Disney's Percy Jackson Show Fixes Sally Jackson Character

Introduction

Disney's Percy Jackson show on Disney+ has garnered attention for its successful adaptation of Rick Riordan's beloved book series. The TV series has been praised for its ability to rectify the shortcomings of the previous movie adaptations, particularly in its treatment of the character Sally Jackson. Throughout the first 30 minutes of the show, significant improvements to Sally's character are evident, setting the stage for a more impactful and compelling portrayal of Percy's mother.

Virginia Kull as Sally Jackson in Percy Jackson & the Olympians

Sally Jackson's Portrayal in the Books and Movies

In the original Percy Jackson book series by Rick Riordan, Sally Jackson, the mother of the main protagonist, Percy, is portrayed as a loving and sacrificing mother. However, the books often fail to establish her personality beyond being a plot device, and this translates over to the movie adaptations. Sally's character is underdeveloped, and her sacrifices and strength are not effectively conveyed, leaving her portrayal lacking in depth and impact.

Young Percy Jackson standing next to Virginia Kull as Sally Jackson in the Percy Jackson Disney+ TV show

The movies, in particular, struggle to capture the essence of Sally's character, reducing her to a one-dimensional figure. Her bravery, strength, and compassion, which are integral to the story, are not given the attention they deserve, resulting in a less impactful portrayal of Percy's mother on screen. Furthermore, the abusive situation in which Sally and Percy live in the books is not effectively depicted in the movies, further diminishing the complexity of Sally's character.

Disney's Successful Changes to Sally Jackson

The Disney+ series has successfully rectified the shortcomings of Sally Jackson's portrayal in the books and movies. Virginia Kull's performance as Sally leaves a strong impression, effectively capturing Sally's bravery, strength, and compassion in the course of a single episode. The show also does a better job depicting the intimate moments between Sally and Percy, laying a solid foundation for what comes later in the series.

In the TV series, Sally's character is more compelling and relatable, with the show addressing the abusive situation in which Sally and Percy live in the books. By removing the problematic storyline and making Gabe less toxic, the show portrays Sally as more strong-willed and actively protective of Percy. Her role in protecting Percy, especially during the scene with the Minotaur, underscores her courage and determination, contributing to a more impactful and compelling portrayal of Sally Jackson.