Hercules (franchise)

Last updated
Disney's Hercules
Disney's Hercules logo.png
Logo used since the 1997 film
Created by
Original work Hercules (1997)
Owner The Walt Disney Company
Films and television
Film(s)Hercules (1997)
Television series Once Upon a Time (2011-18) *
Animated series
Direct-to-video
Theatrical presentations
Musical(s)
  • Hercules: The Muse-ical (last performance 2008)
  • Hercules (2019)
Games
Video game(s)
Audio
Soundtrack(s) Hercules: An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack (1997)
* Work where this franchise's characters or settings appeared as part of a crossover, or has characters based on those from this franchise.

Hercules is a Disney media franchise comprising a film series and additional merchandise, starting with the 1997 animated Disney feature of the same name, directed by John Musker and Ron Clements.

Contents

Films

FilmU.S. release dateDirector(s)Screenwriter(s)Story byProducer(s)
Animated feature films
Hercules June 13, 1997 John Musker and Ron Clements Ron Clements, John Musker, Donald McEnery, Bob Shaw and Irene Mecchi Kaan Kalyon, Kelly Wightman, Randy Cartwright, John Ramirez, Jeff Snow, Vance Gerry, Kirk Hanson, Francis Glebas, Mark Kennedy, Bruce M. Morris, Don Dougherty and Thom EnriquezAlice Dewey Goldstone, John Musker and Ron Clements
Hercules: Zero to Hero August 17, 1999 Bob Kline, Tad Stones and Phil Wenstein- Bob Schooley and Mark McCorkle
Live-action feature films
Untitled Hercules live-actionTBA Guy Ritchie David Callaham Jeffery Silver, Karen Gilchrist, Anthony Russo and Joseph Russo

Animated Films

Hercules

Hercules is a 1997 American animated musical comedy-fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. The film was directed by John Musker and Ron Clements. The film is based on the legendary Greek mythology hero Heracles (known in the film by his Roman name, Hercules), the son of Zeus, in Greek mythology.

Hercules: Zero to Hero

Hercules: Zero to Hero is a 1999 direct-to-video followup to Disney's 1997 animated feature Hercules . It was released on August 31, 1999, and serves as the pilot to Hercules: The Animated Series . It packages four episodes of the television series to make a single narrative, which is considered part of the first two seasons.

Live-action Remake films

Live-action remake

In April, 2020, it was reported that a live-action remake of Hercules was being developed by Walt Disney Pictures, with Jeffery Silver and Karen Gilchrist, who previously produced the CGI remake of The Lion King , set to produce the film. Joe and Anthony Russo will also serve as producers on the film, while David Callaham will write the script. [1] In June 2022, it was announced that Guy Ritchie, who previously directed Disney's live-action Aladdin remake, had signed on to direct the film. [2] Joe Russo said the reimagining movie will pay homage to the original with a more modern spin on it and that it will also be a modern musical inspired by TikTok. [3] [4]

Animated Television series

Disney's Hercules: The Animated Series

Disney's Hercules: The Animated Series is an American animated series based on the 1997 film of the same name and the Greek myth. The series premiered in syndication on August 31, 1998, and on Disney's One Saturday Morning on September 12, 1998. The syndicated series ran 52 episodes, while the Saturday morning run ran 13.

"Hercules and the Arabian Night"

" Hercules and the Arabian Night " is a crossover episode of Disney's Hercules: The Animated Series featuring characters from Aladdin .

House of Mouse

House of Mouse is an animated television series, produced by Walt Disney Television which originally aired from 2001 to 2003.

Live-action Television series

Once Upon a Time

An alternate version of Hades appeared in the latter half of Once Upon a Time's fifth season starting with "Souls of the Departed" portrayed by Greg Germann. In the episode "Labor of Love" alternate versions of Hercules and Megara were both portrayed by Jonathan Whitesell and Kacey Rohl.

Video games

Disney's Hercules: Action Game

Disney's Hercules: Action Game is a video game for the PlayStation and PC released on June 20, 1997, by Disney Interactive. It was made in one week before the animated movie released in the same year.

Disney's Animated Storybook: Hercules

Disney's Animated Storybook: Hercules is part of the Disney's Animated Storybook series.

Disney's Hercules Print Studio

Disney's Hercules Print Studio is part of the Disney's Print Studio series.

Hades Challenge

Hades Challenge is a PC video game released on April 17, 1998. It is a first–person adventure/puzzle game and a spinoff to Hercules in which the player assumes the role of a rookie hero undergoing various adventures based upon elements of Greek mythology not directly explored in the main film while being recurrently antagonized by Hades and Pain and Panic.

