Disney fans just realizing that iconic pop group almost landed role in Hercules
Disney released the animated movie Hercules in 1997, almost 30 years ago. But fans are only just finding out that an iconic pop group was originally lined up for a big role in the hit film
Hercules is one of the most popular animated Disney classics, but fans are only just realizing that one of the most iconic roles almost went to a famous pop group. Released in 1997, Hercules is a musical movie loosely based on the legendary hero of the same name who appears in both Greek and Roman mythology.
In the movie, a group of five women known as the Muses serve as the narrators. They were voiced by Lillias White, Cheryl Freeman, LaChanze, Roz Ryan and Vaneese Thomas, but the roles almost went to five very different women who were already known for their singing talents.
The fact was uncovered in a TikTok video by a woman named Linnea, who shared the surprising fact that the Muses were initially supposed to be played by none other than the Spice Girls - Victoria Beckham, Emma Bunton, Mel B, Mel C, and Geri Halliwell.
And that's not all. The woman also claimed that the movie's villain, Hades, was "supposed" to be voiced by music legend David Bowie before the role ultimately went to James Woods.
Linnea said: "Did you know that in the animated movie Hercules, the Muses were supposed to be voiced by the Spice Girls? And the voice of Hades was supposed to be done by David Bowie?
"Now, I'm not saying that the 1997 animated movie Hercules wasn't perfect the way it came out. But we don't know. If they had voiced those characters, maybe Al Gore would have been elected president, and we'd be living on a completely different timeline."
The potential Spice Girls casting is listed as a trivia note on the IMDb page for Hercules, where it states the Wannabe hitmakers declined the offer due to scheduling conflicts.
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David Bowie, meanwhile, was just one of many actors and musicians on a shortlist to play Hades. Movie directors Ron Clements and John Musker reportedly had a difficult time finding the perfect voice for their villain, and alongside Bowie, also considered the likes of Willem Dafoe and Jerry Lewis.
Jack Nicholson was even considered for the role after Danny DeVito, who plays Philoctetes, suggested him when the directors told him they still hadn't picked an actor. However, Nicholson reportedly asked for a 50 percent cut of all proceeds from Hades merchandise, which Disney wouldn't agree to.
After making a counter-offer that Nicholson didn't believe was enough, he decided to pass on the project and the role was then given to John Lithgow. But after nine months of trying to make Lithgow's portrayal work, he was eventually released from the role in August 1995.
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Hades was ultimately played by James Woods, who famously loved playing the character so much that he offered to refund his salary and finish the film for free when the movie faced budget concerns. Disney refused his offer and managed to finish the movie and pay Woods his salary, but it goes to show how dedicated he was to making the magic happen.
Commenters on Linnea's video, meanwhile, were gobsmacked by the news that the Spice Girls were almost involved in Hercules. Many of them said they had no idea the pop stars were in the running, while others said they weren't sure the group would have done the songs justice.
One person said: "The Muses having British accents would have taken me out of the movie." Another added: "The Spice Girls would have ruined the gospel songs."
But a Spice Girls fan noted: "Maybe I would have liked the movie if the Spice Girls were in it."