Michael B. Jordan is reportedly in talks to play the titular role in a live-action remake of Disney’s 1997 animated classic, Hercules.
The news comes after it was leaked in 2021 that Disney was “looking to cast a non-white actor in the titular role.” Despite claiming they were not “ruling out casting a white male,” Hollywood insider Daniel Richtman speculated that Disney was “actively pursuing a person of color to lead the live-action remake.”
Jordan is a versatile and talented actor who has proven himself in a wide range of roles, from the gritty realism of Creed to the fantastical world of Black Panther. Jordan is a talented actor with a proven track record. His casting as Hercules would be a groundbreaking move for Disney, and it would send a powerful message to audiences of all ages that everyone deserves to see themselves reflected in the stories we tell.
Michael B. Jordan is one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood, and it’s no surprise that he’s rumored to be starring in the upcoming live-action remake of Hercules. However, the casting choice has also sparked confusion and criticism from some fans to be cultural appropriation or “blackwashing”.
The original 1997 animated film Hercules was based on the legendary Greek hero Heracles, whose name and mythology was adapted by the Romans into the more commonly-referenced “Hercules.” He was the greatest of the Greek heroes, and became an inspirational figure for Roman emperors, who often styled themselves on his likeness.
The film was set in ancient Greece, where Hercules was presented as the son of Zeus and Hera. Struggling to control his divine strength and curious about his origins, Hercules visits the Temple of Zeus one day and discovers he is half-man and half-god. He is told that he can earn back his godhood by defeating several evil creatures to prove he is a hero.
However, reports that Michael B. Jordan may star in a live-action remake of Disney’s Hercules have prompted mixed reactions from fans and critics alike. Some people are excited to see Jordan take on the role of the iconic demigod, while others are more sceptical.
Of course, some fans have expressed concerns about the decision to cast a Black actor in a role that was originally portrayed as a Greek. This leads to a less accurate portrayal of the character.
The casting decision is an example of “Hollywood race swapping.”, and casting a Black actor in the role can be seen as a form of cultural appropriation. Hercules isn’t just a fictional Disney character, but a real figure of Greek mythology which is still today of great importance to Greeks and Greek culture.
While some people may be excited to see Michael B. Jordan play Hercules in the upcoming live-action remake, we believe that it is offensive to race swap such an important figure in Greek mythology. Ultimately Hercules is a Greek hero, and that his portrayal should reflect the culture and heritage from which he originated. However it appears that Hollywood doesn’t care who and what cultures they offend in order to push their woke identity politics.
Another interesting things about Jordan’s potential casting as Hercules is that it would subvert expectations in a number of ways. For example, Hercules is traditionally portrayed as a very muscular and physically imposing figure. However, Jordan has a more athletic and lean physique. This would be a change from the usual depiction of Hercules, and it would be interesting to see how Jordan brings the character to life in a new and unique way.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to cast Jordan as Hercules is up to Disney. However, the casting debate is sure to continue until a decision is made and we will have to stay tuned to see what happens.