How Disney Told a Better Superman Story than WB and DC
It was announced recently that Disney plans to remake their beloved animated film Hercules in live-action (even looking at stars like Michael B. Jordan for the titular hero). Since learning this, I had to go back and re-watch the original. It came out when I was 6, back in 1997, and I knew nothing about the myths of the Roman legendary figure back then. (His Greek name is Heracles) Since then I’ve cracked a few books and learned the truth. Now, I’m not here to explain in excruciating detail how this movie is in no way the true story of Hercules. No. Instead, what I discovered in my most recent reviewing of the film, is that this isn’t telling the story of Hercules at all; it’s telling the story of Superman. I know a lot of you are thinking, “No it f@#$%^g isn’t,” but hear me out. Open up Disney+, start the movie up with me, and I’ll show you.
Act 1: Young Hercules or Superboy?
After a rousing musical number from the muses (And that’s the gospel truth, ya’ll) we’re introduced to the famous gods of Mount Olympus. Right off the bat we see Herc’s mother Hera cradling her young boy. Historically, Hera hated Hercules because he was actually one of Zeus’s many bastard children. He wouldn’t have been allowed on Mount Olympus, and even if he was it would not have been a good time. You know who loved her son though? Lara Zor El (aka Superman’s mom).
It appears all of the gods are gathering for the celebration of Hercules’ birth. At his christening Zeus gives his infant son a pet in the form of a Pegasus (Krypto the Superdog?) just before we’re introduced to the film’s antagonist. Hades has immediate disdain for Hercules, and is a fantastic big bad from start to finish. He’s a great Darkseid to Hercules’ Superman. We cut to him in the Underworld where he is unquestioningly in command. He has his faithful servants Pain and Panic, as well as loyal pets and cohorts like the Cerberus. Darkseid’s cronies like Granny Goodness, Desaad, Kalibak, and many others are very similar.
Hades’ plan hinges on a prophecy from the Fates. He will be able to unleash an otherworldly force as long as Hercules does not get involved. Hades then attempts to bring this about with his own “destruction of Krypton.” He has his henchmen kidnap the infant from his cradle on Krypton… I mean Mount Olympus, and abscond with him to Earth. After crashing in a rural area, Hercules drinks a magical potion making him mortal, but because he does not drink the last drop he maintains his incredible strength and invulnerability. (Kinda like how Superman is strong on Earth because of the yellow sunlight). Hercules is then picked up by two yokels (Ma and Pa Kent) who decide to take the baby in as their own. Hercules then rescues the two with his amazing strength and disposes of Pain and Panic.
We then flash forward to Herc’s teen years, (the Smallville era) and we see that the young man struggles with his incredible power and with making friends. Hercules is established as helpful, optimistic, and mild-mannered while also being a bit clumsy and awkward. After a fiasco in town, Pa Kent (Amphetrion) decides it would be best to tell his adopted son the truth. He is not of this world. (Like when Clark sees his spaceship for the first time) This newfound knowledge sits heavy on our hero as he sets out on a journey of self discovery (the first half of Man of Steel) culminating in a conversation with a version of his father. Hercules prays in the temple of Zeus and the statue comes to life. Superman activates the computers in the Fortress of Solitude revealing his father’s face. I’m going to pause here for a moment to mention that we’re only 23 minutes into the film at this point.
After a transformational talk with daddy, our hero ventures out to find a trainer. Hercules meets the satyr Phil spying on water nymphs and is eventually able to convince him to train him in the ways of being a hero. A great training montage follows, showing us young Herc’s progression from clumsy teen to powerful and controlled young man (Superboy to Superman if you will).
Act 2: Herc’s Golden Age
After Hercules’ training is complete were introduced to Megara, Meg, (Lois Lane) being harassed by a centaur. Herc ingratiates himself with the lovely lady by serving up a serious beating to the centaur before sending her on her way. This is actually loosely based on a real Hercules myth, so kudos to them for that. We’re like 1 for Herc and 40 for Supes so far if we’re keeping score. It does go wildly off the rails at the end, but I understand. Then (a twist!) Meg meets with the evil Hades!
Hercules then makes his way to the big city, Thebes (Metropolis), and seeks to make a name for himself as a hero. The people have grown complacent with monsters wreaking havoc on their city but pay him little mind until a catastrophe strikes! Meg summons Hercules to save two small boys and he quickly flies her there (on his Pegasus), but unbeknownst to him, the whole scenario is a trap from Hades. *cough* Darkseid *cough* Sorry. A massive hydra attacks Herc, (another point to them for a real Hercules myth) and after a lengthy battle he emerges victorious to a crowd of city onlookers. He is indeed a hero, much to the displeasure of Hades.
