Top 10 Stars We Need for the Live-Action Hercules Movie
#10: Billy Porter as Hermes
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If Mount Olympus held red carpet events, Hermes would not only be the host, but also the best-dressed guest in attendance. Actor Billy Porter knows how to keep the fashion world guessing with his ambitious wardrobe choices. Fittingly enough, Porter compared a Giles Deacon ensemble he once wore to the “messenger to the gawds” himself. If that’s not a sign sent from above, we don’t know what is. Like Hermes, Porter isn’t just larger than life. He’s the life of the party and everybody wants to be in his presence. With his sense of humor and style, Porter as Hermes would have us floating on air. Plus, imagine the sheer power Porter would bring to the line, “Hit it, ladies,” before “A Star Is Born.”
#9: Susan Egan & John Stamos as Alcmene & Amphitryon
If Disney wants to keep it in the family, a few actors from the original film would certainly make for welcome presences. Susan Egan provided the voice of Megara, bringing her signature sass, spunk, and strong will to Herc’s love interest. Egan originated the part of Belle in Broadway’s “Beauty and the Beast” as well, showcasing her warm, nurturing side. This would make Egan an ideal fit for Herc’s adoptive mother Alcmene, as well as a clever reference for fans. As for Herc’s adoptive father Amphitryon, we expect John Stamos would leap at the opportunity if offered the role, being a huge Disney fan and of Greek heritage. Stamos is also a natural when it comes to acting opposite younger actors, from preteens to babies.
#8: Maya Rudolph, Kristen Wiig, & Melissa McCarthy as The Fates
The original animated film stood out thanks to its music and humor. While the key players need to be able to carry a tune, the supporting players have to tickle our funny bones. What better way to do so than with a “Bridesmaids” reunion? Given that infamous bathroom scene, we think Rudolph, Wiig, and especially McCarthy could put a fun spin on that “indoor plumbing” line. While these actresses are sure to bring the laughs and chemistry, how should Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos be brought to life? It would be cool seeing them hidden under layers of transformative makeup, although sharing one eyeball might be a difficult prosthetic trick. Even if they go fully CGI, Rudolph and Wiig have voiced even weirder characters on “Big Mouth.”
#7: Dave Bautista & Nicole Kidman as Zeus & Hera
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As the king of the gods, any actor who portrays Zeus needs a thunderous presence and a voice that hits you like lightning. Disney’s version of Zeus isn’t just a stern authority figure like some other interpretations, though. He’s a fun dad who’s eager to spend time with his son and, as commanding as he can be, is also quite affectionate. Through his work with the WWE and “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies, Dave Bautista has shown that he can be both godly and down-to-earth. That’s Disney’s Zeus to a T. Nicole Kidman couldn’t have been more luminous as Atlanna in “Aquaman.” So, going from Queen of Atlantis to the queen of the gods seems like a natural progression for somebody of her esteemed caliber.
#6: Nick Kroll & John Mulaney as Pain & Panic
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At this rate, we’ll have half the “Big Mouth” cast in this movie, which isn’t at all a bad thing! To portray Pain and Panic, we need a dynamic comedy duo with different energies. Nick Kroll and John Mulaney have established themselves as a sleeper combo on par with Key and Peele, who already had their shot in “Toy Story 4.” We could see Kroll slipping comfortably into the role of Pain, either trying out his best Bobcat Goldthwait impression or doing his Coach Steve voice. Given all the awkwardness Andrew Glouberman has endured, Mulaney can easily match Panic’s anxious energy. Similar to Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen’s take on Timon and Pumbaa, the film might even benefit from Kroll and Mulaney improvising their dialogue.
#5: Amber Riley, Lizzo, Jennifer Hudson, Cynthia Erivo & Alex Newell as The Muses
Since the Muses narrate almost everything through song, Broadway talent seems like Disney’s best bet. Of course, that doesn’t mean they can’t have crossover appeal. Amber Riley, for example, held her own as Mercedes Jones on “Glee” and Effie White in a West End production of “Dreamgirls.” Speaking of Effie, nobody brings down the house like Jennifer Hudson, making her an ideal choice for the head muse. Cynthia Erivo has been gaining mainstream popularity since her Tony-winning turn in “The Color Purple,” Lizzo can switch out her jazz flute with a pan flute to match the Greek setting, and Alex Newell already NAILED the audition as far as we’re concerned. A chorus like this would make the soundtrack a best-seller and that’s the gospel truth.
#4: Danny DeVito as Phil
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As for Philoctetes, we’ve got two words: Danny DeVito. Having already voiced the character, we know that DeVito can play Phil in his sleep. What’s more, DeVito is essentially a live-action Phil, from his cranky voice, to his sharp comedic timing, to his physical appearance. Just give him some horns, a pair of goat legs, and BOOM! A satyr is born. If Disney wants to shake things up, however, Jack Black could deliver an inspired rendition of “One Last Hope.” Josh Gad is another obvious alternative, but between Olaf and LeFou, he’s been playing A LOT of Disney sidekicks lately. Considering that DeVito has been away from the role for so long, seeing him come back would actually line up nicely with Phil’s character arc.
#3: Robert Downey Jr. as Hades
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In addition to giving Hades the fast-talking persona of a Hollywood agent, James Woods improvised many of his one-liners as well. Robert Downey Jr. is no stranger to ad-libbing either, seeing how the original “Iron Man” didn’t have a finished script when shooting sharted. Come to think of it, Hades is kind of like an evil Tony Stark. Both are sarcastic, witty, and hotheaded to a fault. As “Ally McBeal” fans will remember, Downey also has a surprisingly solid set of pipes. So, if the filmmakers take a page from the stage musical, Downey has the singing and comedic chops to pull off “A Cool Day in Hell.” With Joe and Anthony Russo reportedly producing the remake, this casting choice seems inevitable.
#2: Elizabeth Gillies as Megara
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For Meg, Ariana Grande is a name that’s been tossed around, with good reason. But if you’re going to hire a “Victorious” alumnus, though, Elizabeth Gillies has all the makings of a perfect Meg. She looks the part and undoubtedly has the voice to carry a ballad like “I Won’t Say (I’m In Love).” Meg even shares a few parallels with Jade West. Granted, Jade is WAY more intense, but both have a dry wit, a cynical attitude, and a talent for talking back. Although Jade developed a bad girl reputation, Gillies did bring out the character’s softer side on occasion. Behind her aggressive exterior, there is a sentimental bone in Jade’s body, even if she won’t say it out loud. Gillies definitely wouldn’t be a cliched choice.
#1: Theo James as Hercules
From Kellan Lutz to The Rock, we’ve seen a few live-action Hercules as of late. Those portrayals, however, put an emphasis on Herc’s action hero side above all else. To do the Disney version justice, it takes more than brawn. He needs the boyish charm of someone who’s unaware of how handsome he is, as well as an angelic singing voice. While Zac Efron fits that description, it’d be nice to see Disney bring more actors of Greek heritage into the mix, given the setting. Enter Theo James, who broke out as Tobias “Four” Eaton in the “Divergent” films. With puppy-dog eyes and a chiseled face, James wouldn’t look out of place on Mount Olympus. Throw in his musical background, and he’s ready to go the distance.
