Susan Egan, the original voice of Meg in Disney's Hercules, has endorsed Zendaya and Tom Holland for the live-action remake of the film.
This endorsement comes as Disney continues its strategy of adapting animated classics into live-action features, a move that often sparks significant debate among fans regarding casting and creative direction.
Egan shared her casting preferences during Disney's D23 Expo in Anaheim, California [2, 5]. Speaking on the red carpet during the event, which took place in September 2023, she said Zendaya is the ideal choice to play Meg [2, 4]. Egan also said Tom Holland would be a strong fit for the title role of Hercules [3, 4].
The original animated film was released in 1997 [1]. Egan, who provided the voice for the female lead in that production, said she believes the two actors would bring fresh talent and star power to the remake [1, 3].
While Egan's suggestions align with the popularity of the two actors, fan reactions to the idea have been mixed [1]. Some viewers support the pairing, while others hold different visions for how the characters should be portrayed in a modern live-action setting [1].
Disney has not officially announced the cast for the live-action Hercules. The company has a history of selecting high-profile stars for these roles to ensure global commercial appeal, a pattern evident in previous remakes of their animated library.
“Susan Egan suggested Zendaya and Tom Holland as the ideal leads for Disney's upcoming reimagining.”
The endorsement by a legacy cast member adds external pressure and public expectation to Disney's casting process. By suggesting a real-life couple like Zendaya and Tom Holland, Egan is highlighting a trend where star power and existing chemistry are prioritized to drive ticket sales for legacy intellectual property.