Kingdom Hearts

The characters of the film appear in the Kingdom Hearts video game series in the recurring in-game world of "Olympus Coliseum". It is the most represented Disney franchise appearing in nearly every entry in the series bar Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance . Unlike other Disney worlds which closely follows the plot of [their] original film, the stories are original and feature original plots in each game and setting. It is also the only franchise where the characters interact with guest characters appearing in Square-Enix's Final Fantasy series.

In the first Kingdom Hearts , Olympus Coliseum appears as an arena mini-game world where Sora, Donald and Goofy can face off against various enemies encountered during the story, and features Hercules, Phil, Hades, Cerberus, Rock Titan, and Ice Titan. In Kingdom Hearts II , the Underworld can be explored and includes new characters like Megara, Pain and Panic, Pegasus, and Hydra.

In Kingdom Hearts III , a new world "Olympus" appears as the opening world the heroes' embark in. The Coliseum is absent, but the City of Thebes, Mount Olympus and the Realm of the Gods can be explored, and characters featured include Zeus and his fellow gods, the Lava Titan and Wind Titan.

The world also appears in Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories , Kingdom Hearts coded , Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days , and Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep .

Disney Magic Kingdoms

In the world builder video game Disney Magic Kingdoms , a limited time Event based on Hercules introduced Hercules, Philoctetes, Meg, Pegasus, Hades, Pain and Panic as playable characters, as well as some attractions based on locations of the film. [5] In the game the characters are involved in new storylines that serve as a continuation of the film.

Cast and characters

List indicators

This section includes characters who will appear or have appeared in more than two films in the series.

CharactersFeature filmVideo gameTelevision series
Hercules Hades Challenge Hercules
Season 1Season 2
199719981998–1999
Primary cast
Hercules Tate Donovan Tate Donovan
Joshua Keaton Y
Roger Bart S
Philoctetes "Phil" Danny DeVito Robert Costanzo
Megara "Meg" Susan Egan Susan Egan
Hades James Woods
Pegasus Frank Welker Frank Welker
Pain Bobcat Goldthwait
Panic Matt Frewer
Icarus French Stewart
Cassandra Sandra Bernhard
Supporting cast
Zeus Rip Torn Corey Burton
Hera Samantha Eggar Mary Kay Bergman Samantha Eggar
Hermes Paul Schaffer
Apollo Keith David
Calliope Lillias White Lillias White
Melpomene Cheryl FreemanCheryl Freeman
Amphitryon Hal Holbrook Hal Holbrook
Alcmene Barbara Barrie Barbara Barrie
Arges Patrick Pinney Pat Fraley
Bob Charlton Heston Robert Stack
Adonis Diedrich Bader
Minor cast
Nessus

Stage musical

Hercules: The Muse-ical

Hercules: The Muse-ical (also known as Hercules: A Muse-ical Comedy) is a show on Disney Cruise Line's Disney Wonder ship. It is a "Vaudevillian salute" to the 1997 Disney film, and features some of its songs. [6] "It had its final performance in 2008 to make way for Toy Story: The Musical." [7]

Rotoscopers explains: "Not taking itself seriously for a moment, Hercules‘ sea voyage was practically half musical, half stand-up comedy. Hades, Pain, and Panic (the latter two both portrayed by women) especially packed a humorous punch, infusing relevant pop-culture references into the script. They often changed to keep up with current trends, much like Genie's jokes in Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular , a former show at Disney California Adventure." [7]

Hercules (musical)

On February 6, 2019, it was announced that a theatrical adaptation of the film would premiere at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park as part of its annual Shakespeare in the Park festival from August 31 until September 8. Menken and Zippel will return to compose and write the songs, while Kristoffer Diaz will write the book, Lear deBessonet will direct and Chase Brock will choreograph. [8] The cast will include Jelani Alladin (Hercules), Roger Bart (Hades), Jeff Hiller (Panic), James Monroe Iglehart (Phil), Ramona Keller (Thalia), Tamika Lawrence (Calliope), Krysta Rodriguez (Meg), and Rema Webb (Terpsichore). [9]

Music

Hercules: An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack

Hercules: An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack is the soundtrack for Hercules . It consists of music written by composer Alan Menken and lyricist David Zippel, orchestrated by Danny Troob and Michael Starobin, with vocals performed by Lillias White, LaChanze, Roz Ryan, Roger Bart, Danny DeVito, and Susan Egan among others.

