Joseph Fiennes, Ian McShane, Rufus Sewell, Rebecca Ferguson, Aksel Hennie and John Hurt are rounding out the cast of MGM-Paramount’s “Hercules,” starring Dwayne Johnson and directed by Brett Ratner.
The film is set to start lensing in May. Paramount will release “Hercules” on July 25, 2014.
Producers are Beau Flynn, Barry Levine and Brett Ratner. Exec producers are Peter Berg, Sarah Aubrey and Jesse Berger.
“Hercules” is based on Radical Studio’s graphic novel “Hercules: The Thracian Wars” and set in a world without the supernatural. Ryan Condal and Evan Spiliotopoulos have penned the screenplay.
The graphic novel describes Hercules as a tormented soul who walked the earth, finding his only solace in bloody battle. McShane has been cast as Amphiarus; Fiennes as Eurystheus; Sewell as Autolycus; Ferguson as Ergenia; Hennie as Tydeus and Hurt as Cotys.
Adam Rosenberg is overseeing “Hercules” for MGM.
Most of the projects on MGM’s slate are remakes such as “RoboCop,” “Poltergeist” and “Carrie.” The studio is touting “Hercules” as its second original project since it emerged from bankruptcy in late 2011 in addition to the previously announced Vin Diesel film “The Machine,” which is scheduled to begin production later this year.
MGM is also partnered with Paramount on “GI Joe: Retaliation,” set for release March 28.
McShane is represented by ICM, Gallant Management, Independent and Nelson, Davis, Wetzstein; Sewell by WME, Parseghian Planco and Julian Belfrage Associates; Fiennes by WME, Anonymous and Roger Charteris; Ferguson by Tavistock Wood, London and Actors in Scandinavia; Hennie by WME and Untitled Entertainment; and Hurt by Independent Talent, 42 and John Crosby Management.
