can't even think about it.
Michael stirs awake and looks at Wendy.
Did he come?
Perhaps he's ill.
Perhaps he's forgotten you.
Michael's head drops and Wendy is pulled up by Liza. Enough. Get up, both forgotten you.
Enough! Get up, both of you.
I don't want your mother knowing about this.
Oh, let's get you some breakfast, huh?
It'll keep you strong as a horse.
Interior dining room, day.
Wendy picks at her food, frowning, lost in thought.
Mrs. Darling, Mr. Darling, John and Michael eat as though it's a normal day.
Wendy, eat.
Wendy snaps to and looks at Michael, who chews his sausage with his mouth open.
Michael, mouth closed.
Michael sticks his tongue out at his father, food falling out. He covers his mouth with a laugh. Mr. Darling slams his fist on the table. Go back to your room. Darling, he was
just playing. Now! And fix your crying.
Michael, chin trembling, runs upstairs.
After a moment, Mr. Darling grabs his napkin and covers his face, choking back socks.
Mrs. Darling holds steadily to his hand.
John and Wendy stare at their father, struck.
Leave. John abruptly gets up,
exiting toward the stairs, and Wendy
exits the table toward the front door.
Exterior Kensington
Gardens, day.
Wendy marches
into the garden straight toward the weeping
willow. Wendy tucks inside
the tree, hiding behind the bowing
branches, wiping away tears
and hugging her knees.
Wendy hears gasps from twin girls and sees them inspecting the ground.
The twin in blue cradles something in her hands.
Is she dead?
Don't say dead.
Wendy crawls out from the tree and approaches the twins.
Is everything all right?
The fairy fell from the sky. Look. The twin in blue
slowly opens her cupped hands. They're empty. Wendy's eyes widen. Grown-ups can't see fairies.
She's dead. Don't say dead. Wendy stands up and notices the twin in pink wearing her thimble on
her little thumb. Wendy grabs the thimble from the twins hand wrestling with her for a
moment. The twins mother looks up from her reading and Wendy runs off exiting.
Interior Darling House family family room, day.
Wendy walks in through the front door and notices suitcases laid out.
Liza walks in carrying a couple more.
What's this for?
Uh, packing for Wales.
They say there's a good hospital there for- We can't go to Wales! Peter won't know where to find us!
Wendy.
Wendy rushes past Liza.
Mommy! Interior stairs,
day. Mommy!
John rushes down the stairs to meet
Wendy. Shh. Michael's resting.
I need to talk to Mommy.
We can't take Michael to Wales. It's not your
choice. It could help him. But it won't
save him. Nothing can save
him. You understand that, don't you?
Neverland can.
Neverland?
Are you mad?
You weren't actually waiting for Peter Pan?
He said he'd come back.
This is why you're being sent to finishing school.
You're stunted.
You don't believe me?
Did he come back?
Perhaps he was ill.
Perhaps there is no such person.
There is and you know it.
I know there is no Peter and no Neverland and no...
Don't say it!
Whenever a child says,
I don't believe in fairies,
there's a little fairy somewhere that falls down right...
Sorry.
Sorry.
You're tall.
Yeah.
Um, okay. There's a little fairy somewhere that falls down right down...
Almost.
It's a funny one.
He's like so close.
He says it like...
Take three.
Okay, okay.
Here we go.
Lead her into it.
Would you, would you, Bradley?
Thank you.
Yes.
I know there is no Peter, no Neverland, and no...
Don't say it!
Whenever a child says, I don't believe in fairies,
there's a little fairy somewhere
that falls right down dead.
I don't believe in fairies, and neither does Michael.
He told me.
He would never say that.
He wouldn't to you.
Just like mommy and father haven't told you
about going to school.
Everyone tiptoes around like you're the baby when you're the eldest. It's embarrassing. Grow up, Wendy.
John continues walking past Wendy.
Don't you remember it?
Do you? Answer honestly.
I remember parts. Some of it has slipped away. But you remember everything, don't you?
You remember what hand the hook is on, the two moons, Peter, the lost boys.
I was a child. I saw things that weren't there all the time.
Interior, nursery, day. Wendy peeks into the room to Mrs. Darling singing as Michael rests in bed.
Hoven, hoven, goryo go, goryo go, goryo go. Hoven, hoven, goryo go, I've lost my darling baby, oh.
My darling baby, oh.
Wendy retreats, exits, leaving them be.
Michael sits up and Mrs. Darling wipes away her boy's tears.
I hate that father yells.
I know, my darling.
But can I tell you a secret about father?
Michael nods.
He's the bravest man in all of England.
Does he even know how to hold a rifle? I know it's hard to see by looking at him, but when you and Wendy and John came along, he packed away all his dreams
in a drawer. Why did he do that? So you children could be free to be children and not worry about grown-up things like hunger.
And at night sometimes, he opens the drawer and looks at all his dreams he packed away.
But no matter how difficult, he always shuts the drawer.
And only the bravest man can do that.
