Hercules (Live-Action)

[nomad2010]

I’m shocked they aren’t trying to get Taika Waititi on this. I know he’s doing the next Thor but this movie is so far off there’s no way he couldn’t do it. He’s an expert at blending heart and humor and action. Whereas I think that the options listed never hit the emotional marks necessary for a story like this.

Yeah I agree. Another good candidate could have been James Gunn.

Oh I’d love to see what Gunn would do with this. That first Guardians opening with Chris Pratt dancing is enough to convince me he could direct a musical better than
Ritchie and Favreau combined.

[Sotiris]

I'm a bit worried that it's not confirmed yet it's a musical. I hope they don't pull a Mulan on us.

Disney is going to zero to hero once more, putting into development a live-action remake of its 1997 animated movie Hercules. The studio has hired Dave Callaham, the action scribe who launched The Expendables franchise and wrote Marvel’s upcoming Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, to pen the script. Joe and Anthony Russo, the filmmakers behind the Avengers: Endgame and Infinity War, are set to produce via their AGBO banner.

The new Hercules is in early development, and this being a Disney title, rumors have already swirled about other producers and even filmmakers. The Russos are the only producers on the project and will not direct, according to insiders.

There have also been casting rumors in recent weeks, partially spurred on by Ariana Grande's performance of the movie’s "I Won’t Say I’m in Love" during The Disney Family Singalong, which engendered a petition on Change.org for her to play Megara, the female lead. Idris Elba and Ryan Gosling’s names have also been floated by enthusiasts. But in reality, the project is far from the casting stage.

It is unclear what the new take on Hercules will be or if it will even keep the musical elements. Disney has taken varying approaches to its live-action remakes. Last year’s The Lion King, for example, hewed quite closely to the 1994 original while Mulan, set for released July 24, is a looser interpretation of its 1998 source material.

Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat- ... er-1292684

[UmbrellaFish]

I am looking forward to this. My favorite remake thus far has been Aladdin and I think if they do it right, this movie could follow in its footsteps. A wild, fun action/adventure comedy with a great soundtrack.

The muses will probably (mostly) not be names, and it’s important they cast for talent with these roles which form an ensemble, anyway. Hades will be a name— Zeus and hopefully Hera, too. Am I crazy for thinking Grande for Meg? Is it just the ponytail talking? She has a beautiful voice and I think could play a femme fatale. Herc I’d like to see an unknown. I’d like to see a racially diverse cast since other Herc adaptations have already gone there and the soundtrack is so black gospel infused.

How will they do Philoctetes? Will he remain a tiny satyr or will they scale him up? This is a role with which I think they could and maybe should go the James Earl Jones route— just recast Danny Devito. He’s still culturally relevant and it’s still perfect casting.

[Sotiris]

David Zippel tweeted the report of the remake being in the works while adding the following comment. This means he hasn't been asked yet to be involved with the film. Hopefully, he will be soon. I loved his jab on the Mulan remake not being a musical. Fingers crossed Disney won't screw him over again.

AMEN and this one better be a musical!!!

Source: https://twitter.com/DavidZippel/status/ ... 3668048897

[Sotiris]

Hercules is trending on Twitter because of the remake news.




Also, the Russo Brothers tweeted about it confirming their involvement with the film.


Source: https://twitter.com/Russo_Brothers/stat ... 0642358273

[DisneyFan97]

PLEASE cast Sacha Baron Cohen as Hades , he would be AMAZING !!!!

[Disney's Divinity]

This is another one, like the Lady-Gaga-as-Ursula rumors, where I feel she wouldn’t be very good even though I do like her… I guess if Ariana was cast, I wouldn’t be quite as disappointed as I would have if they’d picked Gaga, since at least Ariana fairly looks like Meg, whereas Gaga looks nothing like Ursula. I guess Idris Elba is being suggested for Zeus?? Ryan Gosling is way too old for Hercules, even if they aged the character to his thirties.

I dunno, this is starting to sound like a sure thing to me… I’m just surprised after all these years of Hercules getting the short end of the stick, it’s finally getting some time in the sun. The film went the distance eventually. With this and Hunchback getting done, Tarzan will be the only Renaissance film to have been ignored, which probably has to do with a rights issue with the source material only; no way Disney hadn't thought about it. We’ll have to make a thread ranking all the Renaissance originals and their re-makes (in separate lists, because you know all the re-makes will be at the bottom of everyone’s lists). I think TLK and Mulan will be the worst for me for sure--and for entirely opposite reasons, funnily enough.

EDIT: I totally forgot Pocahontas.

