Incredible turnaround! Perhaps in the most Danny DeVito way conceivable, Danny DeVito has recently reaffirmed his interest in participating in the next live-action Hercules feature. In a recent interview with Wired, the actor who provided the voice of the witty satyr Philoctetes, or Phil for short, in the 1997 Disney animated picture, expressed his enthusiasm for the impending movie. As DeVito put it, “if they don’t put me in it, they don’t have a hair on their ass,” he should not be in the live-action Hercules. Then he said, “I am the live-action ‘Hercules’!” If nothing else, the actor’s brash assurance should be enough to secure his return for the next production.
This quote is so Phil, the guy who helped Hercules become superhumanly strong, that it sums up his character perfectly. To be fair to DeVito, Hercules’ trainer and sidekick Phil is virtually indistinguishable from DeVito, excluding the addition of goat ears and horns. Many of DeVito’s Millennial admirers, who later followed the actor in films like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, consider the role to be as legendary as the original film itself. DeVito now works as a producer and voice actor on the FXX sitcom Little Demon, in which he portrays the role of Satan. In 2022, on August 25th, the series premiere will air on FXX.
Lucy DeVito’s daughter Aubrey Plaza co-stars on the show. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Mel Brooks are among the guest stars on the brand new series. Guy Ritchie, who previously helmed the live-action Aladdin remake, is at the helm of the upcoming Hercules film. In the live-action remake, Will Smith played the genie, a character made famous by Robin Williams in the original film. As of now, there has been no announcement on the casting of equally famous actors in the role of Hercules. Reports of a live-action remake first surfaced back in June.
There were rumours that the live-action Hercules remake will update the myth of the strong-man son of Zeus. The new picture will be produced by Anthony and Joe Russo, and the first script was written by Dave Callaham. Whether or if Danny DeVito will participate in the new venture remains to be seen. On August 25, 2022, FXX will air Little Demon, starring Danny DeVito.