Massive Buzz: Disney's Live-Action Hercules Revival Sparks Excitement with the Return of a Beloved Character's Original Actor

Highlights

Danny DeVito is rumored to be in talks to reprise his role as Philocetes in the live-action remake of Disney's Hercules, and fans are enthusiastic about his return.

Disney's past live-action remakes have proven to be incredibly lucrative, with four surpassing the billion-dollar threshold, suggesting that remakes are the strategic direction for the studio.

The future triumph of the live-action Hercules film may rely on DeVito reprising his role as Phil, as well as the ability of other skilled individuals involved in the project to deliver. However, the announcement of the cast may be postponed due to the ongoing actors' strike.

Disney is currently developing a live-action version of Hercules, and there are rumors circulating that Danny DeVito may reprise his role from the animated film in the remake. This follows Disney's ongoing trend of remaking their beloved animated classics into successful live-action blockbusters, with four of their previous remakes surpassing the billion-dollar mark at the box office. While their recent attempt with The Little Mermaid didn't achieve the same level of success as films like Aladdin, remakes have proven to be a lucrative path for Disney. Prior to the actors' strike, it was revealed that Taron Egerton was being considered for the role of Hercules, while Ariana Grande was in talks to portray Meg.

According to a report by Toonado, just before the actors initiated a strike, DeVito was in discussions with Disney about reprising his role as Philocetes, the cantankerous satyr who assists Hercules in his journey towards becoming the heroic figure he ultimately becomes in the movie. As soon as news of the live-action remake broke, fans flocked to social media to express their strong desire for DeVito to reprise the role of Phil in the Hercules remake. In fact, some fans went as far as to threaten boycotting the film if he is not cast.

In a previous Wired interview, DeVito was asked about his potential role in the film. He confidently responded, "I am the live-action Hercules! What are you talkin' about? Philoctetes! If they don't cast me, they're not brave enough!" DeVito's excitement about reprising his role as Phil is shared by fans, raising hope that Disney will include him in the upcoming remake.

The upcoming Hercules film boasts an impressive lineup of talent from Disney and Marvel. Directed by Guy Ritchie (known for his work on Aladdin), the film has David Callaham (writer of Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) currently working on the script, pending the resolution of the writers' strike. Furthermore, the experienced Marvel directors Joe and Anthony Russo will be producing the film.

The success of the live-action Hercules largely hinges on whether DeVito reprises his role as Phil. The ongoing actors' strike has left fans anxiously waiting for confirmation on the casting rumors. Development of Hercules is currently underway.

Source: Toonado