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In a surprising twist for Disney’s live-action slate, a recent report suggests that the highly anticipated Hercules remake may be undergoing a significant overhaul. Initially slated to bring the 1997 animated classic back to the big screen, new details hint that the focus may shift away from Hercules entirely, instead zeroing in on the film’s beloved villain, Hades.
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Following hits like Beauty and the Beast (2017), Aladdin (2019), and The Lion King (2019), Disney has doubled down on its live-action adaptations. Recent films like The Little Mermaid (2023) have kept this trend going strong, with future projects such as Mufasa: The Lion King (2024) and Snow White (2025) already on the horizon.
However, Hercules—a project directed by Guy Ritchie and produced by Anthony and Joe Russo under their AGBO banner—might take a completely different approach. Instead of focusing on the titular hero, insiders claim the story may center on Hades, the God of the Underworld, known for his wicked wit and charm.
Voiced by James Woods in the original animated film, Hades quickly became a fan favorite. According to a scoop from Daniel Richtman, as reported by Toonado, the project is “undergoing an extensive overhaul” and could now “play out from the perspective of the villainous Hades — which may actually turn out to be the title of the movie.”
Credit: Disney
If this report holds true, Disney’s Hercules will follow a path similar to 2014’s Maleficent, where Angelina Jolie brought new depth to one of Disney’s most iconic villains by exploring her untold story. By pivoting to Hades, Disney could create a compelling narrative that taps into the character’s popularity while offering something fresh, especially in a market saturated with hero-centric tales.
As excitement builds around the project, casting rumors continue to swirl. While no official announcements have been made, fans are eagerly speculating about potential stars. Reports suggest that Michael B. Jordan (Black Panther) and Taron Egerton (Rocketman) are being eyed for the role of Hercules, while singers like Ariana Grande and Dua Lipa have been mentioned as potential picks for Megara.
However, if the focus shifts to Hades, casting the perfect actor to capture his sinister yet comedic essence will be crucial. With James Woods’ original portrayal setting a high bar, fans are curious about who could step up to embody the Underworld’s fiery ruler in a live-action setting.
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Adding to the intrigue, producer Joe Russo hinted at the film’s unique tone during a 2022 interview with Variety. He mentioned that the project would be “a little bit more experimental in tone, a little bit more experimental in execution.” Perhaps most notably, Russo discussed how modern social media platforms like TikTok might influence the musical aspects.
“There are questions about how you translate it as a musical,” Russo noted. “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 this mean a TikTok-inspired, Hades-focused musical?
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As Disney continues to explore innovative ways to reimagine its animated classics, this potential pivot could breathe new life into Hercules. By centering on Hades, the film could not only satisfy longtime fans of the original but also appeal to a modern audience craving fresh, villain-centric stories.
Whether Disney commits fully to this reported change remains to be seen, but it’s clear that the company is willing to take creative risks in the live-action space. With more details yet to emerge, fans are left wondering: could a Hades-focused narrative turn out to be Disney’s next big hit?
How do you feel about this new direction?
