In the middle of the 2000s, Rick Riordon introduced us to the mystical new world inspired by Greek mythology with the titular character Percy Jackson. The first novel was a record-smashing bestseller, with Riordon quickly churning out four more installments in this thrilling world. The book series went on taking its readers on an incredibly unpredictable journey with an added emphasis on individuality and mental health in tweens.
In 2010, following the conclusion of the series, came a somewhat lackluster duo of films that garnered a mild response from both critics and audiences alike. (Riordon himself hated them!) Fortunately for fans of the story, Percy Jackson is getting another chance at an on-screen adaptation, this time on Disney+. Read further to learn everything about Percy Jackson and the Olympians TV series.
What will you see here?
What is the plot?
Image Credit: IMDb
If you have read the books or have seen the film adaptations (Yikes!) you already have an idea of what the first season will likely cover. The official Synopsis on Disney+ keeps things exciting for new fans, reading “Demigod Percy Jackson leads a quest across America to prevent a war among the Olympian gods.“
For the fresh minds who are unfamiliar, allow us to elaborate a little! The first season will most likely cover the entire first novel of the series, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief. In it, our protagonist is accused by the God King Zeus of stealing his precious lightning thunderbolt. This incident begins a chain of events that ultimately forever changes the mortal world and the Gods. It is essentially placing Percy against time to find the missing thunderbolt.
The book series is action-packed, with an added touch of heart and humor. As Percy learns about this grand world of gods and monsters, he finds a place for himself amongst new friends and family. So, in short, the Percy Jackson TV Series already sounds like a blast to watch!
Release date
Image Credit: IMDb
The first two episodes of Percy Jackson and the Olympians are scheduled to debut on Disney+ on December 20, 2023. After the two-episode debut, new episodes will follow weekly. The first season is confirmed to consist of eight episodes, each with a runtime of 45-60 minutes.
Cast and Crew
Image Credit: IMDb
The 5 book series introduces many characters throughout our protagonist’s world-saving adventures. Some are trustful allies, while others end up being treacherous threats. The first season has a lot of heavy lifting to do in terms of establishing many important main and secondary characters who will eventually become mainstays for the upcoming series. No matter whether they are playing heroes or villains, the series has an impressive amount of cast and crew already to their name, led by the main trio Walker Scobell playing Percy Jackson, Leah Sava Jeffries playing Annabeth Chase (Daughter of Athena), and Aryan Simhadri playing Grover Underwood (Satyr).
Below is the official list of the Cast and Crew:
- Dan Shotz & Jonathon E. Steinberg: Showrunners
- Virginia Kull: Sally Jackson
- Timm Sharp: Gabe Ugliano
- Glynn Turman: Chiron/ Mr. Brunner
- Jason Mantzoukas: Dionysus/ Mr. D
- Megan Mullally: Alecto/ Ms. Dodds
- Charlie Bushnell: Luke Castellan
- Dior Goodjohn: Clarisse La Rue
- Adam Copeland: Ares
- Olivea Morton: Nancy Bobofit
- Suzanne Cryer: Echidna
- Jessica Parker Kennedy: Medusa
- Lin-Manuel Miranda: Hermes
- Timothy Omundson: Hephaestus
- Toby Stephens: Poseidon
- Lance Riddick: Zeus
Trailer
Easter Eggs
Exciting as the trailer appeared, we couldn’t help but notice some easter eggs. Without further adieu, let’s get down to business.
New York skyline
In the trailer, we see an up-to-the-date New York City skyline. That most likely refers to the series in modern times, not 2005, when the first books were issued. While that is unlikely to change the settings and content much in terms of the story, it could potentially provide a new spin on certain events and technology used in the show.
Perseus Statue
There is a shot of Percy standing in front of a statue of the Greek hero Perseus, who is holding the severed head of Medusa.
This moment is not in the books but marks a moment of foreshadowing as Percy looks upon the hero, whom he is named after, holding the head of an enemy he will eventually face. Sharp readers will recognize the settings as the class trip to the MET that opens the first book.
Sally Jackson
Image Credit: IMDb
The trailer provides us with a look at Virginia Kull as Percy’s mother and reveals a major diversion from the story as she appears to be explaining the concept of Half-bloods and Greek gods. In both the books and movies, Hades captures Sally before Percy can explain anything to her.
Gods and Creatures
Image Credit: IMDb
The packed trailer shows various Greek gods, from Zeus to Ares and Hades.
The most notable is Ares, who was unfortunately written out of the 2010 and 2013 movies, much to the fans’ dismay. The god of War can be seen on his iconic motorbike, leaving the trio on the side of the road, likely sending them on a quest to retrieve his shield.
Where was the series filmed?
The standard photography on the first season of Percy Jackson and the Olympians began on 2 June 2022 in Vancouver, British Columbia. Fun fact: While in production, the working title for the series was Mink Golden.
Will ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ Get a Season 2?
It seems quite likely! While we are yet to get an official announcement about season 2, the author has confirmed that the writers have already started the work for the next season.
Conclusion
Prepare for an epic adventure as the Percy Jackson and the Olympians TV series is set to grace Disney+ screens on December 20, 2023, with a captivating two-episode debut. Fans will be treated to a total of eight thrilling installments. With subsequent episodes unveiled weekly. Each episode will run for 45-60 minutes.
The cast and crew promise to breathe life into Rick Riordan’s rich tapestry of characters. Headlining the ensemble are Walker Scobell as Percy Jackson, Leah Sava Jeffries as Annabeth Chase, and Aryan Simhadri as Grover Underwood. The trio anchors a stellar lineup that includes Virginia Kull as Sally Jackson, Jason Mantzoukas as Dionysus, Lin-Manuel Miranda as Hermes, and Toby Stephens as Poseidon.
Guiding this mythological journey are showrunners Dan Shotz and Jonathon E. Steinberg. With a diverse and talented cast, the series is poised to introduce audiences to the intricate web of alliances and adversaries that shape Percy’s world, promising an unforgettable viewing experience for die-hard fans and newcomers alike.
