Past Film/Video | Visiting Filmmakers | Classics | Series & Festivals

Hercules

(John Musker and Ron Clements, 1997) 

John Musker in person 
Cartoon Crossroads Columbus

35MM Print

An animated image of a Hercules and his lover Meg looking into each others’ eyes. They are dressed in ancient Greek clothing.

The visually stylish Hercules has become one of the most beloved Disney films of the 1990s.

Celebrated for its stunning visual design and sharp humor, Hercules (voiced by Tate Donovan) tells the story of the mythic strongman who is stripped of his immortality by his wicked uncle Hades (voiced by James Woods). He learns from his father, Zeus (Rip Torn), that to reclaim his place among the gods he must prove himself to be a true hero in the world of mortals. Considered one of the great animated films of the era, Hercules is notable for the production design of English cartoonist Gerald Scarfe, whose work directors Musker and Clements felt was evocative of ancient Greek paintings. (93 mins., 35mm) 
 
Following the screening, prolific Disney animation historian John Canemaker joins Musker for a discussion about the film’s artistry.
 
Join us for a reception at 6 PM in the Mershon Auditorium lobby before the screening. The day’s events are presented in conjunction with the annual, citywide Cartoon Crossroads Columbus festival.
 
See the 2025 Cartoon Crossroads Columbus lineup at the Wex.

IMAGE CAPTION
Hercules, courtesy of Walt Disney Studios.

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About Cartoon Crossroads Columbus

Cartoon Crossroads Columbus

The Wexner Center is proud to partner with Cartoon Crossroads Columbus (CXC) to present their annual festival highlighting comics, animation, and cartoon art with a selection of artist conversations, book signings, film screenings, and more. The four-day festival takes place at sites around the city including Ohio State’s Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, Columbus College of Art & Design, Columbus Museum of Art, and Columbus Metropolitan Library.

Program Support

Support for John Canemaker and John Musker's visits provided by The Ohio State University Office of Academic Affairs.

FILM PROGRAMS MADE POSSIBLE BY

Rohauer Collection Foundation

WEXNER CENTER PROGRAMS MADE POSSIBLE BY

Greater Columbus Arts Council

The Wexner Family

Ohio Arts Council, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts

CampusParc

The Columbus Foundation

Every Page Foundation

Mellon Foundation

Axium Packaging

Nationwide Foundation

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY

Joyce Shenk

Rebecca Perry and Ben Towle

Lachelle Thigpen

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Past Film/Video

Hercules