Susan Egan Suggests Zendaya, Tom Holland for Hercules Remake

Susan Egan, the original voice actress for Megara in Disney's 1997 animated film 'Hercules,' has publicly expressed her desire for a live-action remake of the classic, suggesting Zendaya for the role of Meg and Tom Holland as Hercules. Egan shared these sentiments with Deadline on the red carpet at D23, an event dedicated to Disney fandom. She stated, "The world needs it," indicating a strong belief in the project's potential appeal and relevance. Egan's endorsement comes at a time when live-action adaptations of animated Disney properties are a significant focus for the company, with recent successes like 'The Lion King' and 'Aladdin' demonstrating the commercial viability of such ventures. The success of 'Spider-Man: No Way Home,' which starred Tom Holland and Zendaya, further fuels the speculation and excitement around their potential involvement in a 'Hercules' remake. Holland's portrayal of Peter Parker/Spider-Man has garnered critical acclaim and significant box office returns, establishing him as a bankable star capable of carrying a major franchise. Similarly, Zendaya has achieved widespread recognition and critical praise for her roles in 'Euphoria' and the 'Dune' film series, showcasing her versatility and star power. Her performance as MJ in the recent Spider-Man films, alongside Holland, has also highlighted their strong on-screen chemistry, which could translate effectively to a romantic lead in a 'Hercules' narrative. The animated 'Hercules' is known for its unique blend of Greek mythology, vibrant animation, and a memorable soundtrack, featuring songs by Alan Menken and David Zippel. A live-action adaptation would present an opportunity to reimagine these elements for a contemporary audience, potentially incorporating new musical numbers and modern storytelling techniques. The original film's narrative centers on Hercules, the son of Zeus, who is framed by Hades and must prove himself worthy of his divine heritage. Megara, a cynical assistant to Hades, becomes Hercules's love interest, adding a layer of complexity to the hero's journey. Egan's suggestion implies a vision for a remake that respects the core elements of the original while embracing new talent and perspectives. The D23 Expo, where Egan made her comments, is a biennial event hosted by The Walt Disney Company to showcase upcoming projects across its various divisions, including film, television, and theme parks. It serves as a key platform for Disney to generate buzz and gauge fan interest in its intellectual properties. The timing of Egan's remarks at this prominent Disney event suggests a strategic approach to advocating for the remake, potentially aiming to capture the attention of studio executives. While no official announcement has been made by Disney regarding a 'Hercules' live-action remake, the vocal support from a key figure from the original production, coupled with the popularity of the suggested actors, could influence future development decisions. The prospect of Zendaya and Tom Holland headlining a 'Hercules' film would undoubtedly generate significant interest from both long-time fans of the animated classic and new audiences drawn to the stars' established appeal.