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Hook

"Hook" is a 1991 American fantasy adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

"Hook" is a 1991 American fantasy adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg. It serves as a modern-day sequel to J. M. Barrie's "Peter and Wendy", following an adult Peter Pan who must return to Neverland when Captain Hook kidnaps his children. The film was released on December 11, 1991, and distributed by TriStar Pictures.

Premise

"Hook" follows Peter Banning, a successful lawyer who has lost contact with his childhood identity as Peter Pan. When Captain Hook abducts his children, Peter returns to Neverland and must rediscover his youthful spirit.

Production

The film was directed by Steven Spielberg from a screenplay by James V. Hart and Malia Scotch Marmo. It was produced in the United States and distributed by TriStar Pictures.

Cast and characters

Robin Williams stars as Peter Banning/Peter Pan, with Dustin Hoffman as Captain Hook, Julia Roberts as Tinker Bell, Bob Hoskins as Mr. Smee, Maggie Smith as Granny Wendy, and Charlie Korsmo as Jack Banning.

Source material

"Hook" is a modern sequel to J. M. Barrie's "Peter and Wendy" rather than a direct adaptation. It builds on the Peter Pan mythology by imagining the character as an adult who has forgotten Neverland.

Key facts

  • "Hook" was released in 1991 by TriStar Pictures and directed by Steven Spielberg.
  • The film stars Robin Williams as adult Peter Pan, Dustin Hoffman as Captain Hook, and Julia Roberts as Tinker Bell.
  • It serves as a sequel to J. M. Barrie's "Peter and Wendy", with Peter forced to return to Neverland after his children are kidnapped.
  • The story explores themes of rediscovering childhood and identity.
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Canadian context

The film has been widely distributed and viewed in Canada as part of mainstream Hollywood cinema, but it has no specific Canada-centered subject matter in the provided sources.

Frequently asked questions

What is "Hook"?
"Hook" is a 1991 American fantasy adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg and based on J. M. Barrie's Peter Pan story.
What is the plot of "Hook"?
An adult Peter Pan, living as lawyer Peter Banning, returns to Neverland after Captain Hook kidnaps his children.
Who stars in "Hook"?
The film stars Robin Williams, Dustin Hoffman, Julia Roberts, Bob Hoskins, Maggie Smith, and Charlie Korsmo.
When was "Hook" released?
"Hook" was released on December 11, 1991.
What story is "Hook" based on?
It is based on J. M. Barrie's "Peter and Wendy" and functions as a sequel to that story.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hook_(film)
    Supports: Basic identification, release year, director, cast, and plot overview.
  2. Amblin Entertainment — https://amblin.com/movie/hook/
    Supports: Plot summary, release date, and production context.
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/hook
    Supports: Release date, director, main cast, genre, and synopsis.