Related Research Articles

<i>Aladdin</i> (1992 Disney film) American animated musical fantasy film

Aladdin is a 1992 American animated musical fantasy comedy film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released by Buena Vista Pictures Distribution under Walt Disney Pictures. It is based on the Arabic folktale "Aladdin" from One Thousand and One Nights. The film was produced and directed by John Musker and Ron Clements from a screenplay they co-wrote with the writing team of Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio. Featuring the voices of Scott Weinger, Robin Williams, Linda Larkin, Jonathan Freeman, Frank Welker, Gilbert Gottfried and Douglas Seale, the film follows the titular Aladdin, an Arabian street urchin who finds a magic lamp containing a genie. With the genie's help, Aladdin disguises as a wealthy prince and tries to impress the Sultan of Agrabah to win the heart of his free-spirited daughter, Princess Jasmine, as the Sultan's evil vizier, Jafar, plots to steal the magic lamp.

<i>Hercules</i> (1997 film) American animated musical fantasy film

Hercules is a 1997 American animated musical fantasy comedy film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation for Walt Disney Pictures. It is loosely based on the legendary hero Heracles, a son of Zeus in Greek mythology. The film was directed by John Musker and Ron Clements, both of whom also produced the film with Alice Dewey Goldstone. The screenplay was written by Clements, Musker, Donald McEnery, Bob Shaw, and Irene Mecchi. Featuring the voices of Tate Donovan, Danny DeVito, James Woods, and Susan Egan, the film follows the titular Hercules, a demigod with super-strength raised among mortals, who must learn to become a true hero in order to earn back his godhood and place in Mount Olympus, while his evil uncle Hades plots his downfall.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aladdin</span> Middle-Eastern folk tale

Aladdin is a Middle-Eastern folk tale. It is one of the best-known tales associated with One Thousand and One Nights, despite not being part of the original text; it was added by the Frenchman Antoine Galland, based on a folk tale that he heard from the Syrian storyteller Hanna Diyab.

Jafar (<i>Aladdin</i>) Disney character

Jafar is a fictional character in Walt Disney Pictures' animated film Aladdin (1992). He is voiced by Jonathan Freeman, who also portrayed the character in the Broadway musical adaptation. Jafar also appears in the 1994 sequel to Aladdin, but he is not in the 1996 third film or the television series, although he does return in the latter's crossover Hercules and the Arabian Night.

<i>Hercules</i> (1998 TV series) American animated television series

Disney's Hercules: The Animated Series is an American animated television series based on the 1997 film of the same name and the Greek myth. The series followed Hercules as a teenager, in training to be a hero, prior to the events of the film.

<i>Mickeys House of Villains</i> 2002 American film

Mickey's House of Villains is a 2002 American direct-to-video animated comedy-horror film produced by Walt Disney Television Animation. It is based on the animated television series House of Mouse, and serves as a stand-alone sequel to the direct-to-video animated film Mickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse, starring Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Daisy Duck, and Disney Villains that appeared in past Disney productions. It was released on both VHS and DVD by Walt Disney Home Entertainment on September 3, 2002.

"I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" is a song written by composer Alan Menken and lyricist David Zippel for Disney's animated film Hercules (1997). Included on the film's soundtrack, the song is performed by American actress and singer Susan Egan in her role as Meg, Hercules' love interest, while singers Cheryl Freeman, Lillias White, Vaneese Thomas, LaChanze and Roz Ryan provide girl group-style backup vocals as the Muses.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aladdin (Disney character)</span> Disney character

Aladdin is a fictional character in Disney's animated film Aladdin based on "Aladdin", a folk tale of Middle Eastern origin. He is voiced by Scott Weinger, while his singing voice is provided by Brad Kane. He also stars in the two direct-to-video sequels The Return of Jafar (1994) and Aladdin and the King of Thieves (1996), as well as the animated television series based on the film and the crossover Hercules and the Arabian Night. Mena Massoud played a live-action version of the character in a live action adaptation of the 1992 film.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heracles in popular culture</span> Mythological hero

Heracles, also known as Hercules, is a Greek and Roman mythological hero known for his strength and far-ranging adventures. He is one of the most commonly portrayed figures from classical mythology in the popular culture of the 20th and 21st centuries.

<i>Hercules: Zero to Hero</i> 1999 television film directed by Bob Kline

Hercules: Zero to Hero is a 1999 American animated fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Television Animation. The film is a direct-to-video follow-up to 1997 animated feature Hercules. It was released on August 17, 1999. The film serves as a package film combining four episodes of Hercules: The Animated Series and takes place during the first two seasons of Hercules: The Animated Series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Muses in popular culture</span>

Representations or analogues of one or more of the nine Muses of Greek mythology have appeared in many different modern fictional works.

