Disney's Hercules Live-Action Remake from the Perspective of Hades
Dwayne Johnson was last seen in the role of Hercules
With "Hercules", we are about to get another live-action adaptation of a Disney classic, but it looks like it will be a lot different than previously assumed.
As Hollywood insider DanielRPK revealed, this time the movie will be told from the point of view of villain Hades. This is reminiscent of the shift in perspective in the "Maleficent" films with Angelina Jolie. The story of the "Hercules" animated film will of course continue to be used as reference. "Coda" actor Ferdia Walsh-Peelo will take on the role of Hercules. However, it is not known who will play Hades. The director's position is also still vacant. The only thing that is certain so far is that the film will be produced by the Russo brothers. The insider further suggests that the movie could even be given a name change and from now on be called "Hades".
The story of the Greek demigod has been made into a movie several times. In the 90s, there was even a TV series in which Kevin Sorbo played the role. The last live-action film adaptation was released in 2014 with Dwayne Johnson, but it was not a huge success.
The Biggest Live-Action Hits From Disney
Since 2010, Disney has turned numerous iconic animated films into live-action versions. Here are some of the most notable examples:
1. "The Jungle Book" (2016)
Directed by Jon Favreau, "The Jungle Book" became a visual masterpiece. With a mix of real actors and stunning CGI technology, Disney managed to preserve the magic of the original while introducing a more modern narrative. The movie was a commercial and critical success.
2. "Beauty and the Beast" (2017)
Emma Watson's role as Belle brought the adaptation worldwide attention. The film drew heavily from the 1991 original, but added new songs and backstories that further deepened the characters. With stunning costumes and an impressive soundtrack, it won the hearts of fans and critics alike.
3. "Aladdin" (2019)
Guy Ritchie's "Aladdin" presented a vibrant, colorful Agrabah and added new dimensions to the story. Will Smith's interpretation of the Genie brought fresh humor, while Naomi Scott as Jasmine impressed with a new, confident song. Despite skepticism beforehand, the film became a worldwide hit.
4 "The Lion King" (2019)
This project relied on photorealism to bring the animal kingdom of Africa to life. Although it was technically a CGI production, Disney marketed the film as a live-action adaptation. The visual realism was fascinating, but many viewers criticized the loss of emotional expression offered by the animated characters.
5 "Cruella" (2021)
An original approach to the Disney villain Cruella de Vil was offered in this movie, which featured Emma Stone as a rebellious fashion designer. "Cruella" presented a dark but stylish backstory that redefined the character and struck a different tone from the rest of the films.
Criticisms and Challenges
Not all live-action adaptations have lived up to expectations. Some fans and critics argue that Disney relies too much on nostalgia and leaves little room for creative innovation. In particular, movies such as "The Lion King" have been criticized for being almost identical to the animated originals without adding depth to the characters.
The cultural sensitivity of the films was also repeatedly questioned. While movies such as "Mulan" strove to maintain cultural authenticity, they were still met with criticism, especially in the Asian region. Such challenges show how difficult it is to satisfy a global audience.
The Role of Technology
A key factor in the success of live-action adaptations is the use of cutting-edge technology. Disney has invested heavily in CGI and visual effects to realistically portray animal characters such as Simba from "The Lion King" and Baloo from "The Jungle Book". This technology makes it possible to create the worlds from the animated films in a way that looks both familiar and spectacular.
Future Prospects: What's Next?
Disney has already announced several new live-action projects. These include adaptations of "Snow White", "Hercules" and "Lilo & Stitch". These projects promise to continue the successful formula, while Disney continues to experiment with new approaches.
