ThePercy Jacksonbook series started its life as a bedtime story that author Rick Riordan would tell his son. Here we are now in 2023 with anexpanded Percy Jackson universe, a sixth book of the original series with two more in the process, and the first season of a TV show coming December 20th. Percy and his friends have come a long way since 2005 when The Lightning Thief was first published. Those who read the books grew up with him, and now the newer generation can experience that same feeling.
to best understand the show before it comes out, one must understand the characters and what their intentions are. Anyone who has read the books already knows what events will transpire as the series goes on. But those who are just discovering Riordan’s work and want to see the show may not fully understand. So let’s discover (and rediscover) the characters that make up the series and see the wonderful cast who will play these characters.
Percy Jackson & the Olympians
Walker Scobell as Percy Jackson
Percy is a 12-year-old who is the son of the sea god Poseidon and his mortal mother, Sally Jackson. He can control water and use it to heal his wounds. He is also skilled with his sword, Riptide. After discovering his godly heritage, he is sent to Camp Half-Blood to keep him safe. Before learning about his true heritage, Percy was safe from this secret side of the world. However, now that he has been discovered, monsters like the Minotaur are hunting him down, and he loses his mother in the process. Now he must journey to the realm of Hades to find the stolen lightning bolt and bargain to bring his mother back with the help of Grover and Annabeth.
If you have seenThe Adam Projectwith Ryan Reynolds, then you know thatWalker Scobellis the perfect fit for Percy. Scobell just naturally has that sass to match that of Percy. His love for acting came from drama classes in elementary school and through middle school, leading him to pursue his acting career.
Leah Sava Jeffries as Annabeth Chase
12-year-old Annabeth is the daughter of the wisdom and warcraft goddess, Athena. If Percy is the brawn of the trio, then Annabeth is the brains. She is the battle strategist and has a broad knowledge of mythology, is experienced with her dagger, and has school smarts. She is the de facto leader of the trio and always comes up with a plan of action. Unlike most other demigods at Camp, she doesn’t have powers, but she doesn’t need them to prove she is a warrior. She accompanies Percy and Grover on the journey to LA to confront Hades about Zeus’s stolen lightning bolt.
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Despite theunfortunate criticism and backlash,Leah Sava Jeffriesstands above and beyond as the actor to play Annabeth. She proved her wits playing as Norah inBeast, and Rick Riordan himself praised her for her talents. He said himself that Jeffries “[embodied] the soul, the personality of that character”.
Aryan Simhadri is Grover Underwood
Unlike Percy and Annabeth, Grover is not a demigod. He is a satyr,a Greek mythologicalnature spirit who has the upper body of a human with the legs of a goat or horse. Satyrs typically age at half the rate of mortals and demigods, so in the books, Grover looks older or more mature despite being around the same age as Percy and Annabeth. With him being a nature spirit, Grover possesses unique nature magic abilities. Using his reed pipes, he can control plants and animals, and even heal the wounds of those around him. He can talk to animals and can feel their emotions, as well as the feelings of others.
Grover acts as a guide during his journey with Percy and Annabeth.Aryan Simhadriis another very talented young actor. From voice acting to commercials, he even starred inTrevor: The Musicalin 2021. His talent and acting range won him an award in 2021 as well: the Young Artist Academy Award for Teen Actor in a Streaming Movie for the filmThe Main Event.
Dior Goodjohn as Clarisse La Rue
As the daughter of the god of war, Clarisse is the camp bully. That is how we are first introduced to her character. She is strong, aggressive, and immediately comes across as intimidating. She and Percy start a rivalry after she tries to push his head into a toilet, and he accidentally makes it explode. She is one of the fiercest warriors in Camp Half-Blood, and she is not afraid to ensure everyone knows this fact. But could she have a softer side underneath that tough exterior?
Dior Goodjohnhas a smaller list of roles compared to the other young actors, but she is no stranger to the ways of television. She is known for her part inHead of the Classas Robyn Rook among other TV shows likeGleeorAre You Afraid of the Dark? Withtalk of a possible season two, we just might see more of her ifSea of Monstersgets adapted.
Charlie Bushnell as Luke Castellan
Luke is a charming, older brother-type figure for Percy and the other young campers. His father is Hermes, the god of speed, travel, and commerce. Due to the fact that his father is a god and has a rather busy life, Luke feels neglected and mistreated by his father, which leads to some not-so-great behavior.
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Charlie Bushnellwas cast to play Luke. Bushnell taught himself how to be an actor before properly taking classes and furthering his studies. He got to star inDiary of a Future Presidentalongside known actors like Gina Rodriguez so, like Goodjohn, he is no stranger to TV shows.
The Gods of Olympus and Other Characters
There are many other characters throughout the first season, all portrayed by a wonderful cast.
StreamPercy Jackson and the Olympianson Disney+ on December 20th.
