Ariana Grande Responds to Speculation That She Will Play Megara in Disney’s Live-Action ‘Hercules’
In April 2020, Disney announced that a live-action Hercules was in development, with Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Ring scribe Dave Callaham writing the script and Avengers directors Joe and Anthony Russo producing.
At the time, Disney had found gold with its live-action remake strategy. Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King had all grossed over $1 billion, and the studio was looking for more films to mine. Hercules was the perfect choice.


Photo: Disney+
In 2022, Deadline reported that Guy Richie had been hired to direct the film. Subsequently, the Russo’s explained to Variety that Richie was rewriting the script and that their live-action Hercules would be a musical, just like the animated classic.
Ariana Grande Has Frequently Been Attached to the Project
While updates on the film have subsequently come few and far between, fans and insiders have continued to speculate that Ariana Grande was being eyed for the role of Megara.
Coming off of her massive success with Wicked, calls for Grande to play the heroine have only intensified.
The Actress Chimes In
In a recent interview on the Variety Awards Circuit podcast, Grande was finally asked about her interest in playing Meg.
“It’s really funny, because I grew up singing the Muses’ parts. [laughs] … I have seen some of that, but it’s never been an actual discussion. As much as I really love transforming for a role – and I do love the idea of, you know, a darker sort of – ‘c’ asterisk ‘unty’ role like Megara,” the actress began.


Photo: IMDB
While Grande was clearly flattered, the actress had a different name in mind for Meg.
“I do think that I would be remiss if I didn’t say this, I think [Elizabeth] Gillies should be Megara. Do you know my friend Liz Gillies, she’s brilliant. Oh god, that would be a fantastic role for her.”


Photo: People
Grande and Gillies co-starred together on Nickelodeon’s Victorious. Now, Grande wants to see her friend shine in Hercules.
Disney Has Not Given Any Update on the Film’s Status
As speculation continues over who will be cast in Hercules, it should be noted that Disney has yet to provide any concrete updates on the film’s status. Hopefully, however, we learn more soon.


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