Hercules: The Animated Series

About Hercules: The Animated Series

Hercules: The Animated Series is an American animated television series that was produced by Walt Disney Television Animation. It premiered in syndication on August 31, 1998. The series is based on the legendary Greek mythology hero Hercules, the son of Zeus. The plot revolves around Hercules' journey as a teenager. The show portrays his efforts to fit into his role as a divine hero while managing everyday adolescent struggles - balancing academics, friendships, and physical training at Prometheus Academy.

Making / Production

Walt Disney Television Animation developed Hercules: The Animated Series in an attempt to further capitalize on the success of the 1997 film 'Hercules'. Just like the original film, the series interspersed humor and adventure along with educational portions pertaining to Greek mythology. Bob Schooley and Mark McCorkle, known admirably for their work on 'Kim Possible' and 'The Penguins of Madagascar', were the main writers for the show.

Actors

• Tate Donovan: Donovan reprised his film role as Hercules. He conveyed the youthful optimism and naive nature of the character quite effectively.
• Robert Costanzo: He played Philoctetes, Hercules’ trainer and supplied a gruff yet nurturing voice to the character.
• Susan Egan: Egan reprised her role as Megara, Hercules’ love interest. She excellently showcased Meg’s sassiness and quick wit.
• James Woods: Woods voiced Hades, the villain of the show. His fast-paced and snarky deliverance of lines served to further enhance the comedic aspects of the character.
• Corey Burton: As Zeus, Burton successfully translated the fatherly concern and godly authority of the character into his performance.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The show, despite being based on the movie, took many liberties with its source material and frequently incorporated modern-day references and high-school clichés into its storyline.
• James Woods, who voiced Hades, claimed that his role in Hercules: The Animated Series was one of his favorites, and he would continue to voice Hades in all his future Disney appearances.
• Despite being based on Greek Mythology, the show features other mythological beings from different cultures, such as Thor from Norse Mythology and Ra from Egyptian Mythology.

Quotes

• "That's it. From now on, I am officially... burlap." - Hercules,
• "In a pig's eye!" - Philoctetes,
• "Herc, let's talk more shock." - Icarus.

Music, Soundtrack

• Just like the original film, the series had its fair share of musical numbers which often helped further the story.
• Though the show did not produce a separate soundtrack album, it did reuse several notable tunes from the original movie, primarily ‘Zero to Hero’ and ‘A Star Is Born'.