David Bowie was Steven Spielberg’s first choice to play Captain Hook

Steven Spielberg’s 1991 feature, Hook, has earned itself a reputation as an alternative Christmas classic. The film, which stars Robin Williams as Peter Pan and Dustin Hoffman as Captain Hook, was a critical flop at the time of its release but has since earned itself a cult following. Numerous other actors were considered before Hoffman was given the role, with Steve Spielberg first offering the part of Captain Hook to legendary musician David Bowie.

David Bowie reportedly flat-out turned down the role of Captain Hook. That same year, Bowie starred in a crime comedy titled The Linguini Incident, which was panned by critics.

Christopher Lloyd and Donald Sutherland were also considered for the role.

Spielberg originally had Tom Hanks in mind to play Peter Pan. Hanks ultimately lost the role to Robin Williams. Spielberg and Hanks would go on to work with each other seven years later, for Saving Private Ryan, which earned both of them Academy Awards. The pair have since made four films together.

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