Hoffman Joins Depp In 'Neverland'

Dustin Hoffman is in negotiations to join Johnny Depp in Miramax Films' "J.M. Barrie's Neverland."

The project, to be directed by "Monster's Ball" helmer Marc Forster

Depp will star as "Peter Pan" author J.M. Barrie in the true story of how Barrie wrote his classic story during the 1800s in England after bonding with four fatherless children who lived next door to him, essentially becoming their surrogate father.

Hoffman would play Charles Frohman, the real-life financial backer and producer of Barrie's productions -- including "Peter Pan" -- who was one of Barrie's few close friends outside his domestic circle.

Julie Christie, Kate Winslet and Radha Mitchell also star.

The movie is in production in London.