THR reports that Hercules 3D has been developing since 2007, with screenwriter Hanna Weg and Sean Hood (Conan the Barbarian) crafting a \u201crevisionist tale of the classic Greek myth.\u201d Renny Harlin is directing, with casting for the film\u2019s leading roles \u2013 eight in total, including the title character \u2013 taking place over the next few months. Principal photography is scheduled to commence in Bulgaria this May, with a March 2014 target release date.<\/p>\n
Harlin is a filmmaker who made his mark during the 1990s, delivering a variety of successful thrillers (Cliffhanger), popcorn sequels (Die Hard 2) and cult action titles of the decade (The Long Kiss Goodnight); he was also responsible for the infamous blockbuster flop Cutthroat Island and the \u2018camp classic\u2019 Deep Blue Sea. During the 2000s, he was down-graded to horror B-movie fare (Exorcist: The Beginning, The Covenant) and televisions series like Burn Notice and White Collar. In other words: Hercules 3D is a second chance for Harlin to demonstrate his tentpole picture directing chops (or absence thereof).<\/p>\n
No surprise, Harlin\u2019s already talking about the differences between Hercules 3D and Ratner\u2019s project. The former, he says, is taking a relatively grounded and authentic approach to the Greek legend, rather than \u201ca comic book, cartoony fantasy thing.\u201d He also points to the multiple Hercules movies that have come before, as evidence that his and Ratner\u2019s swords-and-sandals blockbusters may co-exist peacefully:<\/p>\n
\u201cI think these are very different kinds of movies in their approach to this legendary character. Obviously, Hercules has been portrayed in many different films, such as the Disney animated movie. I wish [Ratner] luck. Ancient Greek mythology is an endless source of good stories \u2026 Let\u2019s see both movies be successful.\u201d<\/p>\n
As far as comparisons of quality go: Ratner\u2019s Hercules has the casting of Johnson and acclaimed source material working in its advantage. Meanwhile, Hercules 3D seems more questionable based on the screenwriters involved; though, Harlin is a superior action filmmaker than Ratner (in my humble opinion, of course) and even his most artistically-bankrupt pictures \u2013 see: Cutthroat Island, which Harlin was essentially strong-armed into making \u2013 have entertainment value. Still, all things considered, Ratner\u2019s project has my vote for the time being.<\/p>\n
How about it: does Hercules 3D sound better, worse, or equally interesting (or not interesting) as Ratner\u2019s Hercules? Let us know what you think in the comments section.