THR: 'Hercules' Live-Action Remake in the Works From Disney, 'Shang-Chi' Writer

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The studio has hired Dave Callaham, the action scribe who launched The Expendables franchise and wrote Marvel’s upcoming Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, to pen the script. Joe and Anthony Russo, the filmmakers behind the Avengers: Endgame and Infinity War, are set to produce via their AGBO banner.

The new Hercules is in early development, and this being a Disney title, rumors have already swirled about other producers and even filmmakers. The Russos are the only producers on the project and will not direct, according to insiders.

There have also been casting rumors in recent weeks, partially spurred on by Ariana Grande's performance of the movie’s "I Won’t Say I’m in Love" during The Disney Family Singalong, which engendered a petition on Change.org for her to play Megara, the female lead. Idris Elba and Ryan Gosling’s names have also been floated by enthusiasts. But in reality, the project is far from the casting stage.

It is unclear what the new take on Hercules will be or if it will even keep the musical elements. Disney has taken varying approaches to its live-action remakes. Last year’s The Lion King, for example, hewed quite closely to the 1994 original, while Mulan, set for release July 24, is a looser interpretation of its 1998 source material.

‘Hercules’ Live-Action Remake in the Works From Disney, ‘Shang-Chi’ Writer (Exclusive)

Disney is going from zero to hero once more, putting into development a live-action remake of its 1997 animated movie 'Hercules.' The studio has hired 'Shang-Chi' writer Dave Callaham to pen the script.

www.hollywoodreporter.com