When NBC presented Peter Pan Live!, viewers were transported to Neverland, a realm of pirates, lost boys, and a certain ticking crocodile. Amidst the star-studded cast and elaborate sets, it was the crocodile that unexpectedly stole the show, becoming an overnight sensation and the subject of much online buzz. Dubbed the “true breakout star” by Mashable, the Peter Pan Crocodile captivated audiences, leaving many to wonder: who was the person bringing this reptilian character to life? It wasn’t Brian Williams, as some jokingly speculated, nor was it Laura Benanti, despite her playful claims on Twitter. The answer was much closer to the choreography of the show itself: Charlie Williams, the assistant choreographer for Peter Pan Live!, was the man inside the croc suit.
Initially conceived as a “fun little part” by director and choreographer Rob Ashford, the role of the crocodile turned out to be anything but small. Williams, initially hesitant about taking on the part for fear of missing out on other aspects of the production, ultimately embraced the challenge, unaware of the iconic status the crocodile would soon achieve. Far from being a CGI creation, the crocodile was entirely brought to life by Williams, a fact that surprised many viewers who praised the realism of the character and even wished it had been a person in a suit all along.
Stepping into the croc suit was no easy feat. Williams describes it as “not the most comfortable thing ever.” Transitioning from intricate dance numbers to maneuvering in a bulky costume required considerable adjustment. Working closely with costume designer Catherine Zuber, Williams contributed to the design process to ensure he could effectively puppet the costume, achieving the desired posture with his head down and the crocodile’s spine extending upwards. Despite the collaborative design, the suit presented significant challenges. It was incredibly hot and cumbersome, especially with the added weight of a helmet. “I wouldn’t want to wear it around town,” Williams joked, but he acknowledged the unique and enjoyable experience it provided.
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The most significant hurdle Williams faced inside the Peter Pan crocodile costume was visibility. With his head positioned low within the suit, his nose was practically pressed to the ground to maintain the crocodile’s head level. Navigating the stage became an exercise in auditory and spatial awareness. “I was just listening for people around the stage, and I had to find landmarks in Neverland to guide me,” he explained. This lack of direct vision made interacting with other actors, like Christopher Walken, who played Captain Hook, particularly challenging. Acting in scenes became an act of trust and reliance on spatial memory rather than visual cues.
Adding to the complexity was the sheer weight of the costume. While designed to be as light as possible, the crocodile head, extending two to three feet beyond Williams’ own head, required a helmet for support. “In order to handle the weight of the croc face I had to have a head contraption that enabled me to manipulate it in the way I wanted,” Williams detailed. The weight distribution was managed with bungee cords that ran from the crocodile’s forehead down Williams’ back, requiring assistance from a dresser to secure him into the elaborate outfit.
To embody the persona of the Peter Pan crocodile, Williams delved into research on crocodile movements. His aim was to strike a balance between realism and the fantastical nature of Neverland. The costume’s design, with its vibrant colors of purples and blues, already hinted at a departure from a typical crocodile. This allowed Williams artistic license in his movement, opting for a slower, more deliberate gait to convey confidence and menace. “To me slower was better—it was more confident, and more scary,” he noted.
Rehearsing with Christopher Walken, Captain Hook himself, was a unique experience. Walken’s unpredictable nature and constant engagement kept rehearsals lively. “You never know what Walken’s going to do. That’s part of his charm. He’s always on,” Williams shared. As assistant choreographer, Williams had the opportunity to work closely with Walken on his dance numbers, fostering a strong working relationship. Walken’s fascination with the crocodile suit was immediate and persistent. Throughout rehearsals, he eagerly anticipated seeing the full costume, and upon its reveal, he was thoroughly impressed. This enthusiasm translated into their scenes together, with Walken even adding improvised lines that acknowledged the crocodile’s presence, enhancing the playful banter between Hook and his reptilian nemesis.
The reaction to the Peter Pan crocodile exceeded all expectations. The character’s unexpected popularity spawned memes and online adoration, with Mashable declaring it the “true breakout star.” Williams was “completely flattered” by the overwhelmingly positive response, especially considering the crocodile’s limited screen time. The unique nature of the costume and performance resonated with viewers, leading to widespread acclaim and even humorous rumors about celebrities like John Travolta being inside the suit.
For Williams, a quintessential crocodile moment was “The Duel” scene on Marooners’ Rock. In this pivotal scene, the crocodile intervenes to protect Peter Pan from Captain Hook. Emerging from the lagoon mist to defend Peter was a physically and narratively significant moment. During rehearsals with Allison Williams, who played Peter Pan, they developed an understanding that the crocodile and Peter were allies, a dynamic that informed Williams’ performance. Even though his facial expressions were hidden within the suit, this sense of camaraderie underpinned his portrayal of the now-iconic Peter Pan crocodile, the unexpected breakout star of Peter Pan Live!.
