When it comes to young adult fantasy (at least in the books), few capture the imagination quite like Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson & the Olympians. And while the 2010s saw an attempt to bring the modern-day take on Greek mythology to a larger audience, fans felt something was amiss. Now, with Disney at the helm, there’s renewed hope for a more faithful adaptation of the cherished series.
First things first, Disney+ is not merely looking to recreate the films. Instead, they’re delving deep into Riordan’s rich narrative, leveraging the episodic nature of TV to truly encapsulate the world where Greek myths collide with modern-day America.
The series, poised as a potential Christmas family favorite, will see its first two episodes premiering on December 20. And for those itching for a steady dose of demigod drama, additional episodes will roll out weekly.
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Central to the series is 12-year-old Percy Jackson, played by Walker Scobell, previously seen in The Adam Project along with, among other familiar faces, Ryan Reynolds. The storyline treads familiar waters: Percy’s finding out that he’s one-part deity, the son of Poseidon, and his subsequent accusation of stealing Zeus’ master lightning bolt. What ensues is a cross-country quest to restore order to Olympus.
Joining Percy on this perilous journey are his loyal friends Annabeth Chase (Leah Sava Jeffries) and Grover Underwood (Aryan Simhadri). Fans of the books will recognize that these characters form the backbone of the series, and Riordan himself seems quite pleased with the casting. Announcing Scobell’s casting, he described the moment as “magical” and a testament to the hard work and anticipation surrounding the project.
But Percy, Annabeth, and Grover aren’t the only familiar faces. Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda steps into the shoes (or should we say, winged sandals?) of Hermes, while Lance Reddick takes on the mighty Zeus. Tragically, this would be a post-humous release for Reddick – one of many, which includes other appearances in video games and other films. His unexpected passing this March ensures that his voice in the series’ teaser carries added gravitas. It’s Reddick’s sonorous “Percy Jackson, we’ve been expecting you” that promises adventures beyond mere mortal comprehension.
Other big names are attached as well: Jason Mantzoukas, a comedic genius known for roles in Big Mouth and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, portrays Dionysus, Camp Half-Blood’s camp counselor. Jay Duplass steps into the underworld as Hades as Megan Mullally, acclaimed for her roles in Will & Grace and Party Down, plays Alecto, one of the three Furies.
Although Riordan’s involvement in the 2010 film adaptation was minimal, leading to his expressed dissatisfaction, the scenario is starkly different this time. The author is not just a passive spectator but an active participant in the series’ creation. He’s penned the scripts alongside Jonathan E. Steinberg, ensuring the narrative stays true to its source.
Teasers for the show have been strategic, showcasing glimpses of action rather than revealing too much too soon. But even in these short snippets, there’s evident vibrancy and youthful exuberance – qualities that are essential to the heart of the Percy Jackson series. Fans get a peek at Camp Half-Blood, Annabeth’s prowess, and even Grover’s intriguing lower half.
The 2010s movies were criticized for deviating from the books’ heart and soul. With Riordan’s hands-on involvement as well as Disney+’s commitment to quality, this adaptation promises to rectify past missteps. Given there are five books in the original series (with a sixth on the horizon), Percy Jackson & the Olympians has the potential to become a Disney+ mainstay for years to come.
In a world where time can often feel as elusive as a day in the Lotus Hotel (and Casino), the wait for the new series is almost over.
If we’re lucky, Disney+ will continually renew the series until it can adapt the final book, The Chalice of the Gods, which comes out on September 26.
