Disney Is Developing A Live-Action Medusa Movie With Dwayne Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions

Disney is heading back to Greek mythology, and this time, one of its most infamous monsters is getting the live-action treatment. The studio is developing an original Medusa movie, with screenwriter Michael Montemayor reportedly working on the first draft. The project is being developed by Dwayne Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions under its overall deal with Disney.

For those unfamiliar with the mythology, Medusa is one of the three Gorgon sisters, alongside Euryale and Stheno. Famously depicted with snakes for hair, she possessed the terrifying ability to turn anyone who looked directly at her into stone. According to Greek mythology, she was eventually beheaded by the hero Perseus, who used her severed head as a weapon before giving it to the goddess Athena, who placed it on her shield.

Medusa has certainly had her share of memorable screen appearances over the years. Anyone who grew up watching the Clash of the Titans movies knows that the snake-haired Gorgon was arguably one of the most memorable creatures in the story, giving Perseus a formidable opponent and stealing the spotlight from other mythical threats like the Kraken and Calibos.

As for Disney’s upcoming take, specific story details are being kept under wraps. However, the project is reportedly being envisioned as a unique interpretation of the legendary figure rather than simply another straightforward retelling of the Greek myth.

Despite Seven Bucks’ involvement, this is not currently expected to be a starring vehicle for Johnson. Still, considering his history with the company and Disney, it wouldn’t be the craziest casting possibility if things eventually changed.

Johnson will produce alongside Seven Bucks partners Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia, with Melissa Fried overseeing the project for the production company. Matt Smith will also produce through Electro Corduroy Entertainment.

Michael Montemayor Is Becoming A Disney Live-Action Regular

Montemayor is becoming a familiar name around Disney’s live-action division. He recently worked on the upcoming Tangled adaptation, directed by Michael Gracey, which is scheduled to arrive in theaters on March 31, 2028. He is also attached to Stepsisters, an original live-action Cinderella spinoff with Akiva Schaffer set to direct and produce.

Outside Disney, the writer has sold the original romantic comedy Court Date to Netflix, with Berlanti/Schechter Films producing. He is represented by Kaplan/Perrone, CAA, and Kim Stenton at Myman, Greenspan, Fineman, Fox, Rosenberg & Light.

Meanwhile, Seven Bucks has plenty of other projects on the horizon. The company is preparing for the release of the latest Jumanji installment, Jumanji: Open World, from Sony, with Johnson returning for the Christmas Day release. The previous two films in the franchise grossed a combined $1.76 billion worldwide, making it one of the production company’s biggest success stories.

Johnson and Seven Bucks have also reunited with The Smashing Machine filmmaker Benny Safdie for Lizard Music, which is in development at Amazon MGM Studios. Their previous collaboration with Disney was the adventure film Jungle Cruise.

Could Medusa Become Disney’s Next Big Mythological Adventure?

There’s plenty of potential in a Medusa movie, particularly if Disney decides to explore the character beyond her traditional role as the monster waiting at the end of a hero’s journey. Greek mythology is full of fascinating stories, but Medusa’s tale is especially interesting because there are several interpretations of her origins and transformation.

It could make for a visually striking fantasy adventure, but there’s also an opportunity to give the character a more layered treatment and explore the tragedy behind the mythology. Whether Disney ultimately goes in that direction remains to be seen, but a fresh take on Medusa certainly sounds like an intriguing addition to the studio’s live-action slate.

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