“Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” a new Disney+ series, promises to be an exciting addition to the fantasy genre. Following the success of other fantasy franchises, Disney has now taken on Rick Riordan’s popular book series, bringing a fresh adaptation that is likely to capture the hearts of both old and new fans.
Table of Contents
Storyline
The storyline of “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” centers around Percy Jackson, a young demigod and son of Poseidon, who is just coming to terms with his supernatural powers. The series begins with Percy being accused of stealing Zeus’s thunderbolt. The narrative follows his journey to Camp Half-Blood, a safe haven for demigods, and his subsequent adventures which involve battling various mythological creatures. The first season of the series is a faithful adaptation of the first book, “The Lightning Thief,” ensuring that fans of the original series will find much to appreciate.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Cast
The cast of “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” Disney+ series features a mix of established actors and rising stars, bringing to life the beloved characters from Rick Riordan’s novels:
- Walker Scobell as Percy Jackson: Walker Scobell, known for his role in Netflix’s “The Adam Project,” stars as the protagonist, Percy Jackson. Percy is depicted as a smart, compassionate, and humorous kid, grappling with his identity as a demigod and his ADHD and dyslexia.
- Leah Sava Jeffries as Annabeth Chase: Annabeth, daughter of Athena, is played by Leah Sava Jeffries. She previously appeared in the TV series “Empire” and alongside Idris Elba in “Beast.” Annabeth is a key ally of Percy at Camp Half-Blood, training him to survive in the mythological world.
- Aryan Simhadri as Grover Underwood: Aryan Simhadri portrays Grover Underwood, Percy’s best friend and a satyr. Simhadri has appeared in Disney+ projects before and brings a mix of humor and toughness to his role as the protector of the group.
- Virginia Kull as Sally Jackson: Virginia Kull plays Sally Jackson, Percy’s mother. Known for her role in “Boardwalk Empire,” Kull’s performance has been praised for its emotional depth.
- Glynn Turman as Chiron: Playing Chiron, the centaur mentor to Percy, is Glynn Turman. Turman is a seasoned actor with a career spanning several decades.
- Megan Mullally as Alecto: Megan Mullally, famous for her role in “Will & Grace,” portrays Alecto, a fury who torments Percy.
- Timm Sharp as Gabe Ugliano: Sharp plays the role of Percy’s stepfather, Gabe Ugliano, adding a complex layer to the family dynamics in the story.
- Adam Copeland (Edge) as Ares: WWE Hall of Famer Adam Copeland, known as Edge, takes on the role of Ares, the god of war. His portrayal has been noted for capturing the essence of the character.
- Lin-Manuel Miranda as Hermes: Creator of “Hamilton,” Lin-Manuel Miranda, plays Hermes, the god of messengers and commerce. His involvement is a notable highlight for the series.
- Other Notable Cast Members: The series also includes Jason Mantzoukas as Dionysus, the camp director; Lance Reddick as Zeus; and Toby Stephens as Poseidon, among others.
Each actor brings a unique flavor to their character, contributing to a vibrant and diverse cast that promises to bring the world of Percy Jackson to life with authenticity and excitement.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Release Date
The series is set to debut on Disney+ on December 20, 2023, with the first two episodes releasing simultaneously. The eight-episode series will conclude on January 31, 2024, with new episodes released weekly.
Behind the Scenes
The development of the series began with Rick Riordan pitching the adaptation to Disney in 2019. Jonathan E. Steinberg and Dan Shotz are showrunners for the series, with James Bobin directing the pilot episode. Riordan, along with other executive producers, have been heavily involved in the creation of the series, ensuring it stays true to the vision of the original books.
Visuals and Production
The production quality of “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” is noteworthy, with each episode reportedly costing between $12 million and $15 million. The use of advanced technology such as “The Volume” for virtual sets indicates a high level of investment in the series’ visuals, aiming to bring the mythological world of Percy Jackson to life with vivid detail and grandeur.
Conclusion
“Percy Jackson and the Olympians” on Disney+ is shaping up to be a significant addition to the fantasy series landscape. With a faithful adaptation of the beloved books, a talented cast, and high production values, the series is poised to delight both long-time fans and new viewers. The anticipation for its release reflects the enduring popularity of Riordan’s universe and the eagerness of audiences for well-crafted fantasy adventures.
