Disney's live-action adaptations of animated classics are hit or miss these days, but when they work, they generate huge profits for the company.
As such, Disney is moving forward with a number of live-action adaptations despite a couple of recent misfires, and one of the irons in the fire at the moment is a live-action Hercules movie.
Speaking to Deadline at D23 this past weekend, original Meg voice actress from the 1997 smash-hit animated film, Susan Egan stated that she would like to see Spider-Man: Brand New Day stars and real-life married couple Tom Holland and Zendaya star in the upcoming live-action film.
Said Egan, "I mean, I’ve been subtly saying Zendaya, but now I’m just gonna say it. And probably, Tom and Zendaya, who I have never met, are filing for the restraining order right now. But honestly, I don’t even care. I feel like the world needs it.”
She continued, "Not even because they are the ‘it’ couple right now, it’s not even that. I have watched her beautiful career from when she was a teenager, and she’s just grounded. She is a strong woman, obviously, statuesque and amazing, with an incredible voice and a little edge, don’t you think?”
Disney's live-action Hercules movie was first revealed by The Hollywood Reporter in 2020, with Dave Callaham, writer for Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, attached to pen the script.
Joe and Anthony Russo (Avengers: Endgame, Avengers: Infinity War) are set to produce but not direct.
In June 2022, Guy Ritchie (live-action Aladdin) was attached to direct, but it's since thought that he's moved on to other projects.
In the initial announcement, it was not clear whether the remake would keep the musical elements or go for a more realistic approach. However, Joe Russo later clarified that some musical elements would be retained, stating, "[It] a little bit more experimental in tone, a little bit more experimental in execution. I think they’re excited to see what we can all bring to it in a way that isn’t just a reinterpretation of the animated film...Audiences today have been trained by TikTok, right? What is their expectation of what that musical looks like and feels like? That can be a lot of fun and help us push the boundaries a little bit on how you execute a modern musical."
Besides Holland and Zendaya, other names that have been rumored and fancasted include Taron Egerton, Michael B. Jordan, Austin Butler, Adam Driver, Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa, and Danny DeVito (to reprise his role as Phil).
As of 2026, the remake remains in development but The Russos are obviously busy with Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars.