We Cast Disney's Live Action Hercules

Who puts the glad in gladiator?

Hercules - Taron Egerton

Taron Egerton is the obvious choice. He’s got the look, he’s got the talent, and despite starring in some high-profile releases like Rocketman and the Kingsman movies, it feels like he still isn’t quite as big a star as he ought to be. A Disney remake should change that right quick, and teaming him with fellow brit Guy Ritchie at the helm just feels right. He’s proven he can do comedy, action, and music — time for him to do all three!

– Deepak

Meg - Hailee Steinfeld

You want to talk about the look, the talent, and the ability to command a scene? Hailee’s been doing it for over a decade. Thanks to her new role as Hawkeye, she’s in good with the Disney Illumanati. And while Deepak’s out here stumping for a Breaking Bad reunion, the more obvious True Grit reunion is here for the taking!

-Ryley

Phil - Danny DeVito

The only one who could ever take Danny DeVito’s place in a Hercules film is Danny DeVito. The fortunate thing about this casting is that it even has precedence with Disney doing the same thing for the voice of Mufasa during their “live action” remake of the Lion King. Bringing back DeVito for the voice of Hercules’ teacher Phil isn't the best casting choice, it's the only choice. 

-Fred

Hades - Bruce Campbell

I want to see a Hades who I believe Herc would make a deal with. And Bruce Campbell has that energy in spades. He can dial up that slick, almost smarmy, game show host energy. But he’s also eminently likable. He’s the perfect choice if you’re looking for an actor who can liven up the after-life. Make Bruce Campbell the king of the underworld!

– R.

I still think Bob Odenkirk would be a great Hades. Naturally, I also think just bringing back James Woods might be the best option, especially since he’s always been vocal about loving the role and coming back to do it as often as possible. But Woods is a Hollywood pariah right now, and Odenkirk is just as talented.

– D.

Pain & Panic - Kevin Hart & The Rock

The near iconic duo Panic and Panic could only be played by an equally iconic duo, but it wasn't enough to have just recognizable and a genuine friendship would be required. For this reason we picked Kevin Hart and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson for the pair. The interactions between these two, on camera or off, always brings a laugh. And with an animated film, Kevin would finally get to be taller. 

-F.

Zeus - Jeff Bridges

“I mean, that’s just, like, Zeus, man.”

This is the most obvious “cartoon character come to life” casting decision in longer than I can remember. Bridges not only looks the part, he’s got the presence to pull off being king of Mount Olympus. And tonally, he’d likely fit in very nicely with what Guy Ritchie is planning to do. Besides, the idea of Bridges and Campbell as brothers who don’t get along might be too good an opportunity to pass up.

A counterpoint would be Bryan Cranston, who has the similar age and gravitas to pull off a role like Zeus while also bringing enormous comedic chops from his time on Seinfeld and Malcolm in the Middle. Bonus points if Odenkirk got cast as Hades; a Heisenberg/Saul Goodman reunion on Disney’s Mount Olympus is the kind of crazy we need right now.

— D.

Score - Daniel Pemberton

After the work Daniel Pemberton’s done with Guy Ritchie on the scores for The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, I hope they choose to collaborate again.

– D.

Soundtrack - Beyoncé

I mean, is there an award I can earn for easiest pick of the season? The smartest thing about the original Hercules is that it takes a story about a gif and adds it to Gosple music. Let Beyoncé write and preform your gospel music? Obviously? Not only is she the best there is, but she’s already proven herself as the only redeemable aspect of the quote-unquote live action Lion King. Take the layup, Disney!

– R.