Five Legendary Stories Deserving a Cinematic Revival Following Christopher Nolan's Adaptation of The Odyssey
Feeling like you're the only one who can't get Greek mythology out of your head? You're not alone, my friend! With the news that Christopher Nolan is taking on the grand tale of The Odyssey with an epic cast, we're ready to jump on board.
Recently, we've seen a few adaptations pop up, some successful, others not so much. Netflix's Kaos starring Jeff Goldblum as Zeus had its moments, but it was Netflix's little swing with Rachel Smythe's Lore Olympus and Hades video games that really brought these tales to life in new ways.
Now, we're loving the trend of revisiting the original texts and turning to other versions of these stories that have been overlooked. Persephone, the queen of the underworld by choice, is a popular take that we'd love to see more of.
Hades and Persephone
The tale of Hades, the ruler of the underworld, and his queen Persephone has been a favorite in recent years. Rachel Smythe's Lore Olympus and the Hades video games have completely captivated audiences. Both properties draw from unearthed texts that give completely different interpretations of Hades and Persephone's stories. We're ready to see more of Persephone with her agency on screen.
Orpheus and Eurydice
The tragic love story of Orpheus and Eurydice has been a staple in literature and media. Netflix's attempt at modernizing the myth was satisfying, but the original myth's message of love, survival, and sacrifice still rings true. We hope to see a stage musical adaptation of Hadestown come to the big screen.
Hercules
We've had our fair share of Hercules adaptations in the past, but we're hoping for something fresh and new. Jon M. Chu as director and Ariana Grande as Megara could breathe new life into this classic tale.
Eros and Psyche
Considered the blueprint for all Beauty and the Beast stories, we need to see Eros and Psyche reimagined with a focus on their core love story. Think Bridgerton but set in ancient times.
Medusa
Medusa deserves better than being just a monster to be killed in someone else's quest. She needs her own Wicked treatment to reclaim her story and take down the patriarchy.
With so many adaptations and reinterpretations of Greek mythology, there's no shortage of stories to be told. Who is your favorite Greek mythology character and what kind of adaptation would you love to see?
Enrichment Data:
There have been several adaptations and reinterpretations of Greek mythology focusing on Hades, Persephone, Orpheus, Eurydice, Hercules, Eros, Psyche, and Medusa. Here are a few notable examples:
- The Maiden & The Unseen (Love and Fate) is a retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth in a modern setting that explores their relationship in contemporary society.
- Hadestown is a musical adaptation of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth. It reimagines the ancient Greek story through the lens of American folk, jazz, and blues.
- There have been various adaptations and reinterpretations of Hercules in film, literature, and television.
- Eros and Psyche has been the subject of several adaptations and retellings in literature and art, often focusing on the themes of love, jealousy, and transformation.
- Medusa has been featured in films, literature, and art as a cautionary tale about vanity and transformation.
These adaptations and reinterpretations demonstrate the enduring appeal of Greek mythology and its characters, allowing them to be reimagined and reinterpreted in diverse contexts.
- The future of Greek mythology adaptation seems promising with technology enabling new perspectives, like Io9's article on 'The Odyssey' by Christopher Nolan.
- Hades and Persephone's legendary tale, as seen in Rachel Smythe's 'Lore Olympus' and Hades video games, showcases technology's role in reviving mythological narratives.
- I can't help but sigh with anticipation for more adaptations, such as a movie adaptation of 'The Maiden & The Unseen,' offering a modern take on the Hades and Persephone mythology.
- The upcoming costumes in upcoming Persephone adaptations are sure to be gorgeously designed, just like the ones seen in 'Lore Olympus.'
