In this age of remakes and reboots (which is technically every age), it almost feels like there's only a matter of time before every nostalgic property gets a new coat of paint in one way or another. Now, it looks like Disney's Hercules is the latest one to be crossed off the list.
Hercules, the 1997 animated film with a soundtrack that goes way harder than it probably should, is the latest member of Disney's pantheon of classics to get the remake treatment, and it looks like the folks behind it have already hit the ground running. The media colossus has re-announced an upcoming live-action reimagining of its own riff on Greek mythology after originally teasing the Hercules remake in 2020. But rather than go for some new blood, it looks like Disney prefers to bring back an old friend for this project.
Deadline reports that Guy Ritchie, whose similarly live-action version of Aladdin in 2019 enjoyed a billion-dollar box office take, is back with Disney to oversee the new Hercules. Little is known about the project at the moment. But given the distinct visual style of the 1997 animated film and the characters' perpetual presence in the minds of Kingdom Hearts fans, it certainly has a bit of a reputation to live up to. Still, it's not difficult to imagine the intriguing possibilities.
Another interesting tidbit involves the film's production company. Hercules will be produced by AGBO, which some might recognize as the company started by Avengers: Endgame directing team Joe and Anthony Russo. While the duo is mostly known for their Marvel work these days, they also lent their expertise to shows like Arrested Development and Community, which could perk up the ears of some fans who may not have otherwise been interested in the upcoming remake. Suddenly, the possibility of Hercules appearing in the MCU oddly makes more sense.
Hercules charmed audiences in 1997 with its abruptly family-friendly take on the incredibly R-rated stories of Greek mythology. Featuring an art style that still largely sets itself apart from its peers both classic and modern, the film also boasted a catchy gospel-inspired soundtrack from Alan Menken, which likely helped elevate it far beyond what could have been a simple retelling of Hercules' tale. Combine that with a regular presence in almost every Kingdom Hearts game, and baby, they've got one godly stew going.
It's unclear if the live-action Hercules remake will pull most of its inspiration from the 1997 film or go straight for the source material like Disney did with 2020's Mulan. But however it turns out, fans everywhere will certainly have something to talk about for a while to come.
Hercules currently has no release date planned.
Source: Deadline