Considered one of the pinnacles of their renaissance, Disney’s Hercules almost featured the 90’s musical group, the Spice Girls. Behind some of the defining retellings of classic myths, legends, and fairytales, Disney reimagined and deconstructed traditional stories for modern audiences. However, as live-action remakes herald a return of their most beloved films, it’s important to note just how far they’ve come by looking back at where they all began and what kind of creativity they employ when modernizing classic characters.
Beginning development as early as 1992, Disney’s Hercules experienced several rewrites as the company attempted to adapt classic Greek and Roman mythology. While Disney suggested many popular musical talents for their characters - as was the case with David Bowie almost playing Hades - among the most curious casting choices came from the British pop music group the Spice Girls. Initially considered as ing roles and for their singing ability, the Spice Girls could’ve made Disney’s Hercules a very different movie.
Who The Spice Girls Would've Played (& Why They Didn't)
Filling in for a traditional Greek chorus, Disney’s Hercules introduced the Muses, a group of narrators meant to comment on the story and perform many of the film’s musical numbers. Represented by Calliope, Clio, Melpomene, Terpsichore, and Thalia, the Muses became fan favorites continuing to sing in other Disney projects long after the credits rolled. Defined by their pop-gospel style and colorful personalities, the Muses gave Disney’s Hercules a unique identity through the film’s unforgettable soundtrack.
Initially, Scary, Sporty, Baby, Ginger, and Posh Spice were supposed to play the singing sisters in Disney’s Hercules. Considering their popularity, musical background, and the film’s attempt to bring the character of Hercules into the 90s, the Spice Girls were an inspired choice for Disney’s animated movie. However, due to scheduling conflicts at the time of Hercules’ production, the Spice Girls were unavailable to play the ive chorus. However, they’d still appear on the big screen in 1997 for their own film Spice World, which also had origins as a Disney movie before having its original script rejected by the band.
The Spice Girls In Hercules Would've Been Terrible
Although there’s no doubt the Spice Girls were responsible for popular songs like “Wannabe” and were an indelible part of 90s culture, Spice World did not do them justice. Critically panned and nominated for multiple Razzie Awards - including worst actress - it isn’t a stretch to believe that this would’ve carried over to Hercules. Additionally, had it been the Spice Girls in the role of the Muses, it's likely Hercules would’ve deprived audiences of a unique soundtrack comparable to Disney’s Encanto featuring classics like “Zero to Hero,” “The Gospel Truth,” and “I Won’t Say I’m in Love.” in exchange for some of the group's own hits.
As Hercules ed Disney’s collection of modern live-action remakes, it raised the question if it could produce a soundtrack as iconic and unique as its animated antecedent. The original Muses set the pace and defined what audiences expect when they see the new Hercules film. However, if the original Hercules’ development and the casting of the Spice Girls had anything to say, it’s that things change. Already, Disney has teased a more modern Hercules and cited TikTok as their inspiration. Making sure Disney’s live-action remake will succeed in the same way as its predecessor will be the most laboring task Hercules will have to overcome.
