In the annals of competing studio projects there has never been quite as odd a match-up as the one between the two HERCULES films that are coming soon. On one hand, you have Renny Harlin directing a 3D film about the Greek myth, but that one is starring Kellen Lutz. On the other hand, you have badass Dwayne Johnson starring in a more unique take on the character, but that one is directed by Brett Ratner.
While the Ridley Scott HERCULES still is in pre-production, Ratner and Johnson began filming their version today in Budapest, Hungary. Going by the title HERCULES, the film is based on the graphic novel HERCULES: THE THRACIAN WARS and tells an original story about the hero not found in any of the classics:
Everyone knows the legend of Hercules and his twelve labors. Our story begins after the labors, and after the legend… Haunted by a sin from his past, Hercules has become a mercenary. Along with five faithful companions, he travels ancient Greece selling his services for gold and using his legendary reputation to intimidate enemies. But when the benevolent ruler of Thrace and his daughter seek Hercules’ help to defeat a savage and terrifying warlord, Hercules finds that in order for good to triumph and justice to prevail… he must again become the hero he once was… he must embrace his own myth… he must be Hercules.
I like that this will not be the same old HERCULES we have seen countless times before. Stripping out the supernatural elements, a gritty take on the legend sounds like a great idea. But, there are two things that concern me: Ratner is a shit director and, well, THE SCORPION KING. Dwayne Johnson is one of the most likeable actors working today but I cannot shake his MUMMY spin-off from my mind when I think about HERCULES.
Maybe the supporting cast can help: Ian McShane, Rufus Sewell, Joseph Fiennes, Peter Mullan and John Hurt. That is a damn fine cast and should make for a cool movie, but then again PRINCE OF PERSIA: THE SANDS OF TIME had a good cast and that was a pile of shit. I will keep an open mind on this film because of Johnson and the supporting cast, but I am not optimistic about this being the better of the two HERCULES films.
Brett Ratner‘s HERCULES is slated to open on July 25, 2014.