Disney+ is channeling enormous funds into the serialized adaptation of Rick Riordan’s globally celebrated novels, Percy Jackson and the Olympians. This new commitment mirrors the financial enthusiasm Disney showcased for the Star Wars spin-off show, The Mandalorian.
The recent report from Variety unveils that the per-episode budget for Percy Jackson and the Olympians lies between a cool $12 million and $15 million. With an initial order of eight episodes for its debut season, this means that even if one takes the conservative estimate, the total expenditure stands at a whopping $96 million. This figure doesn’t just eclipse the $95 million budget of the 2010 movie adaptation, Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, but it also matches the cost of the other blockbuster Disney+ shows. If the show’s budget leans towards the $15 million mark for each episode, the first season alone could command an investment as colossal as $120 million.
These numbers demonstrate Disney’s resolute faith in Riordan’s magnum opus, which, if successful, could run for more seasons and possibly be the start of a new franchise.
The Percy Jackson books are drenched in intricate mythological elements, replete with mind-boggling sequences as well as fantastical creatures, and daunting challenges. With such a handsome budget, fans can remain optimistic about the series faithfully recreating these elements, delivering the magic and grandiosity the narrative demands.
Another intriguing facet of this financial commitment is its implications about the cast’s earnings. It’s plausible that the series’ cast, despite their talent and significance, might not command the same salaries as the big stars that graced the movie adaptations. This might further ensure that a significant portion of the budget can be channeled into enhancing production quality, visual effects, and other critical aspects.
When Rick Riordan announced his involvement in the early pre-production process back in Spring 2020, there was a ton of excitement and anticipation. 18 months following the revelation, Disney green-lit the eight-episode adaptation of The Lightning Thief, the inaugural book of the pentalogy. The ambitions seem clear; they see Percy Jackson as a vanguard of a new universe on their streaming platform, which till now has thrived on the might of pre-established titans like Marvel and Star Wars.
With the streaming service’s prior attempts at introducing new tentpole series not garnering the expected attention, the anticipation for Percy Jackson is high and so is the pressure.
The collaboration with 20th Century Fox and the involvement of Industrial Light & Magic, the wizards behind some of a handful of Hollywood’s most stunning visual effects, further proves the meticulous care and hefty investments shaping the series. The dedication towards leveraging the full potential of these technological wonders is evident in statements from ILM Senior Vice President Janet Lewin. Her emphasis on the extensive use of the “Volume” showcases the lengths the creators are going to, ensuring every frame drips with realism and immersive details.
The heartening aspect for fans is the involvement of Riordan at every step. His role as the show’s executive producer is a sign that the adaptation will remain true to the spirit and essence of the books. We’ve got enough precedent with Neil Druckmann and The Last of Us; George R.R. Martin and House of the Dragon; and Eiichiro Oda in One Piece, to know if it’s good that the heavy involvement of the source material’s creators is good news.
If successful, Percy Jackson might not return for subsequent seasons but could also find representation in Disneyland and Walt Disney World. But for now, as Rick Riordan poignantly puts it, if all five books find their adaptation, it would be a dream come true.
