Adapting from Rick Riordan’s bestselling fantasy novel series, Percy Jackson and the Olympians is one of the most anticipated TV series in 2023. Following the footsteps of Percy Jackson on his demigod adventure, the franchise is often called “the Harry Potter of American literature”, and is widely loved around the world.
After the disastrous theatrical adaptations by 20th Century Fox in the early 2010s, Disney attempts to reboot the franchise once again with a brand-new TV series this winter. Supervised by Rick Riordan himself, the upcoming series is expected to exceed everyone’s expectations.
Percy Jackson And The Olympians' Release Date
Source: Google Images
Rejoice, Demigods, as the new Percy Jackson series is coming around town exactly in time for the holiday season. You can start watching the show exclusively on Disney+ this December 20.
Cast Of Percy Jackson And The Olympians Series: Percy, Annabeth & More
If there’s anything good from the old Percy Jackson adaptation movies, it’s the casting choices. Both Logan Lerman and Alexandria Daddario completely nailed their performance as the main duo, Percy and Annabeth, with their looks and acting. Therefore, there will be a huge amount of expectations for the new blood to fulfill, as they take on the mantle of these two iconic characters.
In the rebooted series, young star Walker Scobell will replace Logan Lerman as the protagonist, Percy Jackson. 2009-born Leah Sava Jeffries will portray Annabeth Chase, one of Percy’s best friends in the franchise. Another friend of Percy, Grover, who’s also a satyr, is portrayed by Aryan Simhadri.
The supporting roles for the series are also decided. Jason Mantzoukas and Glynn Turman will play Dionysus and Chiron, the executives of Camp Half-Blood, respectively. Lin-Manuel will portray the God of Thieves Hermes, and Jay Duplass will take on the role of Hades. The series also features several other Greek Gods such as Zeus, Poseidon (Percy’s biological father), and Hephaestus.
Source: Twitter/X
Here’s the official lineup for the series:
- Walker Scobell as Percy Jackson
- Leah Sava Jeffries as Annabeth Chase
- Aryan Simhadri as Grover Underwood
- Virginia Kull as Sally Jackson
- Timm Sharp as Smelly Gabe
- Megan Mullally as Mrs. Dodds (Alecto)
- Glynn Turman as Chiron
- Jason Mantzoukas as Dionysus
- Lin-Manuel Miranda as Hermes
- Jay Duplass as Hades
- Lance Reddick as Zeus
- Toby Stephens as Poseidon
- Timothy Omundson as Hephaestus
The series’ cast is devoid of Luke Castellan, Percy Jackson’s arch-enemy in the novels. Until now, there’s no confirmation if Luke is in the live-action show or not, even though he’s a crucial character to the franchise as a whole.
Is Percy Jackson And The Olympians Any Different From The Novel?
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The novel version of the Percy Jackson saga is divided into 5 parts: The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titan’s Curse, The Battle of the Labyrinth, and The Last Olympian. A 6th installment, The Chalice of the Gods, is being published in September 26, 2023.
The first season of the TV series is likely to adapt the first two books of the franchise, The Lightning Thief and the Sea of Monsters. In the first book, Percy finds out his identity as the son of Poseidon, He then must embark on a quest alongside Annabeth and Grover to find Zeus’s lightning bolt, which is presumably stolen by Hades.
In the end, the trio finds out an even greater threat than Hades and Ares that can overthrow the whole of Olympus: the Titan Cronos.
Source: Google Images
Meanwhile, the second book, The Sea of Monsters, tells the story of Percy, this time with his cousin Tyson, going on a trip to find the Golden Fleece, while also saving Grover from a mysterious Cyclops along the way.
20th Century Fox’s initial adaptations were heavily criticized as they strayed too far from the original books. However, the rebooted version is directly supervised by the author Rick Riordan himself, so the audience can rest assured about the quality and faithfulness of the upcoming series.
Where Can I Watch The Series?
Percy Jackson and the Olympians will be released exclusively on Disney+ this December 20, just days before Christmas. You can also find Fox’s adaptations of Percy Jackson on this same platform.
Is There A Percy Jackson And The Olympians Series Trailer?
The first teaser trailer of the series was released in September 2022, with Walker Scobell reading the first lines from The Lightning Thief. One year later, the House of Mouse published another teaser that gave us a closer look at the events in the series.
An official poster is also posted on X, with Percy (Walker Scobell) showcasing his water manipulation power, while plunging his magical sword, Riptide, into the sand.
Of course, there is skepticism about the series upon its release, however, Rick Riordan has this to say to ease fans’ worry.
"We have been involved in the series since its inception, since the very earliest conversations about what a new Percy adaptation might look like. [...] So, I feel comfortable telling fans of the books who have been waiting [...] for this kind of faithful adaptation, that this is the one you've been waiting for. We are involved and I think you're gonna love it."
Conclusion
With everything set and done, Percy Jackson and the Olympians is more than ready to bless all the Demigods around the world this Christmas. And with the promising young cast and Rick Riordan himself supervising all things, fans can rest assured that the rebooted series will meet all godly expectations.
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