[Sotiris]

I don't like the sound of this one bit. This ambivalence and vagueness about it being a musical reminds me of Niki Caro's early comments on Mulan and we all know what that really meant. If they don't make this a musical, I will riot! The songs are inextricably interwoven with the narrative; they're an integral part of what made it so special. We don't need another dull, song-less Hercules. I don't understand how someone can claim they love the original, but are unsure if they want to include the songs in the remake.

Steve Weintraub spoke to the Russos recently about the project and they explained why they wanted to sign on. “Both us and our kids are Hercules fanatics,” said Anthony. “And we had heard that Disney was interested in revisiting it and we’re in love with the original. And we made a case as to why we felt we would be right to produce that film and here we are.”

The brothers noted that they were still very much in the early stages of development on the project to the point where they wouldn’t even note if it was a musical or not because they simply don’t know. “We can’t say one way or the other,” said Anthony before noting, “Music will certainly be a part of it.” That being said, it sounds like they were leaning in the direction of playing with the formula a bit and not doing a shot-for-shot remake like The Lion King or an overtly faithful version like Beauty and the Beast or Aladdin. Anthony explained:

"Well, I think you always have to bring something new to the table because from our perspective as storytellers, it’s not compelling for us to do a literal translation. We’ve already done that with our Marvel films. We don’t do literal translations of the comics because we feel like if you want that story you can go read that story. We’re going to give you a different story. I think we’ll do something that’s in the vein of the original and inspired by it, but we also bring some new elements to the table."

Source: https://collider.com/hercules-remake-ch ... rs-disney/

[UmbrellaFish]

I completely agree, Sotiris. It is so frustrating! I can forgive Disney for wresting most of the songs from the live action versions of Cinderella, Dumbo, and The Jungle Book— the music in the original movies didn’t drive the narrative forward in the same way that the music of the 90’s did. When you take the music out of the Renaissance films, you lose the films. You lose their whole identity. Why, why, why do they do this?

[Sotiris]

I have a few of theories why they do this. First of all, it's the lack of respect and appreciation for the original films and the medium of animation in general. Almost all of the remake filmmakers genuinely think they can improve on the silly, trivial cartoons. Removing the musical element is the quickest and easiest way in their mind to make these films appear more serious, grounded and different. Second, it's a profound lack of understanding and/or taste. These people just don't understand why these films are beloved nor can they recognize the ingredients that make them work. Most of them have a superficial or tenuous grasp of the material they're remaking. Third, it's the societal stigma that musicals carry. Musicals, and especially movie musicals, as an art form are derided and undervalued. Musicals are considered feminine and frivolous; something for women and gay men. And we know how much society loves both of those groups. Naturally, this cultural attitude extends to the filmmaking industry.

[Disney's Divinity]

I actually think if they pick Ariana, she could benefit the film just for the fact that she would demand it to be a musical. The original animated film is her favorite Disney film and she’s said she adores the soundtrack, so I don’t think she'd sign on if it’s not a musical.

Anyway, if they remove the music from this film, seriously f*** them. Mulan you can almost make an excuse for because it wasn’t exactly a cohesive soundtrack like Menken’s in the '90s, but to do it with Hercules or Hunchback would be nothing but pure, unadulterated BS. Have another studio inside of Disney make it then—just like something else should’ve made Mulan—if it’s not actually a re-make of the Disney film at all. I remember though, Sotiris, that Aladdin’s director wanted to delete that film’s songs, too. Seriously, wth is wrong with these people. Between this, and TLM, and *especially* Mulan, you have to wonder how these dipsticks even get these jobs. Making a re-make of a nostalgia-heavy animated film should be the easiest thing to do in the world; nobody expected the moon from these dregs, just something mostly similar. I wish my favorites could’ve got something more like Aladdin and B&tB, but it looks like they’re determined to screw each and every one of them all the way up.

And hopefully doing so will get them into a mass of controversy because it will mean cutting or sidelining five black characters—from a studio that has incredibly few black characters in their animated films to begin with.

[Sotiris]

I remember though, Sotiris, that Aladdin’s director wanted to delete that film’s songs, too. Seriously, with is wrong with these people.

It's true, Guy Ritchie wasn't very keen on doing a musical, but they film's producers were clear from the start they wanted a musical and said so in public early on. Guy Ritchie did undercut the musical aspect as much as he could and tried to make it more masculine and contemporary-sounding, but he wasn't allowed to remove the songs entirely.

Between this, and TLM, and *especially* Mulan, you have to wonder how these dipsticks even get these jobs. Making a re-make of a nostalgia-heavy animated film should be the easiest thing to do in the world.

