Disney's Hercules live-action remake: News, cast rumours and more clues
And that's the gospel truth!
Fans have been rather evenly split over Disney's live-action remakes of pretty much every animated classic. So far, we've had The Jungle Book, The Lion King, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Cruella and The Little Mermaid - and even more on the way such as The Aristocats and Moana, to name but a few.
In May 2020, it was announced that next in line to get the live-action treatment would be Hercules - the story of the Greek demi-god, whose classic animated movie was released in 1997, starring Tate Donovan, Danny DeVito, James Woods, Susan Egan and Rip Torn. Here, we look at everything we know about the remake so far - from the cast to the release date.
Latest news on the Hercules live-action remake
In April 2024, producers the Russo Brothers - best known for their work on Marvel films - gave an interview with Total Film, confirming that the project was still underway, but that they were still "waiting on a script". They also did not discuss whether Guy Ritchie was still attached to direct.
Who is in the cast of the Hercules live-action Disney remake?
We are yet to have any confirmation of official casting for the live-action Hercules film, however that hasn't stopped rumours being rife!
In July 2024, a fan-made cast list did the rounds on social media which went down VERY well among users of the site. With Zane Phillips as the titular character, the fake casting also saw Danne DeVito return as Philoctetes, Michael Keaton as Hades and Jodie Comer as Meg.
They also suggested that Jennifer Hudson would portray the lead gospel Muse, with Stanley Tucci in an "expanded role" as Hermes the messenger, then Simon Pegg and Nick Frost as Hades' sidekicks Pain and Panic. We've got to say, as fan-made cast lists go, this is a pretty solid one!
In May 2024, rumours circulated that Austin Butler was being eyed up for the lead role, after his star turns in Elvis, Masters of the Air and Dune: Part Two.
Speculation also rose in the same month that Dua Lipa could be taking on the iconic role of Megara, according to DisInsider.
It was reported in January 2021 that two huge Hollywood actors are being considered for the main role of Hercules - Rocketman's Taron Egerton and Black Panther star Michael B. Jordan, according to DisInsider.
Will Ariana Grande and Taron Egerton be in the film?
The original rumours reportedly suggested that Taron Egerton and Ariana Grande were the top choices to take on the lead roles in the film. CBR reported that 'trusted scooper Daniel Richtman' claimed that Taron and Ariana were 'being eyed by Disney' for the roles of Hercules and Megara.
However, these rumours are currently unconfirmed and haven't been in circulation since the film was first announced.
Will Danny DeVito reprise his role?
Ah, the question on all of our lips. As fans of the original film will know, Danny DeVito lent his vocals to voice the character of sarcastic Satyr Philoctetes. Quickly becoming one of the most beloved characters in the film, we're all left wondering if Danny will reprise his role for the live-action remake.
Well, in February 2023, it's safe to say he seemed pretty keen! Appearing on the YouTube channel WIRED, Danny answered the Internet's most searched questions on him - including: 'Will Danny DeVito be in the live-action Hercules?'
In a proud response, Danny joked: "I am the live-action Hercules! What are you talkin' about? Philoctetes!
"If they don't put me in that, they don’t have a hair on their a--!"
So, by the sounds of things, he's down for appearing in the upcoming film - get him on the phone, Disney!
Was a cast list released for Hercules?
In June 2020, a 'cast list' did the rounds, originally shared on Facebook page RuPaul's Drag Race Family - and whilst everyone had concluded it to be fake, it's pretty much perfect and Disney fans are crossing their fingers that Disney bosses will take note!
To All The Boys I Loved Before star Noah Centineo would play Hercules in the live-action version, with Killing Eve's incredibly talented Jodie Comer to play his sassy love interest, Meg. Jeff Goldblum would become Hades, with John Wick's Ian McShane playing Hercules' father Zeus and Dame Helen Mirren portraying his mother, Hera.
We've all concluded that no-one else could step into Danny DeVito's shoes as Phil the Satyr - even Danny himself - so he'd return as Hercules' mentor. Comedy duo Simon Pegg and Nick Frost would be Hades' sidekicks Pain and Panic, with Stanley Tucci serving as Zeus' right-hand man, Hermes.
