Dwayne Johnson is in talks to play Hercules in a film helmed by director Brett Ratner. This is the second time Ratner has signed on to direct a project on this subject matter. The first time around was for a Millenium/Nu Image feature that didn’t get very far into the process before it was scrapped last spring. This time they’ve at least reached the casting phase, which is a good sign. If they can attract a big name like Johnson, things will hopefully cruise right along from here.
MGM is adapting Steve Moore‘s graphic novel Hercules: The Thracian Wars and the script comes from screenwriter Ryan Condal who recently wrote the screenplay for another adaptation, Paradise Lost.
The source material focuses on Hercules and his loyal gang that are recruited to shape the Thracian army into shape. The complications are not only the external threat of war, but the internal battle that Hercules is waging for redemption. The graphic novel was originally published in 2008.
From the pen of Steve Moore (DR. WHO; JONNI FUTURE) comes a tale of Hercules in his darkest hours.
When the Thracian King summons the Greek hero and his six battle-worn companions to mold the Thracian army into a bloodthirsty, ruthless killing machine, the Son of Zeus rushes to answer the call of war and gold. But within the nation of Thrace lies an epic tale of war, murder, deception, and sacrifice that shows Hercules how far from grace he’s fallen- and what he must accomplish for redemption.
Dwayne Johnson definitely has the right body for the role, but picturing him as the typical long-haired demigod seems like a bit of a stretch. Still, it will be interesting to see what The Rock can bring to the classic character.
Johnson is in demand these days. He is currently starring in Journey 2: The Mysterious Island and this summer you can catch him in G.I. Joe: Retaliation. He’s also filming Snitch alongside Susan Sarandon and Benjamin Bratt, with Michael Bay‘s Pain & Gain in the wings, and Fast 6 next in line.
Do you think Dwayne Johnson has what it takes to be a convincing Hercules? Let us know!
