Ariana Grande had a massive 2024, and it looks like 2025 will be just as exciting.
Her two biggest projects from last year — Eternal Sunshine and Wicked — garnered a lot of critical acclaim, and with awards season kicking off, there’s major buzz around the star.
In a recent conversation with Variety’s Awards Circuit Podcast, Ariana spoke about her acting career, as well as a yet unreleased deluxe version of Eternal Sunshine. And after being questioned about some potential future roles, she revealed her own top pick for a casting in an upcoming Disney live-action remake.
Hercules is yet another Disney animated classic to be joining the influx of upcoming live-action remakes, with Marvel masterminds the Russo brothers reportedly set to direct. And fans are already speculating about casting choices.
While there are currently no confirmed stars attached to the upcoming movie, fans have been conversing and speculating since the film was announced. Last summer, rumors were circulating that Disney was eyeing pop star Dua Lipa to play Megara — Hercules’s sultry-voiced love interest.
As well as Dua Lipa, there were also many rumors that Ariana — a longtime fan cast — was being considered by the studio for Meg.
And especially after Ari’s Actors on Actors conversation with Gladiator 2 star Paul Mescal in December, some fans have pointed out that Ariana and Paul would be a perfect double choice for Meg and Hercules.
When asked about the Hercules remake in her latest conversation with Variety, Ari cleared up the rumors, saying, “I have seen some of that,” referring to the fan casting online. “But it’s never been an actual discussion,” she confirmed.
“I do think that I would be remiss if I didn’t say this…” she continued. “I think [Elizabeth] Gillies should be Megara.”
“She’s brilliant. Ugh, god. That would be a fantastic role for her,” Ariana concluded.
“As much as I really love transforming for a role, and I do love the idea of, you know, a darker sort of — ‘c’ asterisk ‘unty’ role like Megara […] I think Liz Gillies should be Megara,” Ari explained.
Ariana then started riffing that instead, she should play Danny DeVito’s character in the remake. Yeah, you heard right — the satyr. I don’t know about you, but I’d pay good movie theater money to see Glinda as Philoctetes.
Honestly, if Disney bosses are having to choose between these absolute powerhouses, I’m glad I’m not in their shoes. I’d love to hear your top pick, though. LMK down below.
