Noah Matthews reminded us that the sky is the limit by becoming the first actor with Down Syndrome to make Disney history. This young man everyone is talking about will debut with a leading role in the live-action Peter Pan and Wendy, which premieres this April 28th on the Disney+ streaming platform.
Noah will play Slightly, leader of the lost children of Neverland, who you saw in the original movie dressed in a skunk costume; remember him?
Who Is Noah Matthews, the Down Syndrome Actor Making Disney History?
For some time now, the 15-year-old actor has been shining on stage, but this is the first time the world will witness his talent on the big screen, and more importantly, in a mainstream project. Although Noah Matthews is yet another example of Disney’s inclusion policy, the young man and experts believe that his selection has nothing to do with his condition, as he has prepared hard to achieve it.
What is certain is that his performance in Peter Pan and Wendy, which will almost stay true to the story we know, will open the doors for more people with Down Syndrome to shine in the world of cinema, because we all deserve a chance.
“We all learned how to sword fight, which I loved. I had a lot of lines I had to learn very quickly, but it was exciting, and I enjoyed it,” Matthews said of his role.
Many have expressed dissatisfaction with the way Disney has opted for inclusion, claiming that it looks forced because the characters have nothing to do with those appearing in the animated films.
Story written in Spanish by Nayeli Párraga in Cultura Colectiva