After years of anticipation, Disney fans finally get news about the Hercules live-action remake. While the film has yet to announce a cast or start filming, it does have a director. Deadline reports that Guy Ritchie, who headed the live-action reimagining of Aladdin, has signed on to direct.
There is no word on whether the film will go to theaters or exclusively stream on Disney+, but that hasn’t stopped fans from debating who should star in the movie. Redditors have been talking about who would perfectly portray the all-knowing Muses, the demi-god himself Hercules, and whether or not Danny DeVito will reprise his role as Phil.
Chris Pratt as Hercules
The person who will play Hercules has been up for debate since rumors of the movie came about. One name being thrown around for older Hercules is “Chris Pratt,” as suggested by Redditor Billy_Billerey_2.
While Pratt has the comedic timing and physique to pull off the role, he is older than Hercules is supposed to be in the animated film. Hercules is eighteen when he completes his hero training. Even though he is a hero, Hercules is still naive, which can only be captured by a younger actor.
Jacob Elordi as Young Hercules
Hercules goes through most of his life in the film. Viewers see Hercules as a baby, an adolescent, and an adult. Unless Disney can find an actor who looks young enough to play a teen and an adult, the part will likely be shared by two actors. Redditor D_o_H suggested, “Herc – Jacob Elordi.”
Elordi, known best for his role as Nate Jacobs in Euphoria, is young enough to play the role of a teenager, as he does on the HBO show, but can also play a believable twenty-something. Elordi could play one or both parts depending on how the production proceeds.
Elizabeth Gillies as Meg
Before she played the quick-witted Fallon Carrington on Dynasty, Elizabeth Gillies was the mean but lovable Jade West on Victorious, making fans think she was perfectly suited to play the role of Meg in Hercules. Redditor Sudden_Scholar647 shared a whole fan cast slide show depicting Gillies as Meg.
Other than her resemblance to the character, Gillies has a powerful singing voice that would carry her through the beloved I Won’t Say I’m in Love musical number and any other songs that may be added to the film.
Jennifer Hudson, Queen Latifah, Janelle Monaé, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Amber Riley as The Muses
The Muses have some of the funniest quotes in Hercules, but they also help move the story along with energetic songs. There has been much contention over who should play the five Muses; some of the names being thrown out have included Beyoncé and Lizzo. However, Redditor jdubbs21 suggested, “Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson, Janelle Monae, Tracee Ellis Ross, Amber Riley.”
This selection suits the Muses for all of the actors singing qualities and their ability to act, which is just as crucial for the roles. What’s more, their potential onscreen chemistry could provide for some wonderful comedic moments.
Danny DeVito as Phil
Despite all the debate about the other characters in the film, one name makes it into nearly every post regarding who should play Phil: Danny DeVito. Redditor jsylok was one of many who said, “Danny DeVito needs to play Philoctetes. It’s the only way.”
Danny DeVito played Phil so well that it is hard to imagine anyone else taking on the role, and clearly, fans feel the same way. His unique brand of comedy and delivery of the line is something precious to Hercules fans that, if changed, could be detrimental to the film’s box office success.
Billy Porter as Hades
Hades is so important to the Hercules universe that he made it into one of the best episodes of the Hercules series. Beyond being the main antagonist, Hades provides humor and sass that must be included in the remake for fans of the original to be happy.
When sharing a list of their opinions on who should take on the role Redditor D_o_H said, “Hades – Billy Porter.” Billy Porter has the attitude to embody a villain but also has the singing chops to take on a musical number that may be added to Hades’ portion of the film, something he lacks in the animated movie.
Jeff Bridges as Zeus
Zeus isn’t in the film for very long, but he is a significant player in the plot. Several actors in movies have played Zeus, but one veteran actor has yet to dawn the god’s toga and lightning bolts. Redditor youngzling said, “Zeus – Jeff Bridges.”
Jeff Bridges has been involved with other Disney live-action films like Tron: Legacy and Disney does have a track record for casting actors they have worked with before. Bridges also has a voice that would suit Zeus’s larger-than-life personality and command an audience.
John Mulaney and Nick Kroll as Pain and Panic
Pain and Panic are a comedy dream team in the animated film, so whoever plays the live-action version (likely to be CGI characters similar to Timon and Pumba in The Lion King) will have to be just as funny with the same amount of chemistry. One suggestion from Redditor C4llxm said, “Pain- Nick Kroll, Panic- John Mulaney.”
These two actors have already worked together on Kroll’s show Big Mouth and have proven they have the chemistry needed to pull off the rolls. Mulaney has also recently worked with Disney on Chip N Dale Rescue Rangers.
