Summary

• Disney's live-action Hercules, produced by the Russo Brothers and directed by Guy Ritchie, is in the works to revitalize their animated catalog.
• Danny DeVito may reprise his role as Philocetes, and his involvement seems likely, considering his iconic voice work and desire to return.
• The live-action Hercules will draw inspiration from TikTok and aim to push boundaries, potentially featuring impressive CGI sequences and expanding on the original story.

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 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.

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

The Russo Brothers Confirm Hercules Is Still Happening

the Russos merely stated that they are still "waiting on a script" but didn't touch on the Guy Ritchie rumors.

With time passing quickly since the project was first revealed, the latest news sees the Russo brothers confirm Hercules is still in development. Not long after rumors began swirling that veteran director Guy Ritchie was departing the project, Joe and Anthony Russo stepped up to remind fans that the live-action adaptation is still being developed behind the scenes. As for an update, the Russos merely stated that they are still "waiting on a script" but didn't touch on the Guy Ritchie rumors.

Disney's Live-Action Hercules Is Confirmed

From Live-Action Zero To Hero

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).

Other live-action Disney remakes in development include:

Speaking in 2022, Guy Ritchie teased that he hoped to get the movie completed "within the year" (via ScreenDaily). Those comments came months before the 2023 Hollywood strikes which shut down most of the industry, and the timeline of the film is still in limbo despite nearly two years passing since it was announced. In April 2024, the producing duo of Joe and Anthony Russo reaffirmed that development was happening on Hercules.

Stream Hercules on Disney+.

Disney Hercules Live-Action Cast

Danny DeVito Wants To Reprise His Role

While 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.

Disney's Live-Action Hercules Story & Plot Changes

What Happens When Hercules Goes Live-Action?

The story of the live-action Hercules likely won't differ much from the animated original. With most of Disney's previous live-action adaptations, 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 improvements, as well as Hercules' might. The character is based upon the Greek "Twelve Trials 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.