Why is it, that in some live-action performances of "Peter Pan", a female is chosen to play the male/lead character?

There have been male actors in the role, of course, such as Robin Williams and Jeremy Sumpter, but in what appears to be the majority of cases, casting directors seem to prefer females as the Peter Pan character, selecting either a young girl, or a petite woman for that role.

When that is done, you’ll notice that Peter and Wendy never kiss, because of the so-called “lesbian connotations” such a scene might suggest to audiences.

Are the females selected, chosen for their more “graceful-looking” flying abilities (athletics), or because they can provide a much better (if needed) singing voice?

What’s your guess?

September 3, 2008, 1:32 PM EDT