Percy Jackson and the Olympians TV Show: A Faithful and Exciting Adaptation
Disney's Percy Jackson and the Olympians TV show has received glowing reviews, pointing toward its imminent success. The series, co-created by Rick Riordan, has captured the hearts of long-time book fans and has been praised for its faithfulness to the source material. From stunning visuals to inclusive representation, the show has proven to be a huge improvement from the previous film adaptation. Here's a closer look at the biggest takeaways from the Percy Jackson TV show and why it sets itself up to be the next big fantasy epic.
A Faithful Adaptation of the Books
The biggest consensus among early reviews is that Percy Jackson remains incredibly faithful to the books. Dubbed a 'lovingly realized odyssey through adolescence and myth' by Rotten Tomatoes aggregation of critical reviews, the TV show is poised to be a big hit for Disney. This faithfulness to the source material comes as a huge relief for long-time book fans who were let down by the previous film adaptation.
Walker Scobell as Percy looking intent in Percy Jackson and the Olympians
Co-created by Rick Riordan for Disney+, the series centers on the titular 12-year-old demigod son of Poseidon, the Greek god known for presiding over the sea. The first season adapts the whole of The Lightning Thief, the first book in Riordan's initial series. This faithful adaptation has all the elements needed to be the next big fantasy epic, and the glowing reviews prove it.
Walker Scobell as Percy in a Helmet at Camp Half-Blood in Percy Jackson and the Olympians
A Huge Improvement from the Movies
The TV show has been praised for being a huge improvement from the 2010 Percy Jackson film adaptation. Notoriously, Rick Riordan expressed his dissatisfaction with the movie version of his story, citing huge liberties with the plot and aging up of the characters. In contrast, Disney's show succeeds in making what feels like the definitive adaptation of the beloved story, capturing the essence of the source material in a way the films could not.
Aryan Simhadri, Leah Sava Jeffries, and Walker Scobell in Percy Jackson and the Olympians
Casting age-appropriate actors in Percy Jackson was the right move, as it allowed the show to capture the coming-of-age themes in the source material. This decision has made the TV show a great moment for representation, showcasing a world that's genuinely inclusive and authentic.
Leah Sava Jeffries, Aryan Simhardi, and Walker Scobell in Percy Jackson and the Olympians season 1
The Path to Success
With its recent adaptation of Goosebumps, Disney proved successful at translating young-adult fiction to the small screen. Percy Jackson is lovingly made — created by fans of the original stories who care about making something just as compelling. This success proves that Disney can revive hit YA franchises and make them even better, so long as it takes the time and care required.
Walker Scobell in Percy Jackson and the Olympians
Disney's Percy Jackson and the Olympians boasts stunning visuals, action sequences, and surprises that respect the books. The series sets itself up to be streaming’s next epic fantasy binge, delivering strong performances, sharp writing, and impressive CGI that have impressed viewers and critics alike.
Jessica Parker Kennedy as Medusa in Percy Jackson and the Olympians
