Ratner makes over Hercules for new audiences

MANILA, Philippines - The immortal legend of Hercules — the demigod renowned for his mighty deeds and valor — gets a high-adrenaline 21st century makeover. Director Brett Ratner (X-Men: The Last Stand) and leading action star Dwayne Johnson bring Hercules to life in a modern incarnation as a man struggling to live up to his own lore in a world of fearsome villainy.

Hercules is an icon who has vanquished lions and hellhounds, and is publicly feared and revered as a super-human champion; but deep within, he remains wounded by tragedy and uncertain of his legacy. Accompanied by five faithful companions, he travels the empire selling his services for gold and using his formidable reputation to intimidate his enemies. But when the benevolent ruler of neighboring Thrace and his daughter seek Hercules’ help to defeat a terrifying warlord, Hercules can no longer skate by on the folklore surrounding him.

He must learn to embrace his own myth and become the hero people believe in.

Says Dwayne, “Making a movie about Hercules has been a passion project of mine for a very, very, very long time. He’s a character who over the centuries has been an inspiration to many, myself included. But this time, we wanted to give audiences a Hercules they’ve never seen before. When we meet Hercules in this movie, he’s an exile suffering with regrets, fighting only for gold. He has to overcome his demons and find his heart to become the man people want him to be.”

Now showing nationwide in 3D, 2D and IMAX 3D cinemas, Hercules is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.