Percy Jackson and the Olympians just dropped Episode 3, "We Visit the Garden Gnome Emporium", and it is a bomb thanks to the addition of the fan-anticipated Medusa. For years, we have grown accustomed to Uma Thurman's representation of the character in the original series.
Now, with a new adaptation, a rather new face takes on the role of the most iconic Medusa on TV screens - Meet Jessica Parker Kennedy.
Jessica Parker Kennedy As Medusa In Percy Jackson And The Olympians
Source: Instagram
Earlier this month, Jessica Parker Kennedy posted a hint picture on her personal Instagram, with the mysterious caption "Dec 27th, 2023 ????." Nobody seemed to know what she was up to, since this is a rather unexpected visual for Medusa. But Jessica didn't let the beans in too long without spilling, as she posted another poster featuring Percy Jackson's TV series right after that:
Source: Instagram
But Who Is Medusa And What's Her Story In Percy Jackson And The Olympians?
In Disney+'s television adaptation of Rick Riordan's "Percy Jackson and the Olympians," a fresh perspective is given to Medusa, a character known from both the book series and Greek mythology. The series explores her backstory with greater depth, diverging from the middle-school-targeted narrative of the 2005 novel, "The Lightning Thief."
Medusa's tale is introduced in the pilot episode, featuring a young Percy (portrayed by Azriel Dalman) visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art with his mother, Sally (Virginia Kull). Here, they encounter Antonio Canova's early 19th-century sculpture of Perseus holding Medusa's head, prompting a poignant observation from Sally about the blurred lines between heroes and monsters.
The narrative takes a turn in Episode 3, where Percy (Walker Scobell), alongside his companions Annabeth (Leah Sava Jeffries) and Grover (Aryan Simhadri), encounter Medusa (Jessica Parker Kennedy). This interaction is pivotal, as Medusa shares her story, shedding light on her complex history with Athena and Poseidon. The storytelling artfully navigates the sensitive themes of the original myth, offering an age-appropriate version while hinting at deeper, darker undertones.
Rebecca Riordan, the show's executive producer, alongside Rick Riordan, emphasizes the shift from a singular narrative in the books to a more inclusive perspective in the TV series. This approach allows for a deeper exploration of characters like Medusa, whose story in the series is a stark contrast to her villainous portrayal in traditional narratives.
The show's nuanced portrayal of Medusa challenges traditional perceptions. Dressed elegantly, she's depicted not as a monster but as a victim of circumstances and betrayal. This reimagining aligns with the changing perspectives on mythological characters in modern storytelling, highlighting themes of abuse, power dynamics, and the complexities of relationships with the divine.
Medusa's encounter with Percy, Annabeth, and Grover in the series serves as a catalyst for them to question their lineage and the actions of their divine parents. This exploration into Medusa's character and her impact on the protagonists adds a rich layer to the narrative, redefining her role from a mere antagonist to a symbol of deeper, more human struggles.
Get To Know Jessica Parker Kennedy - TV And Awards Before Percy Jackson
Source: Starz
Personal Life
Jessica Parker Kennedy, a Canadian actress renowned for her versatility in both television and film, was born in Calgary, Alberta. Her talent extends beyond acting, as she is also a trained singer. Kennedy's life is a blend of professional dedication and personal harmony. She shares her life with her spouse, Israeli-American actor Ronen Rubinstein.
In 2021, Kennedy openly supported Rubinstein when he came out as bisexual. Their relationship blossomed into marriage in August 2022, celebrated with a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony. The couple currently resides in Los Angeles, balancing their personal and professional lives.
Jessica Parker Kennedy's Movies And TV Shows
Jessica Parker Kennedy has graced the screen in various roles, showcasing her diverse acting skills. Here are some of her notable performances:
- Santa Baby (2006) and Santa Baby 2: Christmas Maybe (2009): Portrayed Lucy the Elf.
- V (2009) and Undercovers (2010): Continued her television journey.
- Smallville (2001): Known for her role as the supervillain Plastique.
- Behemoth (2011) and Collision Earth (2011): Made appearances in television features.
- 50/50 (2011): Starred alongside Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, and Anna Kendrick.
- In Time (2011): Appeared in this action film with Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried.
- Another Cinderella Story (2008): Played the role of Tami.
- The Secret Circle (2011): Cast as Melissa Glaser.
- Black Sails (2014): Portrayed Max, an ambitious Nassau prostitute.
- The Flash (CW's Arrowverse): Appeared as Nora West-Allen/XS, a series regular.
- I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson (2023): Guest-starred in the sketch comedy series.
- Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Disney+): Set to appear as Medusa.
Awards
Jessica Parker Kennedy's talent has not gone unnoticed in the industry. Her accolades include the 2017 Winner WFF Stars to Watch presented by UBCP/ACTRA: Recognized as a Star to Watch for her role in "Another Kind of Wedding," alongside three other joint winners.