The Imprint

Earlier this year, Disney+ released their highly anticipated revival of the Percy Jackson films, but this time as an in-depth series consisting of eight episodes. In hopes of building buzz and leaving room for no spoilers, the show had a staggered release with episodes landing over two months. Week after week, I tuned in and was consistently transported to my teens when I first discovered the world of Percy Jackson.

Percy Jackson and The Olympians was initially released as a book series in the 2000s and has been bought by 180 million dedicated fans all over the world. The fantasy series brings the stories of Greek mythology to the 21st century and revolves around the children of Greek Gods as they wrestle with being ‘half-bloods’. The collection of books follows a series of quests that the protagonist- Percy Jackson- and his fellow demi-gods undertake.

It is miraculous to think that the story first originated as a bedtime story. Rick Riordan’s teen son Haley was deeply interested in Greek mythology and so asked his teacher and writer of a father to construct a new Greek myth. Using a creative writing prompt he used to do with middle school students- of creating an original demigod hero, the son or daughter of any god, and assigning them with a quest- he fabricated Percy Jackson and his quest to retrieve the lighting bolt.

Upon receiving a five star review from Haley, he started writing the story, inventing the modern world of myths and legends. As he spent the following year writing the fantasy novel, his son was in the process of being tested for ADHD and dyslexia. Watching Haley grapple with reading difficulties, Riordan wanted to empower him and the many kids who struggle with learning difficulties, so made Percy and his fellow demi-gods have ADHD and dyslexia. In an interview Riordan says that “it was [his] way of honouring the potential of all the kids [he’s] known who have those conditions. It’s not a bad thing to be different. Sometimes, it’s the mark of being very, very talented”. Through this addition to Percy’s character, he has become an emblem of bravery, vulnerability and strength. This offers empathy for those struggling with learning difficulties as Percy shares them too.

Riordan has established the world well, so as long as he is able to create new quests for the characters, he has a dedicated fanbase and timeless universe. Last year, he released yet another installment, Percy Jackson: The Chalice of the Gods, which has been received well and is stacked high on my to be read list.

Back in 2010, the first book, Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief, was made into a movie and received mixed reviews. While some were disappointed by the many cuts made necessary to transform a 289-page descriptive book into a two- hour film, fans were excited to see Camp Half-Blood and its members brought to life. The casting was the show’s strength with Logan Lerman, Alexandra Daddario and Brandon T. Jackson embodying the roles of Percy, Annabeth and Grover. It was only after the second film that the third was cancelled and left as a two part film series.

That was until Disney+ started working with the author on a TV show revival that could really capture the intricacies of the series. Filming commenced in June 2022 and fast forward to its complete release, the show has been streamed for 110 million hours over the course of seven weeks, exemplifying the viewers’ stamp of approval.

This new revival unites a new generation of children and teens and an older generation with a polished narrative of heroism and friendship.

An aspect of the books that was most capturing to me was the characters. In order to really honour these characters, the casting has to shine.  Building on the movie, the TV show has a cast that couldn’t get any better. All three actors personify their characters, as if stealing them from our imagination.

After watching the series, I couldn’t help but watch the behind-the-scenes episode detailing the stunts, technology and a closer look at the actors. The 50 minute bonus episode showcases Walker Scobell, Leah Sava Jeffries and Aryan Simhadri as tenacious forces of power, eager to capture the essence of their characters. They carry genuine excitement for the opportunity and have a great chemistry between them which is essential for a friendship group like this one. I thoroughly enjoyed the nuances brought to the series such as the soundtrack and special effects achieved through new technology. But for me, it was this trio that truly solidified the show.

I was first introduced to the world of Percy Jackson when I watched the 2010 film and was captured by the narrative. It was only five years ago that I managed to snag the Percy Jackson and the Olympians book series and spent one summer burning through each one.

As I patiently wait for the next season, I aim to read the next collection: The Heroes of Olympus and continue following the timeline of Percy Jackson.

Thank you for reading and I hope my next piece brings you back to The Imprint!