Welcome to the answer for the most commonly asked questions on our very own Wonder Boy! This is the Disney’s Hercules FAQ.
Jump to:
- What is Disney’s Hercules about?
- Cast
- Songs
- Stage musical info
- Live action & TV show
- The real story (myth)
- Main Disney changes
What is Disney’s Hercules about?
Released in 1997, Hercules is an animated Disney film that retells the Greek hero’s story. It follows Hercules as he learns to control his strength, prove himself a true hero, and thwart Hades, while finding love with Megara.
Cast
Tate Donovan (Hercules), James Woods (Hades), Susan Egan (Megara), Danny DeVito (Philoctetes/“Phil”), Rip Torn (Zeus), plus the Muses as the film’s narrators/chorus.
Special mention goes to Susan Egan as Megara. Before Hercules, she originated the role of Belle in Broadway’s Beauty and the Beast, earning a Tony nomination. Beyond Disney, she’s voiced roles in Steven Universe (Rose Quartz), Porco Rosso (Ghibli’s Gina), and even lent her talents to video games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Her sly wit and smoky vocals made Meg unlike any Disney heroine before, with “I Won’t Say (I’m in Love)” cementing her as a fan favourite. As soon as you hear Susan’s voice, you know it’s her!
Songs
The soundtrack was written by Alan Menken with lyrics by David Zippel. Menken was already a Disney legend, having composed for The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and Pocahontas. His work on Hercules leaned into gospel and Broadway influences, giving the film a bold, uniquely American sound that stood apart from his earlier fairy-tale scores.
Notable numbers include Go the Distance, Zero to Hero, I Won’t Say (I’m in Love), and The Gospel Truth (the Muses).
Stage musical info
Disney Theatrical developed a stage adaptation premiering in 2019 at the Delacorte Theater (NYC), subsequently reworked for further productions with expanded score and large chorus.
Hercules is currently playing (2025) in the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London.
Live action & TV show
A live-action remake is in development (producers: the Russo brothers). Disney also produced a Hercules animated TV series (1998–1999) focused on Hercules’ teen years.
As an additional spinoff, some may remember the Playstation game based on the film. I myself spent hours playing it and loved every second. I can still hear Phil telling me off as I failed his challenges.
The real story (myth)
In Greek myth, Heracles (the Greek form of “Hercules”) is the son of Zeus and the mortal Alcmene. Hated by Hera, he’s driven into madness and kills his wife Megara and their children. To atone, he undertakes the Twelve Labours — brutal tasks that define his legend. Please head to our full post on Hercules vs Heracles to learn more!
Main Disney changes
Disney recasts Hera as loving (rather than hostile), makes Hades the primary villain, gives Megara a witty romance arc, and softens the Labours into lighter adventures — removing the darkest tragic elements for a family-friendly hero’s journey. As a child, I can understand and praise Disney for bringing a darker myth to a younger audience. As a fully-grown History grad, I grumble… lovingly.
