| Megara | |
|---|---|
| Hercules character | |
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| First appearance | Hercules (1997) |
| Created by | Ron Clements John Musker |
| Based on | Deianira and Megara of Greek mythology |
| Voiced by | Susan Egan |
| Portrayed by | Krysta Rodriguez (2019 musical) Kacey Rohl (Once Upon a Time) |
| In-universe information | |
| Full name | Megara |
| Nickname | Meg |
| Species | Human |
| Significant others | Hercules Unnamed ex-boyfriend |
| Nationality | Greek |
| Master | Hades |
Megara, commonly known simply as Meg,[1][2][3] is a fictional character who appears in the Walt Disney Pictures animated film Hercules (1997). Voiced by actress Susan Egan, Meg is introduced as a cynical young woman enslaved by Hades, god of the underworld. Hades forces Meg to uncover Hercules' weaknesses by seducing him in return for her freedom, only to develop genuine feelings for the hero instead. Loosely based on Megara and Deianira, Heracles' first and third wives in Greek mythology, directors Ron Clements and John Musker adapted Meg into a morally conflicted con artist, while basing her role and personality on 1940s screwball comediennes, particularly actress Barbara Stanwyck's performance in The Lady Eve (1941).
Egan had already been starring as Belle in the stage adaptation of Disney's Beauty and the Beast (1994) when she learned of auditions for Hercules. Despite campaigning heavily for the role of Meg, Disney initially prevented Egan from auditioning because the studio felt Meg and Belle's personalities differed too greatly. To prepare for both her audition and the role, Egan drew inspiration from several classic Hollywood actresses, including Joan Crawford, Bette Davis, and Lauren Bacall, in addition to Stanwyck. After opting not to draw the character realistically, supervising animator Ken Duncan decided to input elements of Greek pottery into Meg's hair, body, and clothing, while borrowing some of Egan's own mannerisms.
Reception towards Meg has been positive, with critics welcoming her independence, wit, and complexity as departures from previous Disney heroines, as well as praising Egan's performance. The character is considered to be underappreciated by contemporary critics, with several media publications ranking her among Disney's most underrated heroines. Meg has made subsequent appearances in the film's sequel, television spin-off, and video game adaptations, as well as a live-action iteration in Once Upon a Time, portrayed by actress Kacey Rohl.
- ^ Turan, Kenneth (June 25, 1997). "'Hercules' is not your professor's version of the tale, but it is another triumph from Disney animation and quip masters. : Didja Ever Hear the Myth About. . . ?". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on August 15, 2019. Retrieved August 15, 2019.
Megara ... a.k.a. Meg
- ^ Variety Portable Movie Guide. United Kingdom: Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated. 2000. p. 551. ISBN 9780425175507. Archived from the original on September 17, 2019 – via Google Books.
- ^ "Hercules Megara Maquette (Walt Disney, 1997)". Heritage Auctions. Archived from the original on August 18, 2019. Retrieved August 18, 2019.