'' Finding Neverland '' is a 2004 historical fantasy drama film directed by Marc Forster and written by David Magee , based on the play '' The Man Who Was Peter Pan '' by Allan Knee . The film is about playwright J. M. Barrie and his relationship with a family who inspired him to create '' Peter Pan '' . The film earned four nominations at the 77th Academy Awards : Best Picture , Best Adapted Screenplay , and Best Actor for Johnny Depp , and won for Best Original Score . The film was the inspiration for the stage musical of the same name in 2012
77th Academy Awards
77th Academy Awards
Finding Neverland (film)