Live-Action ‘Hercules’ Reportedly Changed by Disney, Will Focus on Different Character

A recent report has shaken up the Disney live-action canon: the highly anticipated Hercules remake might be taking an unexpected turn. According to insider sources, Disney has decided to rework the project, potentially scrapping the focus on the Greek hero himself in favor of a film centered on the charismatic villain, Hades.

Disney’s live-action adaptation pipeline has been a bustling factory of reimaginings in recent years. With previous box office hits like Beauty and the Beast (2017), Aladdin (2019), and The Lion King (2019), the entertainment giant has invested heavily in bringing animated classics to life. And with successful releases like The Little Mermaid (2023) and upcoming films like Mufasa: The Lion King (2024) and Snow White (2025), Disney shows no sign of slowing down.

However, the Hercules project appears to be taking a different route. Directed by Guy Ritchie and produced by the Russo Brothers under their AGBO banner, the film was initially set to follow the beloved animated 1997 classic. But recent developments suggest Disney may instead pivot the narrative to focus on the God of the Underworld, Hades.

Fans of the original animated film will remember Hades, voiced by the iconic James Woods, as a standout character. Now, it appears that Disney is betting on the villain’s popularity to drive the story. According to a scoop by Daniel Richtman, as reported by Toonado, the live-action film will undergo an extensive overhaul to shift the storyline entirely to Hades’ perspective.

If true, this move would echo Disney’s 2014 hit Maleficent, which reimagined Sleeping Beauty from the villain’s point of view. Angelina Jolie’s portrayal breathed new life into the character, offering a fresh perspective that resonated with audiences. The idea of exploring Hades’ backstory could similarly breathe new energy into the Hercules universe while appealing to a modern audience’s taste for more nuanced characters.

As for casting, Disney has yet to make any official announcements, leaving fans eagerly speculating about who might bring these beloved characters to life. Reports suggest that Michael B. Jordan (Black Panther) and Taron Egerton (Rocketman) are being considered for the role of Hercules. Meanwhile, pop stars Ariana Grande and Dua Lipa have been floated as potential contenders for the role of Megara.

However, with the potential shift in focus, casting Hades becomes a more pressing matter. Given the character’s wit, charm, and darkly comedic flair, the choice of actor could make or break the film. Fans are already buzzing with suggestions for who might step into the godly shoes originally filled by James Woods.

Adding another layer to this ambitious project, producer Joe Russo previously hinted at the unique tone the remake might adopt. In a 2022 interview with Variety, Russo teased that the film would be “a little bit more experimental in tone, a little bit more experimental in execution.” Notably, he suggested that the musical elements would be influenced by the social media era, specifically TikTok.

“There are questions about how you translate it as a musical,” Russo explained. “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.”

Could a TikTok-inspired, Hades-centered musical be Disney’s way of courting a younger, trend-savvy demographic?

As Disney continues to navigate the often unpredictable waters of its live-action adaptations, this pivot could be a bold strategy to differentiate Hercules from its predecessors. By focusing on Hades, the studio has the opportunity to craft a story that delves into the complexities of one of its most beloved villains while simultaneously experimenting with modern storytelling techniques.

For now, fans are left to speculate on the project’s future. Will Disney commit to this reported change in direction, or will the idea ultimately be scrapped? Only time will tell. In the meantime, audiences can look forward to Disney’s ever-expanding slate of live-action releases, each promising to bring something new to the table.

How do you feel about the potential focus on Hades? Let us know your thoughts!