REEL DEAL: “HERCULES” And His Loyal Crew Of Mercenaries

In the new epic action-adventure “Hercules,” “It doesn’t matter to the titular character if he’s the son of Zeus or not,” actor Dwayne Johnson reflects. “The only thing that matters to him is righting the wrongs of the past. But he has this band of brothers and sisters – and they are the ones who push Hercules to believe that he can be a better man.”

Joining Johnson in the film as his loyal crew are Ian McShane (“Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides”), Rufus Sewell (“Legend of Zorro”), Aksel Hennie (“Headhunters”), Ingrid Bolsø Berdal (“Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters”) and Reece Ritchie (“Prince of Persia: The Sands Of Time”).

REEL DEAL: Director Brett Ratner Makes-Over "HERCULES” For New Audiences

The immortal legend of “Hercules” -- the demigod renowned for his mighty deeds and valor – gets a high-adrenaline 21st century makeover as 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.

This version of 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.

“HERCULES” Storms Into IMAX Theaters in PH July 23

IMAX Corporation, Paramount Pictures, and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures recently announced that Brett Ratner's action epic, “Hercules,” will be digitally re-mastered into the immersive IMAX® 3D format and released by Paramount Pictures and MGM in IMAX® theatres worldwide, including the Philippines on July 23, 2014.

"Hercules deserves a platform like the IMAX 3D format," said Greg Foster, Senior Executive Vice President, IMAX Corp. and CEO of IMAX Entertainment. "We are excited to team up with our partners Paramount and MGM to bring this epic tale to life as never before for IMAX fans around the world."

REEL DEAL: Dwayne Johnson Feels He's Born To Play “HERCULES”

Action superstar Dwayne Johnson experienced a massive jolt on the set of Paramount Pictures' epic adventure “Hercules” during a scene when his Greek hero was chained to stone pillars.

"It's when Hercules breaks through the chains and becomes the demi-god he was born to be," says Johnson. "I was actually yelling with all the power I could muster, 'I am Hercules!' I gave it my all and made myself pass out every time we did it. But I honestly felt in that moment that I was born to play this role."