Susan Egan, the acclaimed voice behind Megara in Disney’s animated classic Hercules, has expressed her enthusiasm for Zendaya as the ideal choice to portray the character in the forthcoming live-action remake. Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE at the recent Disney Legends Awards Ceremony held in Anaheim, California, Egan shared her admiration for the Emmy-winning actress, suggesting she is not only talented but also deeply grounded.
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At 56 years old, Egan reflected on her fondness for the role of Meg, noting that the character’s sharp wit and imperfections offered her the opportunity to step outside the typical “good girl” roles she had been cast in throughout her career. “In real life, I always played the good girl,” Egan remarked. “But in animation, I got to play the sassy girl, the one who gets all the one-liners.”
Egan playfully acknowledged that her fondness for Zendaya might come off as overly enthusiastic. “Zendaya and her husband [Tom Holland] might be like, ‘Honestly, maybe we need a restraining order against Susan Egan at this point’,” she joked, revealing her long-standing admiration for the younger actress. “She’s such a dynamic performer, and I really am an admirer of hers.”
Disney first revealed plans for a live-action iteration of Hercules back in 2020, with producers Joe and Anthony Russo, well-known for their work on the Marvel Cinematic Universe, attached to the project. By 2022, Joe Russo described the remake as intended to be “a little bit more experimental in tone,” aiming to resonate with contemporary audiences. However, casting decisions and release dates remain undisclosed.
Egan’s portrayal of Megara stands out in the Disney canon due to the character’s edginess and sarcastic attitude, contrasting markedly with the traditional Disney heroines. She relished the chance to play a character who is manipulative and flawed, saying, “Meg gets to manipulate Herc and Hades. That was something I never got to do, so that was so fun.”
Having previously starred as Belle in the original Broadway production of Beauty and the Beast, Egan continues to be an active presence in the Disney universe, performing on Disney cruises and at special events. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the legacy of Disney music, emphasising the lasting impact of composer Alan Menken’s work. “I feel so blessed and lucky to sing anything from Hercules and Beauty and the Beast. That music is magical,” Egan stated. “I will keep going until they get a hook and they pull me off that stage.”
In reflecting on the significance of Disney’s music, Egan noted that these songs have a universal appeal that transcends generations. “The music is core to who we are,” she commented, expressing hope that each new generation can connect with the Disney songs that shaped her own life experiences.
Recently, Egan had participated in “Disney Princess: The Ultimate Concert Celebration,” an unprecedented gathering of Disney Princess voice talents. Describing the event, she enthused, “That was epic. We have never all been in a room together at the same time.” Egan admitted to being starstruck by fellow performers, revealing, “I just stood next to [Broadway star Lea Salonga]. Like, check that box. Bucket list complete.”
As anticipation builds for the live-action remake of Hercules, Egan’s support for Zendaya is a pointed reminder of the lasting legacy of Disney’s characters and music. The excitement surrounding this project highlights not only nostalgia but also the desire to see stories told in fresh ways, resonating with both long-time fans and new audiences alike. As more details emerge about the upcoming movie, it is clear that the magic of Disney continues to captivate generations, thanks in part to the contributions of artists like Susan Egan.