The five Muses would be played by Jennifer Hudson, Janelle Mona, Keke Palmer, Coco Jones and Glee's Amber Riley, and the three Fates would be Peaky Blinders' Helen McCrory, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt star Carol Kane and Imelda Staunton.
Fans were seriously hyped about any of these becoming a possibility, with many taking to the comments to express their hope. One wrote: 'I wish it was real! I never even thought of Noah and I think he’d be wonderful!' and another added: 'Love the actor who plays Hercules, but I would have liked seeing someone ginger, maybe they can dye his hair 😂.'
When will the film be released?
Sadly, there is no official release date just yet for the live-action remake of Hercules.
Towards the end of 2022, director Guy Ritchie admitted that he hoped to make the live-action film 'within the next year' - meaning that it would have arrived by the end of 2023. He said: "I used to make one movie a year. I’d quite like to make three movies a year. Because I like it, it’s not hard work for me."
Who is producing and directing the live-action remake of Hercules?
Joe and Anthony Russo - AKA The Russo Brothers, best known for being the brains behind Avengers: Endgame and Infinity War - will produce the film, but not direct it.
The director job was originally thought to be going to none other than Guy Ritchie, who is known for titles such as Snatch, The Gentlemen, and Robert Downey Jr's Sherlock Holmes series.
However, in January 2024, it was reported by Daniel Richtman at The Hollywood Handle that Guy had parted ways with the project - but no reasons were given for his alleged departure.
The Hercules live-action remake is still in early development.
Who is writing the script?
Writing the script will be Dave Callaham, who wrote the Expendables film series and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, as well as Wonder Woman 1984 and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse 2.
Will the story stay the same?
As we have seen with plenty of the Disney live-action remakes so far, the storylines have pretty much stuck to the originals. However, The Russo Brothers revealed in a press event that the live-action remake of Hercules will take a “modern spin” on the original.
The brothers assured us all that the live-action remake will keep the spirit of the original 1997 animated film, whilst also adding new laughs and directions. It has been reported that the upcoming film won’t be a direct remake of the original, however will take inspiration from how 'funny and subversive' it is, embracing the 1997 film's 'humour'.
The brothers previously mentioned that the upcoming Hercules live-action would take inspiration from TikTok, noting the changes in ways content is absorbed, and new ways to appeal to audiences.
He told Radio Times: "We live in a world where most of your audience under 30 is now informed by their social media habits and it changes the way that they consume content and information and storytelling. As the storyteller, you have to be aware of changing habits..."
Using the success of 2022's Matilda the Musical as an example of adapting to appeal to audiences, he said: "I think Matilda was a great example of a movie that, because of TikTok, it became a bit of a sensation with an under-30 audience.
"I think that’s part of the fun of telling global stories, when people all over the world are suddenly mimicking a dance from a clip from your movie and I got as much enjoyment as anybody out of watching those Matilda clips and that’s what I was speaking to – this idea of understanding what world you live in and how people are communicating and what it is that excites them about new stories."
Will Ariana Grande feature in the film?
With rumours still swirling around the casting for the upcoming film, a petition is doing the rounds to get Ariana Grande playing the love interest Meg. The frenzy to get the 'Positions' singer involved came about after her stunning rendition of Hercules' 'I Won't Say I'm In Love' - for Disney's Family Singalong in lockdown 2020 (the April one, to be precise) - where she took on the singing roles of both Meg AND the five Muses.
Fans will of course be hoping that the live-action remake stays true to the original animated classic, keeping the incredible songs written by Disney legend Alan Menken and - hopefully - Danny DeVito playing the role of satyr Philoctetes. Because, really, who else could play that role?!
Composer Alan Menken gave an update on the project in June 2023. When asked about the live-action remake of The Hunchback of Notre Dame by ComicBook.com, he also addressed the Hercules adaptation: "The Hercules movie is apparently underway and I got some inklings of what's going on, but just some, and I've been more involved with the Broadway show off of Hercules, which is coming, and it's really exciting."