Exterior, Darling House, day.
that. Exterior Darling House day. Wendy sits on her front stoop, frustrated, sighing and people watching. She watches children in uniform walking in lines led by a nun, a lanky chimney sweep man
and a suit-faced child sweep climb down from a roof. Wendy places her face in her hands for a
moment when she hears a small cough.
Wendy looks up and sees the child sweep holding up a folded piece of paper.
Wendy takes it and opens it up. Will you be my sweetheart? Is this from you?
Child sweep shakes his head and points across the street. Gary stands there and waves.
his head and points across the street. Gary stands there and waves. Exterior street, day.
Wendy stomps over to Gary with the note in hand. No, that's my answer. Gary's smile falls and he grabs the note, dejected. You're a perfectly nice boy, man, and I would consider you if... If it weren't for
Peter. No.
Yes.
I don't know.
I just...
I don't...
I know how to climb a tree and a dress
and dig in dirt and
fight pirates and fly.
I don't
know how to be a wife and keep my brother. Oh, of
course. I'm sorry to hear about Michael. Wendy nods. Gary and Wendy look at each
other. Is there more to say? Then baby laughter pulls Wendy's attention away.
Is there any hope for Michael?
Wendy's not listening.
She spots a pram sitting alone across the street,
baby laughter pouring out of it like music.
Wendy leaves Gary behind and quickly runs to the pram
and sees a baby, eight months, bursting into giggles
upon seeing her face.
The laughter is contagious.
Wendy giggles too.
What are you doing here? She's mine. I'm right here.
Wendy turns to see a young mother, 18, holding a crocheted elephant, jogging towards them.
Little Ruby's rattle flew so far I could swear it had wings.
Baby Ruby giggles again, looking up at the trees. Young Mother looks up, seeing the leaves rustle.
What's that you see there?
When the first baby laughed for the first time,
the laugh broke into a thousand pieces,
and they all went skipping about.
And that was the beginning of fairies.
Is that what you see?
Fairies?
And as there are always new babies, there are always new fairies.
Do you have children?
No.
You'll make an enchanting mother when you do.
The wind blows and a skeleton leaf slaps onto Wendy's dress.
She plucks it off, waiting for the wind to settle.
Little Ruby laughs, waving her hands for the leaf.
Wendy offers it to her, and her breath catches with a thought.
Are you the darling girl?
I live three doors down, in 17.
I am.
Wendy.
I've been meaning to invite your parents for dinner sometime.
Wendy notices the skeleton leaf still in her hand,
and she takes a sharp breath in with a thought.
Wendy flashes a large smile to young mother.
How about dinner tonight?
Interior, darling house, kitchen, night.
Wendy's digging deep within cupboards,
finding a few nested tin canisters, studying them.
Wendy?
Wendy looks up to see her mother standing there dressed in a coat and gloves.
Interior foyer, night. Wendy follows Mrs. Darling to the door where Mr. Darling and John are ready
to leave. Watch over Michael, will you? No horseplay. Yes, Papa. I mean it. Of course. Mummy? Have you said goodbye to Michael?
Oh!
Mrs. Darling rushes up the stairs.
It'll just be an hour.
You've had to say something, hmm?
Throwing out invitations willy-nilly the night before we travel.
I don't know what's wrong with you.
Wendy frowns as her father and John shake their heads.
You worry your mother needlessly.
Mother loves us.
I love my children just the same.
You do?
You're always angry with us.
Everyone I love angers me.
Mrs. Darling enters again and takes her husband's hand.
Be my eyes and guard my baby boy.
Of course, mommy.
Mrs. Darling, Mr. Darling, and John exit out the front door. Wendy waits for a moment,
takes in a deep breath, and smiles, running out of the room. Interior nursery night.
A warm light shines on Michael's face while he sleeps. He frowns and opens his eyes.
He sees Wendy placing a tin can on top of the dresser. Wendy? Surrounding Wendy and decorated all over the room are old kettles, cans, flower tins. What are you doing? Wendy gets up and unlocks
the window. Do you remember Tinkerbell?
I don't want to play Wendy.
Do you remember how she got her name?
Wendy grabs the kettle and taps her finger against it.
Tink, tink, tink, tink.
Tink, tink, tink, tink.
Fairies, men, kettles and tins.
Wendy turns the kettle to reveal the dent.
It's broken.
They're all broken.
We don't need Peter to get to Neverland.
Only pixie dust.
I know the way there.
Do you want to go to Neverland with me instead of Wales?
Yes.
You think I can fly? Hmm, I don't know.
You must believe in fairies.
Truly and loudly believe.
I do! I believe in fairies!
Suddenly the window gusts open, snowflakes fall softly into the room, and a moment later, skeleton leaves follow.
Wendy and Michael, still as snow wait. Finally a bright ball of light buzzes
into the room like a large lightning bug and disappears into the kettle in Wendy's hands.
A moment of silence then tink tink tink comes from the kettle. Michael's jaw drops. Wendy carefully removes the kettle's lid and sees a fairy,
Mamie, who immediately looks up. Oh, you're not Tinkerbell. Who is it?
