Brett Ratner is apparently getting to work on his Hercules movie, which is said to be an adaptation of the comic book Hercules: The Thracian Wars, which is pretty well-renowned for its faithful re-telling of the original Hercules myth. According to reports by way of Variety, the biggest piece of news regarding this project may have just been revealed:
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson could be playing Hercules .
It’s one of those castings that seems obvious after you hear it. Who else would have the physical presence, acting ability and charisma to portray the legendary heroic demigod in a big-screen blockbuster, likely the start of a franchise? The Rock, that’s who.
Check out what Variety‘s Jeff Snider tweeted about the possible Rock/Ratner collaboration:
VARIETY EXCLUSIVE: Can you smell what HERCULES is cooking? TheRock is in talks to star in MGM & Brett Ratner’s HERCULES!!!
There are more details to come (stay tuned for updates to this story) but suffice to say that “in talks” doesn’t mean “has the part.” Of course, if The Rock doesn’t snag the role, it’s pretty doubtful the film will land a more talented and bankable lead. This is also a chance for Johnson to redeem himself in the sword-and-sandals sub-genre: the wrestler-turned-actor has come a long way from his Mummy Returns and Scorpion King days.
With films like Fast Five and the upcoming G.I.: Retaliation firmly (re-)establishing Johnson as the action star he was always meant to be (we’ll forget the string of terrible kids flicks), a role like Hercules seems like the next logical step in his carrier – though some (ok, many) will see Ratner’s name on the director’s chair as a foreboding omen. The bad taste left by the divisive director’s work on X-Men: The Last Stand has yet to fade, and Tower Heist didn’t exactly light up the box office last fall (though it was an ok film).
Confirmation of whether or not Johnson signs on for Hercules should come soon – in the meantime, read up on the plot synopsis for Hercules: The Thracian Wars comic book, which is reportedly the basis of the film:
Fourteen-hundred years ago, a tormented soul walked the Earth that was neither man nor god. Hercules, powerful son of the god king Zeus, received nothing but suffering his entire life. After twelve arduous labors and the loss of his family, this dark, world-weary soul turned his back on the gods, finding his only solace in bloody battle.
We’ll keep you updated on the status of the Hercules movie as more information is released.
Source: Variety
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though some (ok, many) will see Ratner’s name on the director’s chair as a foreboding omen
That sums up the only problem I see with this. The Rock is perfect for a role such as this, but that director just screams “DANGER WIL ROBINSON – DANGER!”.
lmao I was going to say something like that
Is this Hercules going to be from the marvel universe , version of Hercules ?
I would’ve cast Hank Kingsley/Lepstein personally…
“a role like Hercules seems like the next logical step in his carrier” Or career?
This could work.
any news about the rock in an action film is good news
Question mark indeed when brett ratner’s name comes up.With that said i love mythological films,so keep’em comin baby.
The “People’s Champ” as Hercules? Eh, I’d rather Kevin Sorbo.
By the gods, I shall follow your statement. Thank you
For the last time: It’s HERACLES, Zeusdammit!
Yep, people don’t seem to get that Hercules was the Roman version of the Demi-God.
Wow, that cgi arrow is terrible, lol.
Will this be a movie on “Herc” from Marvel ?
dwayne as hercules sounds like a really hollywood idea and i by hollywood i mean completely stupid !!!!
After Xmen 3….no thank you
Ha ha, this is sooo funny!! The Rock needs acting lessons and quick!!
I think Dwayne Johnson would be a great choice for Hercules.
The Rock did a great comeback to the action genre with Fast Five.
The fight scene bewteen him and Vin Diesel was the best part of the movie.
A action fan’s dream come true.
With G.I Joe 2 getting released soon, let’s hope The Rock doesn’t go back to making awful Disney family films.
NO Kevin Sorbo??? Denied!!!
how bout jason momoa? just sayn’ lol
So glad this isn’t Marvel, they should introduce Marvel Herc in Thor 2 (along with the other Pantheons)!!!
Yeah, because nothing says Greek (or rather Roman) hero like someone with a Samoan/African heritage!? /rolls eyes
And no, this is not a racist comment so don’t even try.
Come on I think Kevin Sorbo should do it again or Gerard Butler. He has expirence with these kind of roles
Sure Dwayne is ok for Hercules if he wears a moustache and beard.
Hmmm Mongoose,
I Have to disagree with you in actuality much of greek heritage and even cities were founded by non-Aryan Races including blacks. What we’ve seen on television or even in some books cannnot accurately define what ancient greeks look like, no less one of their gods from mythology. When I think of a greek god, “The Rock” IS PERFECT. Chiseled features, powerful physique.
All in all unless there is specific and accurate historical evidence of what a character from many cultures’s mythology would look like I say it’s all up for grabs, Lets not forget Heimdall in the Thor movie, a great performance and presence was Idris.
you can read more about these diffrent races and cultures in Greek history here
http://clyde.winters.tripod.com/chapter6.html