I know, right? The amount of ineptitude going on with these remakes is staggering.

[Disney's Divinity]

I mean, I don't mind minor updates where it concerns making them more in-line for a 2020 audience or extraneous additions to boost the themes, but overhauling the films? Fine, but don't call it a "re-make" of a Disney film just to get your ticket sales higher. Nobody would want to see Joe Schmoe's Hercules at all, but they might get a few more dollars by falsely tying it to the Disney film. It's just so annoying for someone like me who would actually have looked forward to these films for minor enjoyment and the soundtracks (however inferior, they might come with some new songs and/or different takes that would give me a new eye when listening to the original films).

[Disney Duster]

I completely agree, Sotiris. It is so frustrating! I can forgive Disney for wresting most of the songs from the live action versions of Cinderella, Dumbo, and The Jungle Book— the music in the original movies didn’t drive the narrative forward in the same way that the music of the 90’s did. When you take the music out of the Renaissance films, you lose the films. You lose their whole identity. Why, why, why do they do this?

I must strongly disagree. Walt famously said he wanted his movies to have "story songs" that move the narrative forward. If you can take the music out of Walt films, you can take it out of Renaissance films, and just use visuals or dialogue. Music is equally important in both eras of Disney films.

[estefan]

I've already mentioned before that I was okay with Mulan removing the songs and I feel the same way about Hercules. And I actually consider Menken and Zippel's songs to be the best thing about the animated film! "A Star is Born", "Go the Distance" and "Zero to Hero" are my favourites on the soundtrack.

I guess I'm the opposite in that I prefer the live-action remakes do their own thing, so I'm not frequently comparing them to the animated films. "Cinderella" is my favourite of the remakes. It doesn't use the songs and changes the narrative and story structure, but Kenneth Branagh still kept the magic, enchantment and beauty that an adaptation of "Cinderella" should have.

I like to see the filmmakers putting their own spin on the material rather than try and copy what artists and animators already did before them. I think "Hercules" has a lot of potential to work as an action-adventure with comedic flourishes. They could maybe borrow a bit more from the original Greek mythology with less story beats borrowing from Superman's origins. I'm not asking they use the more hardcore elements (Disney wouldn't go for that), but you could have fun with the mythological figures. I always enjoyed the way the animated series used Greek mythology and the various Gods and beasts.

I think a major importance is making sure you get a charming lead for Hercules, who also shows what a big heart he has. Herc is a bit of a lunkhead in the animated movie. I know Richard Madden already played the Prince in "Cinderella", but he could bring the needed charm and likeability to the role.

[Farerb]

I've already mentioned before that I was okay with Mulan removing the songs and I feel the same way about Hercules. And I actually consider Menken and Zippel's songs to be the best thing about the animated film! "A Star is Born", "Go the Distance" and "Zero to Hero" are my favourites on the soundtrack.

I guess I'm the opposite in that I prefer the live-action remakes do their own thing, so I'm not frequently comparing them to the animated films. "Cinderella" is my favourite of the remakes. It doesn't use the songs and changes the narrative and story structure, but Kenneth Branagh still kept the magic, enchantment and beauty that an adaptation of "Cinderella" should have.

I like to see the filmmakers putting their own spin on the material rather than try and copy what artists and animators already did before them. I think "Hercules" has a lot of potential to work as an action-adventure with comedic flourishes. They could maybe borrow a bit more from the original Greek mythology with less story beats borrowing from Superman's origins. I'm not asking they use the more hardcore elements (Disney wouldn't go for that), but you could have fun with the mythological figures. I always enjoyed the way the animated series used Greek mythology and the various Gods and beasts.

I think a major importance is making sure you get a charming lead for Hercules, who also shows what a big heart he has. Herc is a bit of a lunkhead in the animated movie. I know Richard Madden already played the Prince in "Cinderella", but he could bring the needed charm and likeability to the role.

Good Luck.

I don't think Richard Madden is right for the role. He's better as a "Prince Charming/King Arthur" type of characters. I actually envision someone like Chris Hemsworth or Ryan Reynolds (if they don't need to sing, not that it matters to Disney).

[Disney's Divinity]

I've already mentioned before that I was okay with Mulan removing the songs and I feel the same way about Hercules. And I actually consider Menken and Zippel's songs to be the best thing about the animated film! "A Star is Born", "Go the Distance" and "Zero to Hero" are my favourites on the soundtrack.

