Disney's Live-Action Hercules is slowly moving ahead with the Russo Brothers producing and Guy Ritchie in the director's chair. The animated Hercules was released over two decades ago in 1997 and followed the ancient Greek demigod Hercules from baby to hero, while also focusing on Hades' goals of overthrowing Mount Olympus. With a cast that included the inimitable Danny DeVito as the hero training half-goat Phil, James Woods as the ill-tempered Hades, and the late Rip Torn as Zeus, the animated Hercules is considered a Disney classic. A live-action Hercules being part of Disney's plans to revitalize their animated back catalog isn't at all surprising.
While the release date may still be a little ways off, there have been a few teases and reveals about the live-action Hercules. The Russo Brothers, known for directing Marvel's Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, are attached as producers. Guy Ritchie, who helmed Disney's live-action Aladdin, has been tapped to direct. Details beyond this remain scarce, but they aren't non-existent, and the remake of Hercules could be one of Disney's most intensely discussed projects in the not-too-distant future.
Most Recent Disney Live-Action Hercules News
News on the live-action Hercules remake has been relatively quiet from Disney throughout 2023, although this is largely due to the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. The relative silence when it comes to development updates isn't a situation unique to Hercules, even among Disney projects. Prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike commencing in July 2023, however, there were some rumors about the live-action Hercules cast.
Reports began circulating in August that Danny DeVito was in talks with Disney to reprise his role as Philocetes in the live-action Hercules(via CBR). While there's not been any official confirmation from Disney on this, it seems likely to be true. DeVito's voice work as Phil was iconic in the original Hercules and — as viewers of his current work like It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia can attest to - he certainly has the physicality required to play the half-sized Satyr responsible for training Hercules.
Danny DeVito has always been candid about his desire to return to the cast of Hercules to play Phil in a live-action remake. Speaking to Wired in 2022, DeVito clarified his position on the role in typical crass-yet-humorous fashion:
"Will Danny DeVito be in the live-action Hercules? I am the live-action Hercules, what are you talking about. Philoctetes? If they don't put me in that they don't have a hair on their a--."
Disney's Live-Action Hercules Is Confirmed
Disney confirmed their live-action Hercules remake in 2022 (via The New York Times). The Russo Brothers were attached to the project shortly afterward. Speaking in November 2022, Joe Russo teased that development had already started and that the Hercules remake would be experimental and, curiously, inspired by TikTok. “Audiences today have been trained by TikTok, right? What is their expectation of what that musical looks like and feels like?" Joe Russo explained (via Variety). "That can be a lot of fun and help us push the boundaries a little bit on how you execute a modern musical.”
Speaking in 2022, Guy Ritchie teased that he hoped to get the movie completed "within the year" (via ScreenDaily). While these comments were made prior to 2023 and the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes that halted production and development on almost all movie projects, it still indicates the live-action Hercules release isn't a distant prospect. It's unknown if the Hercules remake will have a theatrical release or head straight to Disney+.
Disney Hercules Live-Action Cast
Whilst there are no officially confirmed cast members attached to Hercules so far, there have been many rumors circulating that suggest a star from the animated version of the film may make a reappearance. Josh Gad has spoken out believing that Danny DeVito should reprise his role as Phil, Hercules' satyr trainer. When looking to cast Disney's live-action Hercules, one of the voice actors of the original animation would certainly be welcomed by legacy fans.
Although no actors are on board so far, there is a precedent for Disney live-action adaptations to call upon historical talent. The Lion King recast James Earl Jones in the iconic role of Mufasa, refusing to believe anyone else could fulfill this role t because of this, many fans believe it is entirely possible that Disney would ask Devito to reprise his role too.
Disney's Live-Action Hercules Story & Plot Changes
The story of the live-action Hercules likely won't differ much from the animated original. With most of Disney's previous live-action installations, the remakes have often followed the overarching plot laid out by the original Disney films. However, to appeal to a new audience whilst securing returning fans, Hercules may add additional sequences that showcase CGI technology becoming more impressive, as well as Hercules' might. The character is based upon the Greek "Twelve Trails of Hercules" legend and this myth forms the basis of Phil's training in the animated film. A similar structure may serve the live-action reboot well.
As audiences have seen in previous live-action adaptations, Disney normally desires to stick closely to the original story, whilst promoting the opportunity for filmmakers to add depth, and backstory to extend the plot and create a true blockbuster. In Beauty and the Beast, for instance, new songs were added, and a backstory was built to explain the absence of Belle's mother.
In Dumbo even more artistic license was used, adding many characters and additional plot points to an otherwise shallow story. Referring back to the Russo brothers' comments on the progress of the film, it appears they are keen to expand and extend upon the Hercules story that everyone grew up loving. While there may not be Disney songs for these characters, it seems likely that some changes will be made.