Who knows which way the Russo Brothers will take it!
All the live-action remakes Disney have released so far:
The Little Mermaid
Released: 26th May 2023
Remake of: The Little Mermaid (1989)
Rumours about live-action remake of The Little Mermaid had been swirling for many years, but when Halle Bailey was cast in the titular role as Ariel in July 2019, fans began to get excited!
Legendary Disney composer Alan Menken returned to the franchise to handle the music, while the cast saw Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, Javier Bardem as King Triton, Melissa McCarthy as Ursula the Sea Witch, Awkwafina as Scuttle the seagull and Jacob Tremblay as Ariel's BFF Flounder.
Peter Pan & Wendy
Released: 28th April 2023
Remake of: Peter Pan (1953)
A film called Peter Pan & Wendy was rumoured to be in the works when a casting call was put out in January 2020 for child actors.
In September 2022, Disney shared that the film will debut on Disney+ in 2023, and now it's been confirmed the movie will land on Friday 28th April 2023, with a cast including Alexander Molony, Ever Anderson, Jude Law, Yara Shahidi and Alyssa Wapanatâhk.
Pinocchio
Released: 8th September 2022
Remake of: Pinocchio (1940)
The live-action remake of Pinocchio had Robert Zemeckis directing, best known for Back to the Future, The Polar Express, Forrest Gump, Cast Away and the remake ofThe Witches. Tom Hanks starred as Geppetto, Pinocchio's father, and Luke Evans of Beauty and the Beast played the evil Coachman. In true Disney style, it also got a sprinkling of CGI magic!
Cruella
Released: 28th May 2021
Remake of: Prequel of One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961) and 101 Dalmatians (1996)
Cruella the film is a prequel set in the 1970s, exploring Cruella De Vil's origin story and detailing how she went from a fashion designer in London to the villain we know and hate-to-love in the original film.
The film starred Emma Stone in the titular role, Emma Thompson as the Baroness, Paul Walter Hauser as Horace, Joel Fry as Jasper, Mark Strong as Boris, Emily Beecham as Anita, Kirby Howell-Baptiste as Tabitha and Jamie Demetriou as Gerald.
Mulan
Released: March 2020 in a limited cinematic run and on Disney+ in September 2020
Remake of: Mulan (1998)
Sadly, the release of the live-action Mulan remake was postponed due to the Coronavirus. Originally slated for release on 27th March 2020, the film was pushed back a few times, before being taken off the release calendar in July and released on Disney+ instead. The film carried a premium fee, and was originally put out on the service on 4th September.
Die-hard Disney fans were shocked when it was revealed film bosses had decided to cut Mulan's love interest from the original - Li Shang. Not only that, but director Niki Caro revealed to Moviefone that it would be a non-musical film too. However, Mulan does have a romantic storyline with character Chen Honghui, played by Yoson An.
Lady And The Tramp
Released: 12th November 2019 on Disney+
Remake of: Lady And The Tramp (1955)
A live-action version of The Lady and The Tramp came out on Disney+ in November 2019, with Tessa Thompson and Justin Theroux taking on the voices of the eponymous Lady and the Tramp. Singer Janelle Monáe performed the character of Peg, and Thomas Mann played Jim Dear - who opened up about working with real-life dogs.
The film also starred Sam Elliott, Kiersey Clemons, Benedict Wong, Ashley Jensen and Yvette Nicole Brown. The film was not released theatrically in cinemas, instead being exclusively available to stream on Disney's on-demand service, Disney+.
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
Released: 18th October 2019
Remake of: Sleeping Beauty (1959) and a sequel to Maleficent (2014)
This film is a follow-up to the 2014 live-action reimagined tale of Sleeping Beauty, and saw Angelina Jolie return as the horned villain with Elle Fanning also reprising her role as Aurora. The first trailer for Maleficent: Mistress of Evil dropped in May 2019, giving fans their first glimpse of Angelina back in the suit and also revealing the release date, while a second trailer let fans see a little more of Michelle Pfeiffer's character, Queen Ingrith, who had a hidden agenda..
