Disney’s live-action Medusa movie is moving forward, and the early creative details are already drawing attention. Michael Montemayor, the writer behind Disney’s upcoming live-action Tangled, has been tapped to write the first draft of an original feature centered on one of Greek mythology’s most haunting figures.
The project is being developed by Seven Bucks Productions under its Disney deal, with Dwayne Johnson’s company continuing to expand its footprint in big-budget franchise and mythology-inspired storytelling. While the Medusa movie is still in the early stages, the team involved suggests Disney may be aiming for a bold, fresh interpretation rather than a straightforward retelling of the ancient legend.
What We Know About the Medusa Movie So Far
According to reports, Montemayor is writing the initial draft for a live-action original Medusa movie for Disney. Plot details remain tightly guarded, but the project is said to offer a distinctive take on the mythological character.
That matters because Medusa is one of the most recognizable figures in Greek mythology. Traditionally depicted as the snake-haired Gorgon whose gaze turns people to stone, she has appeared in everything from classical literature to fantasy films and modern reimaginings. A new Disney-backed version opens the door to several possibilities: action-adventure, dark fantasy, revisionist myth, or even a character-driven origin story.
At this stage, one key clarification has also emerged: the Medusa movie is not currently being developed as a starring vehicle for Dwayne Johnson. He is involved as a producer, alongside Seven Bucks partners Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia, with Melissa Ford overseeing. Producer Matt Smith is also attached through Electro Corduroy Entertainment.
Why Disney’s Medusa Movie Could Stand Out
A live-action Medusa movie gives Disney a chance to mine mythology in a way that feels both familiar and new. Medusa has long been used as a monster in popular culture, but contemporary storytelling often revisits her as a more layered figure shaped by power, punishment, and legend.
If Disney and Seven Bucks lean into that complexity, the film could stand apart from older sword-and-sandals depictions. Rather than positioning Medusa simply as a villain to be defeated, the studio may explore:
- Her origins within Greek mythology
- The relationship between Medusa and her Gorgon sisters, Euryale and Stheno
- The role of Perseus in her story
- The broader symbolism of Medusa in modern culture
That storytelling flexibility is likely part of the appeal. Mythology adaptations continue to perform well when they blend spectacle with a fresh perspective, and the Medusa movie has the potential to do exactly that.
Michael Montemayor’s Growing Disney Role
Montemayor’s involvement is another reason the project is generating interest. He has become an increasingly important creative voice for Disney live action, with multiple high-profile projects on his slate.
His recent and upcoming work includes:
- Tangled, Disney’s live-action adaptation directed by Michael Gracey and set for release on March 31, 2028
- Stepsisters, an original live-action Cinderella spinoff with Akiva Schaffer attached
- Court Date, an original romantic comedy sold to Netflix
That range suggests Montemayor is comfortable balancing established IP with original angles, a useful skill for a Medusa movie that needs to honor mythology while still feeling commercially accessible.
Seven Bucks Continues Its Franchise Push
For Seven Bucks Productions, the Medusa movie fits a broader strategy built around global audience appeal. The company, led by Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, and Hiram Garcia, has already found major box-office success with large-scale adventure entertainment.
Among its key projects and credentials:
- The two previous Jumanji films grossed a combined $1.76 billion worldwide
- Jumanji: Open World is set to arrive from Sony on Christmas Day
- Seven Bucks previously teamed with Disney on Jungle Cruise
- The company is also working on Lizard Music for Amazon MGM Studios with Benny Safdie
That track record indicates the producers understand how to package adventure-heavy, broadly appealing stories for a mass audience. If the Medusa movie evolves into a fantasy-action event title, Seven Bucks could be well positioned to deliver it.
Matt Smith’s Producer Profile Adds Genre Credibility
Another intriguing piece of the project is producer Matt Smith, who brings experience across studio fare and genre filmmaking. Smith is known for executive producing Disney’s commercially successful Maleficent franchise and has also worked across action, horror, musical, and independent film.
His recent producing background includes titles that premiered at SXSW, as well as projects spanning Disney, MGM, and Netflix. That mix could be particularly useful for a Medusa movie, which may need to balance visual grandeur with a more textured tone than a standard family fantasy.
What Medusa Means for Disney’s Live-Action Future
Disney has spent years reworking classic tales and iconic characters into live-action features, but the Medusa movie hints at a slightly different direction. Rather than adapting a pre-existing Disney animated title, this project reaches into Greek mythology for original material with built-in name recognition.
That could signal a broader appetite for myth-based stories that can support theatrical spectacle, streaming interest, and franchise potential. Medusa is a compelling choice because she occupies multiple cultural roles at once: monster, victim, symbol, and legend. That gives filmmakers room to reinvent her for modern audiences.
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Final Take on the Medusa Movie
Disney’s upcoming Medusa movie is still under wraps, but the creative team alone makes it one to watch. With Michael Montemayor writing, Seven Bucks producing, and a mythological icon at the center, the film has the ingredients for a visually striking and culturally resonant adaptation. If Disney can deliver a fresh perspective on the legend, the Medusa movie could become one of the studio’s more surprising live-action plays in the years ahead.