Another great musical montage from the Muses highlighting all of the Hercules myths that Disney didn’t have the balls to make the movie about, and a few myths he had nothing to do with at all, (Basically every non-event Superman comic ever made) we see more of Hades being evil. Then, while he’s wearing a pelt made out of Scar from the Lion King Superman has a meltdown about how his fame is not actually being a hero. A moment of self-doubt bested by a close friend.
What comes next is Superman and Lois’ first date. If not for the undertone of deceit, it would be a fantastic night for both Herc and Meg. Meg interviews Herc and tries to learn if he has any weaknesses (Kryptonite, red sun, magic, love). Hercules opens up and is vulnerable about his innermost feelings. Before things can get very un-Disney, Hercules’ pal Phily Satyr shows up and whisks him back to the city.
The Muses come back for more greatness accompanied by Susan Egan (Meg), but afterward Phil overhears her talking to Hades about their arrangement. Being a true friend, Phil meets up with Hercules and tries to tell him the truth, but it doesn’t go well. Pegasus/Krypto is kidnapped and Phil leaves after the argument.
Act 3: Battle of the Gods
At long last the time has come for our hero to meet our villain. Hades appears in Herc’s gym. (Darkseid boomtubes to Earth) Hades tempts our hero with Meg. If she will be safe from any harm, Hercules will give up his powers for a day (the end of Superman 2). Meg is free and Hades reveals that Phil was right. Master of deceit and all that. He then leaves to free the titans from Tartarus. Darkseid sets the furies upon the land, uh, I mean Hades looses the Titans upon the land!
After a tense battle with a Cyclops and a reunion with Pegasus and Phil, Meg is injured granting Hercules his powers back. He makes haste for Mount Olympus where Hades has imprisoned the other gods and taken the throne for himself. Herc makes short work of the evil forces, but with Hades retreat comes a grain of salt. Meg has passed while Herc was away fighting. Rather than accept this, Hercules decides to enter the Underworld and take her soul back himself. This sounds a lot like the end of Superman 1. The one where Superman turns back time to save Lois Lane’s life.
Hercules emerges from the pit of souls victorious in a blinding yellow sun-like blaze of glory before unleashing a mighty blow to Hades and knocking him into the clutches of the souls below. With Meg’s soul returned to her, she revives in time to accompany her lover to Mount Olympus where he is welcomed home. Hercules then chooses to stay with his love and his friends on earth as their protector, like a true hero. Superman had saved the day from an angry god. As a reward to Phil, his trainee’s image is emblazoned in the stars above. Funny how his best pal wanted a picture. Hmm…
the Truth
Honestly, I probably could’ve stopped after the Smallville era and said my point was proven. I persisted on, not just to overanalyze like I’m known to do, but to show just how great a Superman story Disney was able to tell right under our noses. DC and Warner Bros have struggled since the early ’90s to boost the Man of Steel’s popularity with little success. Ever since the Death (and Return) of Superman the world’s first superhero has struggled.
It would be extremely difficult to do a kid-friendly version of just about any of Herc’s actual myths, if it was doable at all. Disney was able to take all of these differing pieces of Superman and put together an altogether great coming of age story for Hercules. Ask just about anyone and I think they’ll agree that Hercules is a good movie. I’ve long held that Superman could be really interesting if done well, and this movie is proof of that (even if you didn’t know it was really about the Last Son of Krypton).
I’ve worked my whole life to become a comic book illustrator, writer, and stand-up comedian. Batman and Captain Benjamin Sisko helped put a good head on my shoulders. I spent most of my childhood saving Hyrule and the Mushroom Kingdom and seeing the Justice League save all of creation time and time again. I live in Johnson City, TN with my wife Kary and daughter Laila enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery and occasional show. Three puppies round out the family and take up the rest of the time that isn’t spent debating which Wes Anderson or Studio Ghibli movie to watch. I spend an inordinate amount of time binge watching SVU, Futurama, and Letterkenny, and when I’m not watching I’m listening to “My Brother, My Brother, and Me” or playing the occasional game of D&D. If there’s a nerdy endeavor out there, I’ve probably at least tried it.
