Jeremy Sumpter and Rachel Hurd-Wood, who rose to fame starring as the titular character and Wendy Darling in the 2003 live-action film “Peter Pan,” have reunited to star in the upcoming romantic comedy “Strawberry Roan.” The film will also mark Sumpter’s feature film directing debut. Production on “Strawberry Roan” is due to begin next spring in New Mexico. Based on the novel by Matthew Cody, “Strawberry Roan” tells the story of an ardent equine lover and a hapless stock trader who spend their savings trying to establish a horse sanctuary in Mexico. Along the way, they discover the meaning of love, trust, and courage and how often the best treasures in life come from shared dreams and struggles.
The screenplay by Courtney Paige follows the transformative adventure of this young couple. Sumpter has said that sharing this milestone in the director’s chair with Hurd-Wood, whom he became incredibly close to during their “Peter Pan” days, gives the project much greater meaning. The reunion does not only serve up nostalgia for fans but also further shows how the two have evolved from child stars into creatives in their own right.
Filming is set to start in New Mexico this spring, with additional casting to be announced. The film represents a full-circle opportunity for Sumpter and Hurd-Wood, the first professional collaboration for the actors since they played the iconic roles of Wendy and Tinker Bell, respectively, in “Peter Pan,” and at the next stage in their career trajectories.
