Just Spitballing Here, but These 30 Actors Could Go the Distance in Disney's Live-Action Hercules

If there is one thing a Disney musical film is known for, it's for having the perfect voice cast for their iconic songs. That's why it's nearly impossible for fans to understand when the studio drops another live-action adaptation of our classic favorites — why mess with perfection? But when it came to the reveal that a live-action Hercules was in the works, the world stood still for a moment. A live-action production of a film that has arguably one of the absolute best Disney soundtracks to date? A live-action adaptation of a film that gave us thee Muses? It's foolish, ambitious, and a challenge that Disney thinks they're up for. I can respect that.

Most projects can be made or undone by the people behind the scenes, but this particular production hinges on one pinnacle component: the cast. Specifically, it's all about the Muses, but I'm an avid enough fan to include the rest of the cast in this as well. So, in hopes to aid Disney on their mission of bringing the magic of Hercules to life — in which they've already tapped Marvel's Dave Callaham to write the script with Avengers directors Joe and Anthony Russo to produce — I've compiled a list of some of the actors I think could truly go the distance. Scroll through ahead!

01
Jelani Alladin as Hercules
Getty | Daniel Zuchnik

Jelani Alladin as Hercules

Alladin has already wowed audiences in the role of Hercules for the Public Theater's Public Works' musical adaptation of the film, so why not have him bring that earnestness to the big screen?! If you haven't already seen him take on "Go the Distance," treat yourself, friends.

02
Diane Guerrero as Megara
Getty | Amy Sussman

Diane Guerrero as Megara

The underdog of my choices of Megaras, Guerrero is an accomplished actress who has a flair for bringing out the softer side of her tough characters, which is definitely a need for anyone playing Megara. The Orange Is the New Black and Doom Patrol actress would be perfect to bring some nuance to our emotionally troubled Grecian.

03
Stanley Tucci as Hermes
Getty | John Phillips

Stanley Tucci as Hermes

I mean, it's perfect. This might be my greatest casting choice; it's as if Nigel from The Devil Wears Prada became a god.

04
Ashley Blaine Featherson as Megara
Getty | Amanda Edwards

Ashley Blaine Featherson as Megara

If you've never watched Netflix's Dear White People you're probably not familiar with Featherson, and that's very much your loss. The actress is gifted at portraying strong women with a bit of guardedness that Megara is well-known for, and making us fall in love with them. Plus, she can sing.

05
Roger Bart as Hades
Getty | Matt Winkelmeyer

Roger Bart as Hades

Bart has already portrayed the flame-hair god alongside Alladin for the Public Theater's Public Works adaptation and he was — excuse the pun — pure fire.

06
Amber Riley as Melpomene, the Muse of Tragedy
Getty | John Lamparski

Amber Riley as Melpomene, the Muse of Tragedy

If the fans flocking to Twitter to throw her hat in the ring didn't clue you in, Riley is a clear favorite to take on the role of one of the Muses in the film. Her years on Glee proved she's always been a powerhouse vocalist (not just anyone wins Olivier awards for best actress in a musical!) and she's been affirming her place as an iconic voice ever since. Her rendition of "Let It Go"? Cured my astigmatism. Disney would be remiss not to reach out to Riley with a contract in hand!

08
Idris Elba as Zeus
Getty | Bruce Glikas

Idris Elba as Zeus

Elba is already known for his powerful presence, so it makes sense to cast him as the king of the gods. And he has experience with the role, playing around with the gods of Asgard in the Avengers movies.

09
Himesh Patel as Hercules
Getty | Karwai Tang

Himesh Patel as Hercules

Patel has shown off his beautiful voice in films like Yesterday, and he's totally handsome enough to be a demigod. Herc doesn't sport a beard in the film, but this is a new age — let's get into the facial hair, Disney!

10
Gina Torres as Hera
Getty | Amy Sussman

Gina Torres as Hera

Listen, Torres is one of the only three women who could pull off this role with the regalness and gravitas it deserves!

11
Justin Theroux as Hades
Getty | Dia Dipasupil

Justin Theroux as Hades

Everything about Theroux's aura tells me he would flourish in the role of Hades.

12
Elizabeth Gillies as Megara
Getty | Jerod Harris

Elizabeth Gillies as Megara

Fans of Nickelodeon's Victorious, FX's Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll, and The CW's Dynasty can attest to the fact that Gillies has the pipes and the attitude to be the next Megara. If her smirk doesn't sell you on her, listen to her voice.