Meg (<i>Hercules</i>) Fictional character from Disneys Hercules

Megara, commonly known simply as Meg, is a fictional character who appears in the Walt Disney Pictures animated film Hercules (1997). Voiced by actress Susan Egan, Meg is introduced as a cynical young woman enslaved by Hades, god of the underworld. Hades forces Meg to uncover Hercules' weaknesses by seducing him in return for her freedom, only to develop genuine feelings for the hero instead. Loosely based on Megara and Deianira, Heracles' first and third wives in Greek mythology, directors Ron Clements and John Musker adapted Meg into a morally conflicted con artist, while basing her role and personality on 1940s screwball comediennes, particularly actress Barbara Stanwyck's performance in The Lady Eve (1941).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hades in popular culture</span> Depictions of the Greek god

The mythological Greek deity Hades often appears in popular culture. In spite of his present neutrality and lack of bad deeds, he is often portrayed as a villain due to his association with death and the underworld.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Titans in popular culture</span>

The familiar name and large size of the Titans have made them dramatic figures suited to market-oriented popular culture.

<i>Beauty and the Beast</i> (franchise) Disney media franchise based on fairy tale by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont

Beauty and the Beast is a Disney media franchise comprising a film series and additional merchandise. The success of the original 1991 American animated feature, Beauty and the Beast, directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise, led to three direct-to-video follow-up films, a live-action spin-off television series, a Disney World stage show, a Disney World restaurant, a trackless dark ride, several video games, merchandise, and the 10th longest-running musical in Broadway history, which was nominated for nine Tony Awards, winning for Best Costume Design. In March 2017, Disney released a live-action remake of the film.

<i>Aladdin</i> (franchise) Disney media franchise

Aladdin is a Disney media franchise comprising a film series and additional media. It began with the 1992 American animated feature of the same name, which was based on the tale of the same name, and was directed by Ron Clements and John Musker. The success of the film led to two direct-to-video sequels, a television series, a Broadway musical, a live-action remake, various rides and themed areas in Disney's theme parks, several video games, and merchandise, among other related works.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Genie (Disney)</span> Character from Disneys Aladdin

The Genie is a fictional character who appeared in Walt Disney Pictures' animated film Aladdin (1992), later appearing in other media of the Aladdin franchise as one of its main characters, as well as throughout other Disney media. He was voiced by Robin Williams in the first film, on whom the character's mannerisms were based. Following a contract dispute between Williams and Disney, Dan Castellaneta voiced the Genie in the direct-to-video feature The Return of Jafar, as well as the television series. Williams reprised the role for the final film installment Aladdin and the King of Thieves, and the character's own educational mini-series Great Minds Think for Themselves.

<i>Hercules</i> (musical) 2019 musical by Kristoffer Diaz

Hercules is a musical based on the Walt Disney Animation Studios 1997 film of the same name, with music and lyrics by Alan Menken and David Zippel, and a book by Kristoffer Diaz, Robert Horn and Kwame Kwei-Armah. The production is also loosely based on the legendary hero of the same name, the son of Zeus, in Greek mythology.

References

  1. Kit, Borys (30 April 2020). "'Hercules' Live-Action Remake in the Works From Disney, 'Shang-Chi' Writer (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter . Retrieved 30 April 2020.
  2. Fleming, Mike Jr. (June 17, 2022). "'Aladdin' Director Guy Ritchie Teams With Disney & AGBO On Live-Action 'Hercules'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 17, 2022.
  3. Russell, Bradley (July 20, 2022). "Live-action Hercules remake will pay homage to the original but "with a more modern spin"". Games Radar . Retrieved November 11, 2022.
  4. Vary, Adam B. (November 2, 2022). "Disney's Live-Action 'Hercules' Will Be 'More Experimental' and Inspired by TikTok, Says Producer Joe Russo". Variety. Retrieved November 11, 2022.
  5. Disney Magic Kingdoms (Gameloft) (May 26, 2020). "Update 41: Hercules | Livestream". YouTube.
  6. "Disney Cruise Line Hercules, the Muse-ical". Magicalkingdoms.com. Retrieved 2017-01-14.
  7. 1 2 "Remembering Hercules the Muse-ical on the Disney Cruise Line". Rotoscopers.com. 2014-03-25. Retrieved 2017-01-14.
  8. McPhee, Ryan (February 6, 2019). "Stage Adaptation of Disney's Hercules to Play the Public Theater's Delacorte". Playbill. Retrieved February 6, 2019.
  9. BWW News Desk. "‘Hercules’ Stage Musical Adaptation Finds Its Strongman: Jelani Alladin Among Cast Announced For Shakespeare In The Park Production" Deadline Hollywood, June 20, 2019.