U.S. actor Johnny Depp poses during a photo call at the Venice Lido, September 4, 2004. Depp is starring in the Swiss director Mark Forster's movie 'Finding Neverland' being shown at the Venice film festival. (Photo: Dayoo)

U.S. actor Johnny Depp (L) and British actress Kate Winslet pose during a photo call at the Venice Lido September 4, 2004. Depp and Winslet are starring in the Swiss director Mark Forster's movie 'Finding Neverland' being shown at the Venice film festival. (Photo: Dayoo)

U.S. actor Johnny Depp poses during a photo call at the Venice Lido September 4, 2004. Depp is starring in the Swiss director Mark Forster's movie 'Finding Neverland' being shown at the Venice film festival. (Photo: Dayoo)

British actress Kate Winslet poses during a photo call at the Venice Lido, September 4, 2004. Winslet is starring in Swiss director Mark Forster's movie 'Finding Neverland', being shown at the Venice film festival. (Photo: Dayoo)

    BEIJING, Sept. 6 (Xinhuanet) -- Johnny Depp swooped into Venice on Saturday on a wave of Oscar optimism for his portrayal of Peter Pan's creator J.M. Barrie in the fantastical new film "Finding Neverland."

    The film, which premiers on Saturday at the Venice Film Festival, may be the second Peter Pan movie in as many years, but it's a fresh take on the timeless tale, reported CRIENGLISH.com.

    The film isn't due to be released in the United States until October, but critics are already touting Depp, who boasts a flawless Scottish accent as Barrie, for an Oscar nomination.

    Depp, whose appearance as a Keith Richards look-alike in "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" was hailed by critics, shows a gentle and impish side in "Finding Neverland."

    The film, one of 70 features screening at the 61st edition of the world's oldest cinema competition, is participating in the Midnight section for young audiences.

    The festival runs until Sept. 11.

(CRIENGLISH.com)