Hercules is rumored to be getting a live action remake, like so many other Disney movies from the archives. With that comes a lot of challenges on how to successfully adapt the film without losing any of its original charm or themes.
It's a difficult task, but there's plenty of elements that need to be included in order to make this really feel like the original did. There's also a few elements that a live action iteration could improve upon, with brand new technology at the hands of Disney Studios and a lot of hindsight over what audiences liked and didn't like.
A Comedic Hades
Hades is one of the highlights of the original film. His sarcastic humor certainly helped the film and he's one of Disney's most interesting antagonists in recent memory.
A live-action version of the character of course has to get the look right, but what's more important is the casting. It needs to go to a charismatic, hilarious yet dark actor; with many calls for Jeff Goldblum to take on the role.
Captain America Parallels
There are a few parallels to be made with the first Avenger and his journey. Specifically with the technology that was used throughout that film. To start with Steve Rogers was a scrawny boy hoping to go to war.
After being injected with the super-soldier serum he became the heroic Captain America. The technology used to achieve this effect would be brilliant to use for Hercules as he becomes a hero.
A Sassy Meg
Megara has to be sassy in order to really feel like the original character. She's one of Disney's strongest female heroes, although she hasn't been given the honor of becoming a Disney princess.
She's one of the most underrated characters in one of the most underrated films and so to really give her justice the casting and characterization has to be spot on.
Less Slapstick
A lot of the comedy in the original film is based on slapstick humor, with two of Hade's villainous companions really being aimed at children rather than older audiences.
Although some of this can remain a lot of the film was weakened by these poor comedy choices. In many ways, some of this humor could work better in live-action as it will remove the cartoony and silly elements of the film.
Monstrous Titans
The Titans are part of the big finale and come down to try to destroy Olympus at the command of Hades. In the movie, the designs of these original gods were very unique.
The visual effects used within this film will have to match this but still be an impressive set of monsters for Hercules to defeat. Hopefully, they maintain their distinctiveness rather than being vague CGI beasts.
Original Songs
Normally these classic animated films received sequels, which expands their songwriting material. However, Hercules never did. There's a bit of a tradition of adding original songs to live-action adaptations.
Without a sequel for new songs, it feels appropriate to create some original music for the rebooted version of the franchise, one that hopefully shines the spotlight on the villain of the piece.
Danny Devito
There's one piece of casting that cannot be changed. Danny Devito is the perfect Phil and still remains the best choice to take over that character. It would be a shame to remove the actor from the role.
Danny Devito has worked with Disney many times over the years, there's already a history with him and the company. Devito's role is one of the elements that made the original film just so good!
Extended Action Sequences
The action scenes in the first film were a lot of fun. A live action iteration can develop these further, having them become extended and include a few more beats within them.
The fight between the Hydra and the demi-god for instance is sure to really pop on screen and the finale sequence between Hercules and the Titans should certainly be made slightly longer and more dramatic.
Further Mythology
The mythology surrounding the film, based on ancient Greek legends, is obviously a lot of fun and has inspired many of the characters and their designs.
It would be interesting to see these myths explored a little more. The various tasks of Hercules for instance, or perhaps bringing in other creatures such as the Minotaur or Artemis and her league of female warriors.
Longer Running Time
The original Hercules is just too short! It's a lot of fun the whole time and it's a shame that fans never got to stay in this world for longer with a sequel.
While its brisk pace is certainly a great part of the film, it could also benefit from a little more exploration of the world this narrative is set in, as well as giving some more emotional moments a little space to breathe. Hopefully, the film will be extended in run time by just the right amount.