Modern-day Hercules

MANILA, Philippines - After playing Vampire Emmett Cullen in The Twilight Saga where he fought with wolves, Kellan Lutz had to bulk up in preparation for tougher action scenes in The Legend of Hercules, his first starring role, released nationwide starting today by Pioneer Films. One such scene shows Lutz grappling with a lion (photos).

‘I’m honored to be chosen for the role,’ said Lutz, cast as the son of Zeus, a mythical Greek hero who is half-god, half-man blessed with extraordinary strength. Betrayed by his stepfather, the King, and exiled and sold into slavery because of his forbidden love, Hercules must use his formidable powers to fight his way back to his rightful kingdom. Through harrowing battles and gladiator-arena death matches, Hercules embarks on a legendary odyssey to overthrow the King and restore peace in the land.