13
Taron Egerton as Hercules
Getty | Samir Hussein

Taron Egerton as Hercules

Egerton is a transformative actor, and he could definitely do the role of Hercules justice. He has the pipes, the sweetness, and the good looks to make it all work!

15
Keke Palmer as Terpsichore, the Muse of Dance
Getty | Roy Rochlin

Keke Palmer as Terpsichore, the Muse of Dance

Palmer already gave her audition for the role, Disney just needs to put in the call!

16
Regina King as Hera
Getty | Jeff Kravitz

Regina King as Hera

I truly wanted to make a Regina King as the king of the gods joke, but there's no denying the actress's is a fantastic fit to play Hera. I would gladly see her as Queen of the gods!

17
Jazmine Sullivan as Thalia, the Muse of Comedy
Getty | Slaven Vlasic

Jazmine Sullivan as Thalia, the Muse of Comedy

Sullivan has a voice that'd bring gods to their knees, so she's definitely got my vote to star as a Muse!

18
Bill Hader as Hades
Getty | Jon Kopaloff

Bill Hader as Hades

Hader as Hades would mean playing up the comedic side of the villain, but that's the best part of the Underworld's leader! Plus, they're almost name twins — that's gotta be fate.

19
Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph, and Amy Poehler as the Three Fates
Getty | Jim Spellman

Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph, and Amy Poehler as the Three Fates

Predictable? Perhaps. The best choice? Absolutely.

20
Dacre Montgomery as Hercules
Getty | Leon Bennett

Dacre Montgomery as Hercules

The Stranger Things actor brought a vulnerability to his hard-to-like antagonist that I would love to see on our favorite hunky demigod.

21
Kurt Russell as Zeus
Getty | Emma McIntyre

Kurt Russell as Zeus

Kurt Russell is clearly Zeus. He was basically prepping for the role while playing Ego in Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2. The animated version is way less of a deadbeat dad than the Zeus we've all learned about in school, which means real-life nice guy Russell can totally pull it off!

22
Brandy Norwood as Clio, the Muse of History
Getty | Paul Archuleta

Brandy Norwood as Clio, the Muse of History

Another soulful songstress lands on my list for the Muses, and Brandy has the presence and vocal power to shine in the role!

23
Kelly Rowland as Calliope, the Muse of Epic Tales
Getty | Kevin Mazur

Kelly Rowland as Calliope, the Muse of Epic Tales

Just look at her face — doesn't she look like Calliope? Not only does Rowland have the pipes to take on the lead Muse, but she also has the natural grace and authority to fit the role. She could proclaim whoever she wants as a hero and I'd believe it was the gospel truth!

24
Alex Newell as Thalia, the Muse of Comedy
Getty | Mark Sagliocco

Alex Newell as Thalia, the Muse of Comedy

Just listen to him blow and tell me he wouldn't rock the role!

25
John Mulaney and Nick Kroll as Pain and Panic
Getty | Manny Carabel

John Mulaney and Nick Kroll as Pain and Panic

Honestly, these two were born to play these roles. You and I both know it.

26
Janelle Monáe as Megara
Getty | Aaron J. Thornton

Janelle Monáe as Megara

She's got the voice, she's got the smirk, and she's got the moxie! Monáe is exactly the Megara who would lead Hercules around by his chin.

27
Alfred Enoch as Hercules
Getty | David M. Benett

Alfred Enoch as Hercules

Look at those dimples and tell me that they don't make you want to call out for "Hunkules"! Enoch is another actor who can easily portray the boyish innocence that makes Hercules so lovable, and we wouldn't have a problem believing that Megara fell for his charm.

28
Angela Bassett as Hera
Getty | Pascal Le Segretain

Angela Bassett as Hera

If there is anyone whose name is basically synonymous with Queen, it's Angela Bassett.

29
Rome Flynn as Hercules
Getty | Earl Gibson III

Rome Flynn as Hercules

I know Flynn is basically a shoo-in for the role of Prince Naveen in the live-action Princess and the Frog (which isn't in the works, but from your screen to Disney's ears, right?), but he could totally rock Greece as the demigod with a heart of gold!

30
Ross Butler as Hercules
Getty | Jean Baptiste Lacroix

Ross Butler as Hercules

Butler is another young star who has all the makings of a perfect Hercules: he has a lovely singing voice, he's super sweet, and he'd look great in a toga!