In recent years, Disney has been reviving some of its most beloved animated classics — including “The Lion King,” “Mulan,” “Dumbo” and more — by remaking them as live-action films, and the latest cartoon movie that will get the live-action treatment is “Hercules.”
The original animated version that is based on the mythological hero Hercules premiered back in 1997.
The original movie was directed by Ron Clements and Jon Musker. Hercules was voiced by Tate Donovan, and James Woods played villainous ruler of the underworld Hades. Susan Egan voiced Megara, a young woman enslaved by Hades who becomes Hercules’s love interest. Danny DeVito voiced Phil, Hercules’ mentor.
This is not the first time Disney has reimagined “Hercules” with live actors, as it was adapted for the stage at the Delacorte Theater in New York City’s Central Park in 2019. That production featured some of the classic songs from the animated film, such as “Zero to Hero,” “I Won’t Say (I’m in Love)” and “Go the Distance” as well as some new, original numbers.
The live-action remake will be produced by “Avengers: Endgame and Infinity War” filmmakers Joe and Anthony Russo under their production company, AGBO. No official casting has been announced, but that hasn’t stopped people from speculating about who they’d like to see snag some of the top roles.
On April 16, Ariana Grande performed a stunning rendition of “I Won’t Say (I’m in Love)” from the animated film as part of the “Disney Family Singalong” on ABC, leading fans to express their hope that she’d portray Megara in the live-action version. After all, we already know she can seriously rock a high ponytail!
Check out her amazing performance in the clip posted to YouTube below:
Now, Josh Gad, who voiced Olaf in the “Frozen” movies and played LeFou in Disney’s live-action remake of “Beauty and the Beast,” has also joined the chorus of people who think Grande’s a shoe-in for the role.
“She would be amazing as Meg, she would be perfect, I would love to see that happen,” Gad told Variety.
Are you excited for the live-action “Hercules”?