If there is one thing Disney knows how to do, it is put out a successful film. Whether it comes from Walt Disney Studios, Marvel, Pixar, or LucasFilm, Disney has some of the best screenwriters on the planet working for it. One area Disney has found particular success with in recent years is its live-action remakes. Fans flock to the theaters to see their favorite animated films come to life, like Beauty and the Beast, Mulan, The Lion King, Cinderella, The Jungle Book, and more.
One of the more successful live-action remakes was the 2019 film, Aladdin. The film starred Mena Massoud as Aladdin, Naomi Scott as Jasmine, and Will Smith as the Genie. The film was written by John August and Guy Ritchie, with Ritchie also directing the film. Aladdin was a massive hit for Disney and brought in more than $1 billion worldwide. Disney was so impressed with Ritchie’s work that we are now learning they are bringing him back to work on another one of their live-action films.
Deadline Hollywood has learned that Guy Ritchie has signed on to direct Hercules, which will be based on the 1997 animated film of the same name that starred Tate Donovan as the voice of Hercules and Susan Egan as the voice of Megara. James Woods was also hilarious in the original film as the voice of the God of the Underworld, Hades.
Deadline Hollywood reported:
After watching his live-action transfer of Disney’s animated Aladdin become his first film to crack the billion-dollar gross mark, Guy Ritchie is back in business with the studio. This time, he’s overseeing a live-action film based on the Disney animated film Hercules.
The film will be produced by AGBO, the production company run by Avengers: Endgame directors Joe & Anthony Russo. The studio is in the process of hiring writers after Dave Callaham wrote a first draft.
This deal was made by CAA, before Ritchie last month exited the agency and went to WME.
Most of Disney’s live-action remakes stick pretty close to their animated originals, but one thing we do not know is if Disney will keep the music from the original film. “Go the Distance” is an incredibly popular song and a favorite amongst Disney fans, so many may be disappointed if Disney decides to change up the music. Hopefully, they will keep the favorites and maybe add in another great song or two!