No offense intended, but I can’t feign surprise at these comments. You’ve always been fine with whatever Disney chooses to do, right or wrong. Keep Lasseter on, fire him. Keep hand-drawn animation, get rid of it. Keep Menken, replace him. Keep M&C, fire them. Keep Gigantic in the pipeline, cancel it. Your response that Disney is always right would be the same regardless. I don’t take anything said personally because I honestly feel like you’re only a plant here to shill Disney’s bottom line. *shrug* Just sayin’.

That’s not an attack, just my perspective. Any time anything vaguely negative about Disney the company’s decision-making is said in any way, you always come to the defense and counter it as having really been the best choice they could’ve ever made. I always read your posts with that in mind. *shrug* Ho-hum.

[estefan]

I actually hate the fact they're not making hand-drawn animated films anymore and I have never bought into the PR-written statements for why Frozen, Zootopia and Moana are computer animated. One of my biggest disappointments with the Lasseter era is that he didn't fight harder to keep hand-drawn animation going. I'm also disappointed Gigantic was cancelled, as that's a project with a lot of promise and I hope they consider giving it another go one day. Ditto King of the Elves and Fraidy Cat. I've also long been opposed to Disney's purchase of 20th Century Fox and I still feel that way.

I feel not wanting to see a carbon copy of "Hercules" in live-action form is fairly consistent with views I've shared in the past. I didn't think much of "The Lion King" remake, because of how it so closely followed the original film and I thought the best parts of the "Aladdin" remake were when it was doing its own thing.

If I'm more prone to being positive, it's because I'm more likely to share opinions I'm positive about than grievances. I think about movies and shows I like far more than movies and shows I dislike. When it comes to upcoming projects, I always have a wait-and-see approach as I find it disrespectful to the filmmakers to criticise their work before seeing the whole film the way it was intended, from start to finish. That doesn't affect my final judgment, though. Of the 13 movies released by Disney last year (not counting Fox movies they inherited), I liked 8 of them.

Because this is a Disney forum, the large amount of my post count will lean towards Disney. But I like all of the major studios equally and I wish all of them well. I'm not offended, by the way. I like that my posts have a positive slant to them.

Regardless of whether they include the songs in "Hercules" or not or how much they choose to follow the animated film, I will still be curious what the filmmakers do with the material. They're using the songs in the "Little Mermaid" remake and I admit to being really intrigued with the approach Rob Marshall and his team are taking as the casting of Ariel and other little bits of info revealed thus far suggest it will be something a little different than what Clements and Musker did before. But I'm just going to wait and see.

[Farerb]

They're using the songs in the "Little Mermaid" remake and I admit to being really intrigued with the approach Rob Marshall and his team are taking as the casting of Ariel and other little bits of info revealed thus far suggest it will be something a little different than what Clements and Musker did before. But I'm just going to wait and see.

Besides Ariel being black, I don't see how their approach to TLM is that different than the animated film.

[Disney's Divinity]

I feel not wanting to see a carbon copy of "Hercules" in live-action form is fairly consistent with views I've shared in the past. I didn't think much of "The Lion King" remake, because of how it so closely followed the original film and I thought the best parts of the "Aladdin" remake were when it was doing its own thing.

If I'm more prone to being positive, it's because I'm more likely to share opinions I'm positive about than grievances. I think about movies and shows I like far more than movies and shows I dislike. When it comes to upcoming projects, I always have a wait-and-see approach as I find it disrespectful to the filmmakers to criticise their work before seeing the whole film the way it was intended, from start to finish. That doesn't affect my final judgment, though. Of the 13 movies released by Disney last year (not counting Fox movies they inherited), I liked 8 of them.

I share both positive and negative opinions I have. I don’t feel like you have to share positive opinions only otherwise you are some evil, no good, very bad person. I feel like my opinions have also been consistent. I believe in a middle ground with these remakes rather than these extremes where it has to be exactly shot-for-shot like TLK versus nothing like the original as with Mulan, Alice, now Hercules, etc. (the only film that’s been done that way that was any good has been The Jungle Book). I consider Maleficent different than a remake; it’s not even called Sleeping Beauty, so it being mediocre and a deviation doesn't bother me.

My post was more to say I take everything you say with a grain of salt, because it barely reads like a real person sometimes. Feel free to be positive. I just don't agree with you here and about many things apparently--including wanting to see a remake of DISNEY's Hercules, not some new adaptation of the myth that any studio could make (and flop with). They tie people who enjoy the original properties into watching these films by calling them a re-make, but don't want the negativity that comes with giving those original film's fans the middle finger. They want the money from, but not the responsibility to, those fans. Well, I'm sorry, but the world does not work that way and I won't apologize for raking Disney over the coals. If it's relentless, so be it.