What's your name, little fairy? Little? How many fairies have you seen? I'm the tallest fairy I know.
Mamie stands up, the top of her head nearly touching the top of the kettle.
Mamie stands up, the top of her head nearly touching the top of the kettle. Oh, you are tall for a fairy.
What else would I be tall for? A bug? Fairies are not bugs.
Michael slowly peers into the kettle. Mamie gasps, clasping her chest.
Oh, dear god! You can't just sneak up on a fairy like that. I could have died!
You're the fairy who was hiding in that tree Where's Tinkerbell?
Who's Tinkerbell?
Peter's fairy
Peter?
You mean Peter Pan?
Yes!
Oh, I heard his fairy died
Oh my god
She wasn't lovelier than me, was she?
I heard she was
I think you're very beautiful I knew it, rumors Oh my god. She wasn't lovelier than me, was she? I heard she was.
I think you're very beautiful.
Ha! I knew it. Rumors. Nobody speaks ill of the dead, do they?
And being Peter's fairy, everyone just assumed she must have been a beauty.
Did you... make those extra dents?
Wendy looks to see the kettle's now extremely dented.
Perhaps I'm not so good at mending.
Well, what's your purpose if you can't mend metal?
Ugh, you two, huh?
Don't mock my misfortunes. I'm working on it.
My father says misfortunes... Whoa.
Not misfortunes.
My father says misfortunes are often opportunity in disguise.
That's easy to say when you're not the laughingstock of all fairies.
Peter didn't tell me about Tinkerbell.
When did you see Peter?
Just the other night.
Mamie lights up and shoots out of the kettle and out the window.
Wendy runs to the window.
Wait! Come back!
A moment later, the light buzzes back into the room and lands on Michael's bedpost.
Mamie stands, foot tapping, hands on her hips.
Yes?
What's your name?
Mamie.
Will you give us pixie dust?
Why would you want that?
To fly, to go to Neverland.
And Peter Pan's there?
Yes!
He would've come for me eventually,
but he's forgetful and we can't wait for him.
We have to leave tonight.
And what if I don't know the way to Neverland?
You're a fairy that's never been to Neverland, hence can't mend kettles.
I know the way to Neverland.
And you'll introduce me to Peter?
Of course.
Yee! And I'll be his new fairy?
The front door slammed shut.
Muted voices of Mr. and Mrs. Darling downstairs.
Wendy and Michael exchange glances.
If Tinkerbell is really...
Dead.
Then he'll need a new fairy.
And then what will it matter if I can't fix kettles?
I never heard of Tinkerbell mending anything.
So, you'll help us? Right now?
Mamie flies over Wendy and Michael.
Pixie dust rains down on the two mortals.
Mamie flutters by the window.
Chop, chop. Let's go.
Michael floats up above the floor.
Wendy squeezes her eyes shut and... nothing.
Footsteps approach the doorway.
Do you have no happy thoughts? Are you too old?
I'm not old. I just need a moment.
All you need is one. Wendy squeezes her eyes shut. Montage, old memories. Wendy's memories flash,
her kissing Peter, Michael flashing chewed up food in his mouth, hugging her mother before she left,
her father smiling at her, Michael's eyes
lighting up when he looked in the kettle.
Back to Interior Nursery Night.
Wendy opens her eyes and she's floating off the ground.
Michael looks back at her, smiling.
You leading the way, human girl?
Wendy.
That's your name?
Wendy Moira Angela Darling. Oh my. Well, lead the way, Wendy Mar-anger-dingaling.
Wendy floats over to the window and looks up at the sky, spotting two bright stars just right of
the moon. Second star to the right. The nursery door opens.
Wendy, Michael and Mamie look.
It's only John.
What's going on here?
Sprinkle him with pixie dust too.
That old man?
Wendy.
Mamie flies over John, raining down pixie dust over him.
He keeps his eyes fixed on Wendy,
frowning and furious.
Michael grabs John's top hat from the toy chest and plops it He keeps his eyes fixed on Wendy, frowning and furious.
Michael grabs John's top hat from the toy chest and plops it on his brother's head.
Come with us, John. All you need is one happy thought.
You know I can't.
Michael wraps his arms around John in a hug.
I'm gonna miss you, John.
Michael, stop!
When you think of us, think of us fighting pirates with Tiger Lily, and
playing with lost boys.
Tell Mommy I'm off to a great
adventure.
Michael lets go of John and flies out the
window, followed by Wendy and Mamie
who disappear into the night.
John's left alone, and he
shuts the window, locking the latch.
After a few steps, John stops, sighs, turns around and unlatches the lock from the window.
Exterior London sky, night.
Wendy flies ahead of Michael and Mamie, over Big Ben, glimpsing down at the city streets before looking up to the stars
and flying straight towards two bright
stars sitting right of the moon. As they fly closer, the bright stars illuminate so great,
Wendy's forced to shut her eyes. Cut to black. End of episode one.