Acclaimed British director Guy Ritchie will reunite with Disney to direct a live-action adaptation of the studio’s Renaissance-era animated film Hercules (1997). Ritchie, who previously directed Disney’s billion-dollar live-action Aladdin (2019), is set to bring his distinctive style to another classic property.
After spending several years focused on original and genre work such as The Gentlemen and Wrath of Man, Ritchie is returning to large-scale studio filmmaking to helm Disney’s new version of Hercules. The project pairs him with producers Joe and Anthony Russo through their production company AGBO, combining Ritchie’s kinetic visual approach with the Russos’ experience producing blockbuster franchises.
Screenwriter Dave Callaham, known for his work on Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, is attached to adapt the screenplay. The original animated Hercules was a musical retelling of a mythic hero who rises from humble beginnings to save Olympus from the god of the Underworld. At this stage, it is not confirmed whether the new adaptation will retain the musical elements of the 1997 film or take a different tonal direction.
This new Hercules is part of Disney’s ongoing strategy to reimagine its animated classics as live-action features. Over the last decade, Disney has produced numerous live-action adaptations, some of which have been major box-office hits while others launched directly to streaming platforms. The mixed commercial and critical responses to those films show both the risks and potential rewards of revisiting beloved animated properties.
Ritchie’s attachment signals that Disney is aiming for a stylistically bold and commercially viable picture. His previous work on Aladdin demonstrated an ability to balance spectacle, humor, and character-driven moments within the framework of a family-oriented blockbuster. Collaborating with AGBO and a writer experienced with contemporary comic-mythic storytelling suggests the team will try to create a version of Hercules that resonates with modern audiences while honoring the spirit of the original.
Disney’s slate of live-action adaptations has included a range of source material and creative approaches. Some films leaned into faithful recreations of their animated origins, while others reinterpreted characters and settings to offer fresh perspectives. This history gives the studio flexibility to determine how closely the new Hercules will follow the 1997 storyline, its musical tradition, and the comedic tone that marked the original film.
Beyond creative choices, casting and production design will be key elements to watch. The original Hercules blended mythic imagery, larger-than-life set pieces, and a contemporary sense of humor. Translating that balance into live-action requires careful decisions about scale, effects, choreography, and the emotional core of the titular hero. A strong cast and a clear tonal vision will be essential to making the film feel both epic and intimate.
From a commercial standpoint, Hercules offers built-in brand recognition and a legacy fan base, but it also faces the same expectations and scrutiny that accompanied prior Disney adaptations. Success will depend on delivering a film that feels fresh and purposeful rather than simply replicating what came before. The involvement of experienced producers and a high-profile director points toward ambitions for a theatrical release and broad audience appeal.
At present, details such as casting, release date, and whether the adaptation will preserve the musical format remain unconfirmed. The development marks an important step in Disney’s continued exploration of its animated catalog, and the project will attract attention as news about casting and production milestones emerges.
Recommended for you: Disney Renaissance Movies Ranked
This report was originally covered in industry press in mid-2022 and reflects the project’s announced creative team. Further updates and official production announcements will clarify the film’s direction and timeline as development progresses.