Disney’s live-action remakes can be a total roll of the dice lately, but when one actually clicks, it prints money.
That’s why the studio execs seemingly keep doubling down regardless of a few high-profile stumbles.
Next up on the development slate after Tangled and a sequel to Lilo & Stich? It could very well be a real-life take on the animated Disney classic, Hercules.
Speaking to Deadline at D23 this past weekend, original Meg voice actress from the 1997 smash-hit animated film, Susan Egan stated that she would like to see Spider-Man: Brand New Day stars and real-life married couple Tom Holland and Zendaya star in the upcoming live-action film.
Said Egan, "I mean, I’ve been subtly saying Zendaya, but now I’m just gonna say it. And probably, Tom and Zendaya, who I have never met, are filing for the restraining order right now. But honestly, I don’t even care. I feel like the world needs it.”
She continued, "Not even because they are the ‘it’ couple right now, it’s not even that. I have watched her beautiful career from when she was a teenager, and she’s just grounded. She is a strong woman, obviously, statuesque and amazing, with an incredible voice and a little edge, don’t you think?”
The possibility of a live-action Hercules movie was first put on everyone's radar by The Hollywood Reporter back in 2020, with Shang-Chi writer Dave Callaham tapped for the script and Marvel powerhouses Joe and Anthony Russo coming aboard to produce.
Aladdin director Guy Ritchie joined the project to helm it in 2022, although signs now point to him quietly stepping away since then to focus on other projects.
In the initial announcement, it was not clear whether the remake would keep the musical elements or go for a more realistic approach. However, Joe Russo later clarified that some musical elements would be retained, stating, "[It] a little bit more experimental in tone, a little bit more experimental in execution. I think they’re excited to see what we can all bring to it in a way that isn’t just a reinterpretation of the animated film...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."
Besides Holland and Zendaya, other names that have been rumored and fancasted include Taron Egerton, Michael B. Jordan, Austin Butler, Adam Driver, Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa, and Danny DeVito (to reprise his role as Phil).
As of 2026, the remake remains in development but The Russos are obviously busy with Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars.