“Neverland is a place for everyone, so everyone deserves to go.” This line reflects a character’s belief central to the film Peter Pan and Wendy. Noah Matthews Matofsky, a young British actor with Down syndrome, is highlighted as one of the ensemble cast members in this Disney production. He steps into a significant role, marking a milestone in his acting journey and joining a larger film moment that celebrates diverse talent on screen.
Although this feature film represents his big screen debut, Matthews has prior acting experience on stage. In the live adaptation inspired by J.M. Barrie and the Peter Pan story, the film begins streaming on Disney+ on April 28. Matthews portrays a member of the Lost Boys, a group led by Peter Pan, with the iconic Captain Hook portrayed by Jude Law. The cast also includes Yara Shahidi as Tinker Bell, Alexander Molony as Peter Pan, and Ever Anderson in the role of Wendy.
Matthews first pursued drama through weekend courses and hoped to study drama at university. He independently attended casting sessions, inspired by his inclusive talent agency where he models and auditions. His undeniable charm caught the attention of director David Lowery, and the two share a passion for the novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding, a work they consider crucial for understanding the Lost Boys within the Peter Pan narrative.
In a candid interview with The Sun, Matthews described the experience as incredible. He spoke of his own trailer, the friendships formed, and the chance to learn sword fighting as part of the preparation. He noted the rapid pace of rehearsals and the excitement of the process, expressing genuine enthusiasm for the project.
Matthews’s mother, speaking to The Sun, emphasized a message tied to the Lost Boys leadership role. She stressed that a Down syndrome diagnosis does not prevent anyone from achieving dreams, underscoring the family’s belief that determination can unlock many possibilities.
inclusion
The casting of Matthews marks a further step in Disney’s ongoing commitment to inclusion. This comes after the studio’s earlier emphasis on representation in other projects, including performances featuring performers with diverse backgrounds. Matthews’s participation helps bring visibility to people with Down syndrome, mirroring a broader trend in media toward authentic, inclusive storytelling across multiple formats, including television from past decades. Comparable conversations have taken place in international cinema and television where performances by actors with disabilities have been celebrated for their talent and impact, such as Pablo Pineda’s acclaimed work in Spain and Guillem Jimenez’s pioneering screen roles, which have informed modern portrayals of disability in film and TV (various industry reports and interviews cited in entertainment press).