Leah Jeffries: The New Annabeth Chase of Percy Jackson & the Olympians

Casting Controversy

The casting of Leah Jeffries, a Black actor, as Annabeth Chase in the new Disney Plus adaptation of the popular book series Percy Jackson & the Olympians, sparked a significant amount of controversy. Many fans expressed their disappointment and even outrage at the casting choice, citing the character's description as being white in the original novels. This led to racist backlash and comparisons to the previous actor, Alexandra Daddario.

Leah Jeffries as Annabeth Chase wearing an orange Camp Half-Blood shirt and crossing her arms in Percy Jackson and the Olympians

However, Rick Riordan, the creator and executive producer of the series, defended Jeffries' casting, emphasizing her energy, enthusiasm, and strength in portraying Annabeth. He made it clear that the casting decisions were based on talent, personality, and suitability for the role, rather than physical appearance and race. Riordan also condemned the racist undertones of the complaints and stood resolutely by Jeffries, highlighting the importance of representation and talent in casting choices.

In a show of solidarity, Alexandra Daddario, the previous Annabeth actor, expressed her support for Jeffries, praising her as an incredible Annabeth. This gesture of support from Daddario further emphasized the strength and talent that Jeffries brings to the role, regardless of the comparisons and backlash.

Leah Jeffries' Response

Despite the online abuse and comparisons, Leah Jeffries responded to the toxicity with grace and determination. In an interview following the premiere of Percy Jackson & the Olympians on Disney Plus, Jeffries addressed the racist backlash and comparisons to Alexandra Daddario's portrayal of Annabeth Chase. She emphasized that she is not trying to imitate anyone else, but rather, she is focused on portraying the character in her own authentic way.

Jeffries expressed her commitment to being herself and encouraged other girls to do the same. Her response reflected her resilience and determination to rise above the negativity and embody the character of Annabeth with her own unique interpretation. Jeffries' thoughtful and encouraging words served as an inspiration to those facing similar challenges and reinforced the importance of staying true to oneself.

The Success of the Show

The new adaptation of Percy Jackson & the Olympians has garnered positive reviews, with critics and audiences alike praising the show for its faithfulness to the source material and the strength of its cast. Leah Jeffries' portrayal of Annabeth Chase has been specifically highlighted for its energy and enthusiasm, adding depth and authenticity to the character.

The success of the show serves as a testament to the talent and dedication of the entire cast and crew, including Jeffries, who has faced and overcome the challenges of online abuse and comparisons. Despite the unfortunate reality of racist backlash in Hollywood, Jeffries' poised and mature handling of the situation has further solidified her as a remarkable and inspiring figure in the entertainment industry.