The official synopsis read: 'A fantasy adventure that picks up several years after Maleficent, in which audiences learned of the events that hardened the heart of Disney's most notorious villain and drove her to curse a baby Princess Aurora.'
Other returning cast members included Sam Riley as Diaval, Imelda Staunton as Knotgrass, Juno Temple as Thistlewit and Lesley Manville as Flittle. Along with Michelle, new cast members include Ed Skrein, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Robert Lindsay. Harris Dickinson will be replacing Brenton Thwaites as Prince Phillip.
The Lion King
Released: 19th July 2019
Remake of: The Lion King (1994)
Arguably the most publicised film in the list, the announcement of The Lion King remake left a lot of Disney fans feeling unsure - that was, until the cast announcement was made and Beyoncé was cast as the voice of Nala.
Donald Glover AKA Childish Gambino also took on the role of Simba and James Earl Jones reprised his role as Mufasa. After all, who else could step into those deep, booming shoes? Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen were also part of the cast, playing Timon and Pumbaa in the film which was released in July 2019.
Aladdin
Released: 24th May 2019
Remake of: Aladdin (1992)
The live-action remake of Aladdin was kept largely under wraps, but the Guy Ritchie-directed movie finished filming in January 2018 and was released in the UK on 24th May 2019 to critical acclaim. It was a box office smash, grossing a whopping $1 billion worldwide. This made it the sixth highest-grossing film of 2019, and the 34th highest-grossing film of all time.
Starring Mena Massoud as Aladdin and Naomi Scott as Princess Jasmine, Will Smith absolutely bossed his role as the Genie, taking over from the late, great Robin Williams. Who could have ever doubted his casting?!
Dumbo
Released: 29th March 2019
Remake of: Dumbo (1941)
Whilst the original film focussed on Dumbo the elephant, his mouse friend Timothy and his flying abilities, the new movie had more to do with his life at the circus and his human friends.
Although the cast wasn't enormous, it was made up of quite a few big names. Led by Colin Farrell as war veteran and former circus performer Holt Farrier, Thandie Newton's real-life daughter Nico Parker made her on-screen debut as Holt's daughter Milly, befriending the timid elephant.
Michael Keaton starred as the film's villain, V. A. Vandemere, who tried to exploit Dumbo for money; Danny DeVito was as circus owner Max Medici and Eva Green as trapeze artist Colette Marchant. The film had mixed reviews, and earned a worldwide cumulative gross of $353 million.
Christopher Robin
Released: 3rd August 2018
Remake of: Winnie the Pooh films
The live-action Christopher Robin remake was truly one of the most heartwarming films of the year. Starring Ewan McGregor as a grown-up Christopher Robin, the film showed how he had become an adult and forgotten his old friends, before finding them again and going on a hilarious adventure.
The nostalgic feeling really resonated with older audiences, as well as delighting children with the talking stuffed animals. Alongside Ewan for the cast joined Marvel star Hayley Atwell as his wife Evelyn, as well as Mark Gatiss as his boss. Long-time Disney voice legend Jim Cummings voiced both Winnie the Pooh as well as Tigger, with Brad Garrett as Eeyore, Peter Capaldi as Rabbit, Sophie Okonedo as Kanga and Toby Jones as Owl. The film earned a total worldwide gross of $197.6 million.
Beauty and the Beast
Released: 17th March 2017
Remake of: Beauty and the Beast (1991)
The hugely-anticipated live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast was massively popular, grossing $1.2 billion worldwide and becoming the highest-grossing live-action musical film. It also became the second-highest-grossing film of 2017!
Starring Harry Potter star Emma Watson as Belle and Dan Stevens as the Beast, Luke Evans also joined the cast as Gaston, and Kevin Kline starred as Belle's father, Maurice. Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Ian McKellen and Emma Thompson also voiced the household objects. The film received two nominations at the BAFTAs, and another two for Academy Awards.
