Percy Jackson vs Harry Potter: A Clash of Titans

The Battle of the Titans

With it being a point of debate among fantasy genre fans, Percy Jackson and the Olympians star Walker Scobell weighs in on who would win in a fight between the titular demigod and Harry Potter. The Disney+ show will act as an adaptation of Rick Riordan's novels of the same name, centered on the eponymous teenager learning of his lineage as the son of Greek god Poseidon and venturing to Camp Half-Blood while also being accused of stealing Zeus' Master Bolt. Though beginning a few years after its genre compatriot, the Percy Jackson novels have frequently drawn comparisons to J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter books.

Percy Jackson In The Percy Jackson And The Olympians Trailer

During a recent live panel of the Happy, Sad, Confused podcast (per The Direct), Scobell weighed in on the comparisons between Percy Jackson and Harry Potter. When asked who he thinks would win in a fight between the two iconic novel characters, the Disney+ show star was quick in his response to the winner, not only saying that Jackson would take down the young winner, but that 'it would not be a fight at all'.

Walker Scobell in the rain in Percy Jackson and the Olympians.

The Disney+ show star's opinion adds fuel to the fiery debate among fans of both series, and it's clear that the clash between Percy Jackson and Harry Potter is a topic that continues to captivate the imaginations of fantasy enthusiasts. The comparison between the two iconic novel characters raises questions about their powers, abilities, and the unique worlds they inhabit, sparking a lively and engaging discourse among fans.

Percy Jackson has an intense look on his face while holding up his sword.

Will Percy Jackson Match Harry Potter's Success?

With the similar concepts and genres, much of the curiosity behind the Percy Jackson show has been whether it will be able to meet the success of the Harry Potter movie franchise. Interestingly, the Disney+ project is even coming at a time in which the Wizarding World franchise is in a creative slump, with the last two installments in the Fantastic Beasts sub-franchise underperforming at the box office and garnering generally mixed reviews from critics. It also comes as WB is developing a TV show reboot for Max, though no timeline has been given for when said show will release.

Percy Jackson in the rain with his mother in Percy Jackson and the Olympians

One of the biggest advantages Percy Jackson has going for it in favor of it in comparison to Harry Potter is Riordan's involvement in the Disney+ show. Rowling did have a fair amount of creative involvement throughout the original movies, while penning the script for the Fantastic Beasts movies, but Riordan properly co-created the adaptation of his works, having also co-written the script for three of its eight episodes with co-creator and co-showrunner Jonathan E. Steinberg. With the studio also clearly more dedicated to staying true to its source material rather than launch a movie franchise to rival Harry Potter, it proves promising that it can make up for the movies' failures.

Logan Lerman in as Percy holding a trident in front of a city landscape in Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief

The other major thing that could carry Percy Jackson and the Olympians to match the original Harry Potter movies' success is the franchise's lack of any major controversies behind it. Rowling's transphobic comments have divided longtime fans of her franchise of how to continue their appreciation for the property, whereas Riordan has gained a steady following in the years since by showing appreciation for his followers. With early reviews also being largely positive, sitting at a near-perfect 96% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, Percy Jackson and the Olympians' future is looking bright.

The Dawn of a New Era

As Percy Jackson and the Olympians premieres on Disney+ on December 20, the fantasy genre is on the brink of a new era. The clash between Percy Jackson and Harry Potter is not merely about a hypothetical battle between two beloved characters; it symbolizes the evolution and transformation of the fantasy genre itself. The success of the Percy Jackson Disney+ show could mark a turning point in the genre, paving the way for a new generation of mythological and magical storytelling, while also paying homage to the timeless classics that have shaped the imaginations of millions.

With the rise of streaming platforms and the ever-expanding world of fantasy literature, the battle between Percy Jackson and Harry Potter extends beyond the pages and screens, reaching into the hearts and minds of fans around the world. It is a clash of titans that transcends the boundaries of fiction, igniting the passion and creativity of a global community that continues to be enthralled by the enchanting realms of magic, mystery, and heroism.

As fans eagerly anticipate the debut of Percy Jackson and the Olympians on Disney+, the stage is set for an epic journey that will captivate audiences and reignite the spirit of adventure. The clash of these iconic novel characters serves as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the boundless imagination of humanity, inspiring generations to dream, believe, and embark on extraordinary quests of their own.