It’s time for another case of competing films, as Hollywood looks to Hercules for some box-office glory. Though Dwayne Johnson has his own take on the iconic character heading our way later this year, first up is Kellan Lutz’s The Legend of Hercules.
The film offers up an origin story of the mythical Greek hero, as we see his mother beg Zeus for an end to her husband King Amphitryon’s tyrannical rule. In response, Zeus impregnates her and she bears Hercules, who is disowned by the King and treated with utter contempt by his brother. After he is betrayed and sold into slavery, Hercules is forced to use his powers to get back home and seek revenge against all those who have wronged him.
Perhaps best known for his role as Emmett Cullen in the Twilight films, Lutz is stepping into totally different territory here as he takes on the role of the son of Zeus in the Renny Harlin-helmed film. It’s a swords and sandals actioner, much in the vein of Starz’ Spartacus or Zack Snyder’s 300, and a genre which the actor has had a bit of experience in already.
Last month, at the film’s LA press day, we had the chance to sit down for an exclusive video interview with Lutz, who discussed his love of Hercules with us. From his stunts (one of which he almost drowned doing) to his thoughts on The Rock’s version of the character, the actor gives us the rundown on why he thinks this film will standout from its competitors.
Check it all out in our exclusive video interview below and be sure to catch The Legend of Hercules when it hits theatres on January 10th!