Alice Through The Looking Glass
Released: 27th May 2016
Remake of: Alice in Wonderland (1951) and sequel to Alice In Wonderland (2010)
Alice Through the Looking Glass was a sequel to the 2010 film Alice in Wonderland, and most of the cast reprised their roles. Mia Wasikowska starred as the eponymous Alice, with Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter and Anne Hathaway as the White Queen. Matt Lucas starred as Tweedledee and Tweedledum, with Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen and Sacha Baron Cohen as Time.
In the voice cast, Alan Rickman starred as Absolem the Butterfly (formerly the Caterpillar), and the film was also dedicated to him as he sadly passed away four months before the film's release. Stephen Fry was the Cheshire Cat, Michael Sheen was the White Rabbit and Dame Barbara Windsor starred as the Dormouse.
The Jungle Book
Released: 15th April 2016
Remake of: The Jungle Book (1967)
The live-action remake of The Jungle Book was a visually stunning film, and the performance of then 12-year-old Neel Sethi as Mowgli was incredible! It also starred Bill Murray as Baloo the bear, Ben Kingsley as Bagheera the panther, Idris Elba as Shere Khan the tiger, Lupita Nyong'o as Raksha the wolf, Scarlett Johansson as Kaa the snake and Christopher Walken as King Louie.
It had a worldwide total gross of $966.6 million, and won Best Visual Effects at the Academy Awards and Best Special Visual Effects at the BAFTA Film Awards. There's also a sequel in the works.
Cinderella
Released: 13th March 2015
Remake of: Cinderella (1950)
After the success of Alice In Wonderland and Maleficent, Disney bosses turned their attention to another Disney Princess to receive the live-action treatment, and chose Cinderella. Beautifully performed by Lily James, the film was directed by Kenneth Branagh and also starred Cate Blanchett, Richard Madden, Stellan Skarsgård, Derek Jacobi and Helena Bonham Carter.
Earning a worldwide gross of $543 million, the film received a nomination for Best Costume Design at the Academy Awards and for Costume Design at the BAFTA Film Awards.
Maleficent
Released: 30th May 2014
Remake of: Sleeping Beauty (1959)
Angelina Jolie led the cast of Maleficent, which was a remake of Sleeping Beauty but from the point of the original film's villain, whom the new film is named after. Starring Elle Fanning as Aurora, Maleficent earned a worldwide gross of $758.5 million and became the fourth-highest-grossing film of 2014. It received an Academy Award nomination for Best Costume Design.
Alice In Wonderland
Released: 5th March 2010
Remake of: Alice In Wonderland (1951)
The first film in the Alice In Wonderland remake came out in 2010, starring Mia Wasikowska as Alice Kingsleigh, Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter and Anne Hathaway as the White Queen. Helena Bonham Carter also joined the cast as the evil Red Queen. The stellar voice cast starred Alan Rickman starred as Absolem the Caterpillar, Stephen Fry as the Cheshire Cat, Michael Sheen as the White Rabbit, Dame Barbara Windsor as the Dormouse and Christopher Lee as The Jabberwocky.
It earned a worldwide gross of over $1 billion, and won Academy Awards for Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design, Best Costume Design and Best Makeup and Hair at the BAFTA Film Awards and had three Golden Globe nominations. A sequel was released in 2016.
101 Dalmatians
Released: 27th November 1996
Remake of: One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)
Although 101 Dalmatians was released over 10 years before any of the other live-action remakes, the Glenn Close film which came out in 1996 was actually Disney's first-ever live-action remake!
The storyline was pretty similar to the 1961 animated classic, One Hundred and One Dalmatians, and starred Glenn Close as Cruella De Vil, Jeff Daniels as Roger, Joely Richardson as Anita, Joan Plowright as Nanny, Hugh Laurie as Jasper, Mark Williams as Horace and Tim McInnerny as Alonzo.
The film earned a worldwide gross of $320.7 million, and Glenn Close was nominated for Best Actress at the Golden Globes, with the film also earning a BAFTA nomination for best makeup effects. It also had a sequel, 102 Dalmatians, which was released in 2000.
Read more:
All the details we know so far about Disney's upcoming live-action remakes
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