Summary
- 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 previous live-action remakes have been highly profitable, with four crossing the billion-dollar mark, indicating that remakes are the path forward for the studio.
- The success of the live-action Hercules may depend on DeVito's return as Phil and whether other talented individuals attached to the project can deliver, but confirmation of casting may be delayed due to the ongoing actors' strike.
Disney's live-action Hercules is in the works, and Danny DeVito is rumored to be in talks to play his character from the animated film in the remake.
Disney is continuing with its profitable decision to remake its animated classics into live-action blockbusters. Four of its previous live-action remakes have crossed the billion-dollar mark. Although their most recent try with The Little Mermaid didn’t compare to others like Aladdin at the box office, remakes have proven to be the path forward for Disney. It was announced recently that before the actors’ strike, Disney had been eyeing Taron Egerton to play the role of Hercules and for Ariana Grande to play the role of Meg.
According to a report by Toonado, right before the actors went on strike, DeVito was in talks with Disney to reprise his role as Philocetes, the grumpy satyr who helps Hercules grow into the hero he becomes by the end of the film. When the live-action remake was first announced, fans took to social media to voice their opinion on why DeVito should return as Phil in the Hercules remake, with some fans even threatening to boycott the film if he isn’t cast.
In an interview with Wired, a year ago, DeVito was asked if he would be in the film. He responded, "I am the live-action Hercules! What are you talkin' about? Philoctetes! If they don't put me in that, they don’t have a hair on their a--!" DeVito seems enthusiastic about returning to play Phil and fans are also excited about his return, so hopefully, that will be enough for Disney to cast him in the upcoming remake.
Hercules currently has a lot of Disney and Marvel talent attached to the film. Aladdin director Guy Ritchie will direct Hercules, with Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings writer David Callaham working on the script for the film before the writers’ strike. Additionally, long-time Marvel directors Joe and Anthony Russo will produce the film.
A lot of talent is attached to the live-action Hercules, but the billion-dollar factor may come down to whether DeVito returns to play Phil. While the actors’ strike continues, with little end in sight, fans must wait a while before these casting rumors get confirmed.
Hercules is in development.
Source: Toonado