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Yes, the Russo brothers are producing a Hercules live-action remake

No, no one has been cast yet

Hercules holds Phil the satyr
Hercules holds Phil the satyr
Image: Disney
Petrana Radulovic
Petrana Radulovic is an entertainment reporter specializing in animation, fandom culture, theme parks, Disney, and young adult fantasy franchises.

The rumors swirling around a live-action Hercules remake are true: Yes, the Russo brothers are involved in a live-action treatment of Hercules. No, they will not be directing. No, no one has been cast yet, so there is still time to get Amber Riley and Lizzo on board as Muses.

While a Twitter moment about the fancasting of Hercules live-action project started trending earlier on Thursday after a report from Disney blog DisInsider, the official announcement came sometime on the afternoon of April 30 from The Hollywood Reporter, clarifying some of the statements that were percolating. The Russo brother are attached to produce the remake of the 1997 animated film, with The Expendables screenwriter Dave Callaham penning the script. There are no further details on the project and whether it will be a near shot-for-shot remake like The Lion King or reinvent the concept like Mulan are yet to be seen.

The 1997 movie was a loose retelling of the Greek myth of Herakles — and also the oldest story Disney ever adapted — featuring Danny Devito as a smart-talking satyr and some killer music.

This potential remake joins a long string of Disney live-action (or enhanced CG) remakes of animated classics. Some, like The Little Mermaid starring R&B singer Halle Bailey, are well on their way in production, while others, like Bambi, have only just manifested as titles with attached screenwriters.

There is no release date or production date on this Hercules project, but the original 1997 movie is available on Disney Plus.


A side-by-side graphic of the Disney Plus, ESPN Plus, and Hulu logosA side-by-side graphic of the Disney Plus, ESPN Plus, and Hulu logos
$13

Disney is offering a bundle combining its three streaming services — Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus — for $12.99/month.

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