Why was it worth the wait? For executive producers Dan Shotz and Jon Steinberg, the answer is simple: “Because Rick said so.”
Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians finds a home at Disney+ this December with a wildly fun first season guaranteed to make fans happy and convert a new audience. Rick Riordan got the ball rolling on a new adaptation for his beloved series in 2019, and four years later, Percy Jackson and the Olympians is the adventure we’ve all been waiting for.
The show wastes no time getting things started. It doesn’t hold your hand through the story nor cater to those already familiar with the source material. Instead, it naturally immerses you in its mythical world in the span of only a handful of episodes, letting you learn as Percy learns. Though you can follow along with your copy of The Lightning Thief, the series is full of clever tidbits that would surprise even the most avid reader.
Besides the long wait, the thing that stands out the most about Percy Jackson and the Olympians is its stellar casting. Not only are the actors the right age, they’re just right. Walker Scobell (The Adam Project), who has been a fan of the series since third grade, shines as our favorite seaweed brain. The 14-year-old effortlessly plays the brave hero and the scared child. And on top of that, he’s funny. His timing is impeccable, and his expressions are animated. This isn’t surprising when you look at his performance in The Adam Project, where he starred as a younger version of the charismatic Ryan Reynolds. However, it’s still a relief to know we can have a fierce Percy without sacrificing a joking Percy. Like a refreshing splash of water to the face, Scobell is in his element with Percy, and you love to see it.
His talent multiplies when he’s alongside his costars Leah Sava Jeffries (Beast) and Aryan Simhadri (Trevor: The Musical), who play Annabeth and Grover, respectively. Jeffries has a natural ability to portray Annabeth’s humble confidence, firm in her answers, but always willing to learn more. Simhadri’s performance as Grover is endearing and serves as the perfect counterpart to Scobell and Jeffries, reminding the characters and the audience of what’s really important. It’s the satyr that humanizes the characters’ struggles and holds the trio together, and Simhadri has no trouble conveying this.
These actors are fresh, talented, and ridiculously good scene partners. They have quirky banter that doesn’t feel forced because they’re actually teenagers. Scobell and Jefferies are both 14, and Simhadri is 17. Despite their age, they each have the professionalism of someone who’s been in the industry for decades. “It was among the most professional experiences we ever had with a cast or crew,” Steinberg shared.
Even when confronted with the racist backlash against her casting—something nobody of any color or age should experience—Jeffries remains positive and is thriving. She says it only bothered her for about 10 seconds because she had a job to do. “You’re playing the character; you’re not playing the appearance. If you’re playing the appearance, then you’re just being a stand-in.” These are very wise words from the wise girl herself. It’s also worth noting that Jeffries plans on winning an EGOT—an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony—while also becoming a neurosurgeon. And honestly? She probably could; she’s already succeeding as an actress.
The visual effects are impressive as well. The magic looks real, the monsters look alive, and Camp Half-Blood looks like an actual place you can visit. The Camp Half-Blood set has so much detail it makes you want to pause the episode and explore. It’s just so vast and constant that it feels like a character in its own right. The action sequences aren’t as long or heavily choreographed as in other Disney+ shows, but they’re still just as exciting and show how natural a fighter Percy is.
As action-packed as it is, the show’s strong suit is its heart. The life of a demigod is filled with tragedy and heartbreak, and the young ensemble wears that on their sleeves. Each emotion is rawer and more overwhelming than the last one, perfect for putting yourself in a teenager’s shoes. When Percy cries, you cry. When Annabeth laughs, you laugh. The chemistry is organic and honest, which is a testament to these young actors’ talent.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians is the perfect adaptation. It’s faithful to the source material but still leaves room for surprises. It’s a heartfelt adventure that will get even the most jaded viewers hooked. It gives a fresh take on the Greek mythology stories we’ve heard repeatedly, making the ancient stories relevant today. Perhaps most importantly, the show does a phenomenal job of making outcasts feel at home. My favorite thing about the books is how they take ADHD, dyslexia, and coming from a single-parent home—things kids get bullied for—and turn them into superpowers. The show does the same. It makes everyone of every creed feel welcome at Camp Half-Blood, where differences are celebrated, and heroism is encouraged.