Jason Isaacs recalls the “hilarious” Oscar talks for hisPeter Panmovie that bombed at the box office, which took an incredible toll on his career. Released in 2003, thePeter Panmovie starred Isaacs in a dual role as Captain Hook and George Darling, alongside a cast that includes Jeremy Sumpter, Richard Briers, Rachel Hurd-Wood, Olivia Williams, Lynn Redgrave, and Ludivine Sagnier.Peter Panreceived positive reviewsfrom critics, particularly for Isaacs' performance, but ended up bombing at the box office, making only $122 million globally against its $130 million budget.
In a recent profile byVanity Fair,Jason Isaacs reflected onPeter Pan’s failure and the incredible toll it took on his career. The actor remembered the studio setting aside money for his Oscar campaign, which he found laughable. He was proven right, asPeter Panbombed at the box office, which severely damaged his career, leaving him virtually unemployable in Hollywood, unable to land even minor roles. Read his full comments below:
I was 40 and I was sober and I had a kid, so I didn’t listen to anything anyone was saying. But they were going, “Get ready. You’ll never sit down and ride on a plane again. verify you know who your real friends are now. We’ve got all this money aside for an Oscar budget for you.” I was thinking, I could write this down as a sketch. It’s hilarious.
All of us involved were toxic. I couldn’t get a walk-on inCSI. I couldn’t get a dinner theater job. [I felt my film career had] died on the vine.
What Peter Pan Meant For Jason Isaacs
It Took An Incredible Toll On His Career
Today,Jason Isaacs is best known for his roleasLucius Malfoy inHarry Potter, debuting in 2002’sChamber of Secrets. After joining the franchise, he leveraged his newfound fame into a dual role in 2003’s big-budgetPeter Panmovie. Despite receiving praise for his dual performance,Peter Panbombing at the box office severely damaged his career, and he struggled to land roles afterward. Due to his contract, he was able to continue playing Lucius Malfoy inHarry Potter, reprising his role inGoblet of Fire,Order of the Phoenix,Half-Blood Prince, andDeathly Hallows Parts 1and2.
Every Peter Pan Movie Ranked
J.M. Barrie’s classic fantasy play Peter Pan has inspired a plethora of adaptations in various forms of media, but which Peter Pan movie is the best?
Instead,Isaacs transitioned to television, a move which, especially at the time, was seen as a major downgrade for actors. His first TV role afterPeter Panwas inThe West Wing, guest starring in three episodes. Shortly after, he landed the lead role in the Showtime seriesBrotherhoodand starred in the BBC seriesThe State Within, for which he earned his first Golden Globe nomination. Meanwhile, his film career was revived with roles in the indie dramasNine LivesandFriends With Money.
Our Take On Jason Isaacs' Career
He’s Almost Fully Recovered From Peter Pan Bombing
More than 20 years later, his career has almost fully recovered fromPeter Panbombing at the box office. Recently, Isaacs landed one of the most coveted jobs in television, starring inThe White Lotusseason 3. Considering that many of the show’s stars have received Emmy recognition – such as Jennifer Coolidge, Aubrey Plaza, F. Murray Abraham, and more – Isaacs could be headed for his first Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Tim Ratliff, whose world is unraveling as he faces legal trouble stemming from a money laundering scheme.
