The Rock is Hercules

What do demigods do in their spare time?

Notorious for his incredible quests of slaying beasts and armies, what comes next for the legendary Hercules?
This latest interpretation of the famous Greek legend stars none other than Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as the titular hero.

Hercules the Mercenary?

Johnso #91_ent_H-FF-001 n’s portrayal of Herculesmay be one like you’ve neverseen before, as he brings tolife director Brett Ratner’s re-imagining of the demigod.

Nonetheless, Hercules is ahero we can relate to – one with amazing gifts, yet struggles to live up to his own lore. After his glorious battles against lions and hellhounds, Hercules now takes to the streets with his band of brothers, cashing in on his legend. He sells his services as a mercenary for gold alongside his five loyal followers.

When the land of Thrace is thrown into turmoil by a civil war, Hercules can no longer disavow his potential as the son of Zeus. He must now embrace his own myth in order to help the rightful king restore the land of Thrace.

His limits, though incredible, will be tested by never-before-seen villains and beasts.

The Lion and the Hydra

Legend has it that Hercules once performed the mythical “12 labours” – 12 tasks so daunting that they were impossible to mortal Man. Already, in the trailer, we get a glimpse of the Nemean Lion and the Lernaean Hydra. Both are tremendous beasts.

Ratner’s inspiration for the re-vamp of this timeless classic came from a comic book series titled “Hercules: The Thracian Wars” by Radical Studios. Written by Steve Moore, the comic thrilled readers with the tale of a fallen warrior seeking redemption.

This is a slightly different angle or tale from what most people are familiar with.

Heavenly Bodies

Just like how Hercules wasdestined for greatness, Ratner believes that Johnson, the former WWE wrestler and action movie star, was born to play this role.

Johnson recalls Hercules being the first project on his mind when he first broke into Hollywood. He took this role so seriously that he hit the ground running with an eight-month training regimen to improve on his already god-like physique. It won’t be surprising if both men and women were to drool.

Keep your eyes peeled (as if we need to tell you) for gorgeous model Irina Shayk who stars as Megara. Though, she is not the only babe in the film. Norwegian Ingrid Bolsø Berdal is the huntress Atalanta.

This third “swords and sandals” film for the year – after The Legend of Hercules and Pompeii – is a slightly-different take on the tale of Hercules that has been told and re-told over and over. You decide if this will be a blockbuster or an epic flop.

HERCULES [TBA]
Director: Brett Ratner
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Ian McShane, John Hurt & Irina Shayk
Genre: Action, Adventure
Run Length: 95 min
Release: 24 Jul