Kellan Lutz, 28, best known as Emmet Cullen from the Twilight Saga, won over director Renny Harlin (Die Hard 2) with his “passion and heart” when he auditioned for the leading role of Zeus’ son in Harlin’s new film Hercules 3D. Harlin told The Hollywood Reporter, “It takes more than a good physique to portray the most legendary, mythological personality in history – and Kellan has exactly that, personality. He’s not afraid to explore the strengths and vulnerabilities of the character, and he impressed me with his passion and heart.” The plot of the $70 million movie is still under wraps, but it involves a love triangle between Hercules and the mortal princess of Crete, who is promised to his older brother. It starts shooting in Bulgaria next month.
The film, however, is in competition with another Hercules movie based on the graphic novel Hercules: The Thracian Wars, starring the super-buff Dwayne Johnson. Director Brett Ratner (Movie 43, Tower Heist), is to take a more realistic view of the demi-god. Ironically, the film will also begin filming next month but in Hungary. Though the release date for Hercules 3D is yet to be determined, Ratner’s film is set to release in July 2014. ~E. Guevarra
