Disney is a genuine foundation of so many people’s childhoods from around the world. It has informed generations of children’s views on the magic of the world, the meaning of love, and the importance of following your own heart, even when it takes you down unexpected roads. Disney holds some of the most iconic characters to have ever graced the screens, and these characters have very special places for the fans, feeling more like old friends, or part of the family, than fiction. And it has taken a stunning cast of actors across the years to bring these wonderful performances to life, and create lasting memories for kids far and wide.
One of the bonuses of having such incredible people play these fantastic roles, is that they bring a host of wonderful talents with them, like awesome powerhouse vocals, rhythmic dance routines, and comical voice impressions that really stick in the mind, and create so many delights, no matter how many times fans re-watch the films. But one of the challenges with having these characters played by such talented and often well-known actors, is that many fans are so wowed by the original performance that they then cannot picture or accept anyone else to play the role. Imagine the demi-god Maui fromMoananot being voicedby The Rock. Or Woody fromToy Storynot being voicedby Tom Hanks. Dory fromFinding Nemowithout the voice of Ellen DeGeneres. Scar fromThe Lion Kingas the voice of Jeremy Irons. The list is endless.
RELATED:5 Actors Who Could Lead Guy Ritchie’s Live Action Remake Of Hercules
This inability to unpicture the original actor has certainly been the case with Danny DeVito’s portrayal of Philocetes in the originalHercules. Philocetes, commonly shortened to Phil, is one of the most grumpy, witty, inspirational, and surprisingly emotive characters of any Disney movie. He is a hero is so many ways, and has an incredible impact on young Hercules’s journey to reclaim his rightful place as a god of Olympia.
DeVito’s voice, the way that he interacts with the nuances in the script, the witty remarks that were often ad-lib, and many many more things went into making this character an absolute gem. And now that Disney is planning a live-action remake of the movie, De Vito fans have stormed to social media to demand that DeVito be cast to play the role. In fact, many have threatened to boycott the film if he is not the chosen Phil in the live adaptation, both because they feel it would be betraying their love of the actor, and because they feel that there is no one else who can do the role, and the original performance justice. Many fans expressed similar concerns about seeing someone else portray the Genie inthe live-actionAladdin,after such a stellar performance in the originalby Robin Williams.
However, lots of fans were pleasantlysurprised by Will Smith’s rendition of the Genie, despite their initial doubts, which begs the question: should Disney let Danny DeVito play Philocetes, or is there another actor more suited? There have already been several actors considered, one of whom (Josh Gad) declined the role, because he too felt that DeVito was a better fit. Ultimately, DeVito has all of the right attributes needed for such a versatile and humorous character. DeVito is known for hisexpressive comedic approach to acting, and has delivered many wonderful funny characters. He has exactly the right balance between strict trainer and mentor, and cheeky, sinfully-motivated satyr. Phil is bursting at the seams with a huge, bold, stubborn personality, all squeezed into a short, round, hairy body, which is something that DeVito shares, and has openly used throughout his career to add to his comic effect.
Some fans are concerned that Disney won’t afford DeVito the role because of age, and the notion that he is past his prime, but surely this would only enhance his portrayal of Phil, who, when Hercules first approaches him, has essentially retired because he feels like a washed-up old failure whose heroes never had what it took to actually amount to anything: a pure heart. DeVito is by no means washed up, but his years could really be a benefit to the character, and give a new perspective to the performance, just as it has with his role inIt’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia. And ultimately, a movie is, at its core, about the fans, and about the impression that it leaves them with at the end.
This is what makesHerculesone of the classics, one of the fill-you-with wonder, sing the songs for the rest of the week, inspire you to go out and chase your dreams kind of films. And if the fans have spoken, and they say they want DeVito, then maybe Disney should hear them.
MORE:6 Things You Won’t See In The Live Action Remake Of Pinocchio
