Fans want Black women cast as the Muses in ‘Hercules’ live-action remake
Some have already picked out their dream cast, which includes stars such as Jennifer Hudson, Amber Riley, and Kelly Rowland.
The post Fans want Black women cast as the Muses in ‘Hercules’ live-action remake appeared first on The Daily Dot.
The internet is abuzz after news dropped of a possible live-action adaptation of 1997’s Hercules, with fans calling for appropriate casting the Muses—the sisters who brought gospel and soul to the animated hit.
The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the upcoming remake, reporting brothers Joe and Anthony Russo are connected to the project, with Dave Callaham hired to write the script. Disney’s recent live-action remakes have been hit or miss, with much anticipation building around the actors cast to play animated favorites.
Many took to online campaigning, calling on Disney to ensure the live-action remake does the animated movie justice and that dark-skinned Black women are cast to play the Muses.
Lets remind Disney that The Muses were all DARK SKINNED!!!!
—Anime & Lingerie
Some have already picked out their dream cast, which includes stars such as Jennifer Hudson, Amber Riley, and Kelly Rowland.
“Um, hello @DisneyStudios remember me!,” Riley tweeted from her personal account after news of a Hercules remake circulated online.
Who would I cast as the Hercules muses?
— David Taylor II
1) Jennifer Hudson
2) Karen Clark-Sheard
3) Tasha Cobb
4) Alicia Keys
5) Toni Braxton pic.twitter.com/OXS1SucKEA(@DT2ComicsChat) April 30, 2020
Um, hello
— Amber Patrice Riley (@MsAmberPRiley) April 30, 2020@DisneyStudios remember me!
#AmberAsAMuse https://t.co/oSBsYXb40n
The Muses added undeniable soul to the Hercules soundtrack, with their gospel-laden songs—all the more reason some say Disney needs to ensure the Muses are appropriately represented in the movie’s live-action version.
Gospel music has strong ties within the Black community, especially urban contemporary gospel music, which has tapped into some mainstream success over the years. Some even suggested gospel artists such as Yolanda Adams and Kierra Sheard would be shoe-ins for the remake and that music produced by gospel artist Kirk Franklin would elevate the film even more.
“Putting smart lyrics with gospel music really created a very unique blend, and the best example of that was on Zero to Hero, which was just this roller coaster of lyrical cleverness,” said composer Alan Menken to Entertainment Weekly when discussing iconic Disney songs.
Menken has composed numerous Disney movies, including Hercules, Aladdin, and The Little Mermaid.
”why do the muses HAVE to be black if ariel was white but is now played by a black woman hmm”
— ham yoyo
the muses gotta be out here belting gospel banger after banger in an urban contemporary gospel choir style popularised by black folks. what’s not clicking???(@scifibis) April 30, 2020
Listennnm... I am HERE for Amber Riley & Kierra Sheard being Muses in the #Hercules live action remake! Even my love Jill Scott would be excellent, however... IF JAZMINE SULLIVAN ISN’T INCLUDED OR CONSIDERED - this remake can stay unmade. pic.twitter.com/T7KMtdOIPG
— DOM CORLĘØNE#ShadySisterWife (@ItsASheThIngTV) April 30, 2020
Previous Disney live-action casting hasn’t been without controversy. When Disney announced its cast for 2019’s Aladdin, some expressed dismay over their choice to play Jasmine, actress Naomi Scott, due to her rather fair complexion in comparison to the animated character in the 1992 film.
Only time will tell if Disney will live up to the gospel truth and give the people what they want this time around.
READ MORE:
- The complete schedule of Disney live-action remakes
- Disney’s ‘Aladdin’ remake isn’t terrible
- ‘Little Mermaid Live!’ flopped—but the memes are good
The post Fans want Black women cast as the Muses in ‘Hercules’ live-action remake appeared first on The Daily Dot.