If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if Twilight’s Emmett Cullen decided to bulk up (even more) and wield a sword instead of sparkling in the sunlight, wonder no more. The Legend of Hercules, starring Kellan Lutz, has stormed its way to the seventh spot on Netflix’s top ten list of films in the US.
With an abysmal five per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this Hercules reboot is directed by Renny Harlin, known for his work on action-packed blockbusters like Die Hard 2 and Cliffhanger, and written by Sean Hood and Daniel Giat. The film attempts to retell the origin story of the legendary demigod Hercules. However, despite the ambitious vision of the filmmakers, even Hercules himself couldn’t lift this movie out of its mediocrity.
In The Legend of Hercules, Lutz takes on the titular role, bringing to life the iconic hero from Greek mythology. In an interview with Collider, Lutz revealed his childhood dream of wanting to play Hercules on screen. “As a young boy, I always had the dream of being Hercules. He’s the epic hero. He’s the original hero.”
Lutz recounted his journey in the competitive landscape of Hollywood, where he missed out on roles like Thor and Captain America, ultimately finding solace in the opportunity to embody the character he had idolised since youth. “I went out for Thor, and Chris Hemsworth got it, but he is Thor. I got pretty close for Captain America, but Chris Evans got it, and he deserves it. He is Captain America. I’m happy for them. I don’t get competitive. I do my best.” Lutz went on, “With Hercules, I just knew it. I didn’t grow up loving Thor or really knowing much about Thor or Captain America, but with Hercules, I did. I think Renny saw my passion for it, and quite easily.”
While we are happy Lutz’s childhood desire manifested itself later in his life, the film itself was a far cry from anyone’s dream. Despite Lutz’s passion for the role, The Legend of Hercules follows a hammy action blockbuster template that failed to translate itself into big box office numbers.
The Legend of Hercules was a forgettable attempt to cash in on the trend of mythical and superhero reboots and adaptations that were already peaking in the mid-2010s. But, like most films of its kind, it has found its groove on Netflix.
You, too can stream The Legend of Hercules on Netflix with one eye kept decidedly on your phone screen.
