Producers of Percy Jackson justify extensive deviations from the books
Producers of Disney+'s Percy Jackson series explain the reasoning behind numerous changes from the original books, offering insights into the creative decisions shaping the highly anticipated show
The executive producers of the Disney+ Percy Jackson & The Olympians series explained the reasons behind the numerous changes from the books and stood by their decisions. The current adaptation of the beloved book series is currently being shown on Disney+ and is shaping up to be a more faithful reimagining of Rick Riordan's series.
The TV series Percy Jackson follows a group of young demi-gods with the powers of the Greek gods. The first season mirrors the first book in the series, with the intention to cover all five books across multiple seasons. However, fans have noticed significant differences in the show, particularly in the portrayal of Medusa and the backstories of main characters, marking a departure from the books.
The Disney+ series Percy Jackson & The Olympians is now being shown on the streaming platform.
In a recent interview with The Direct, executive producers Jon Steinberg and Dan Shotz justified the alterations to the original story, noting that despite potential criticism from "millions," the changes are relatively minor.
Steinberg explained that there are "a million changes, you hope that almost all of them are invisible. These are very different mediums, and I think they tell stories differently." He emphasized the need to embrace the idea that everything in the book must find a different form to inhabit in order to be compelling on screen. Furthermore, the executive producer noted that these changes are often influenced by the different medium with which they are working.
Shotz disclosed that Disney remained dedicated to collaborating with author Rick Riordan and recognized the significance of the Percy Jackson world to its fanbase. He indicated that some adjustments were made to the storyline, acknowledging that it enhanced the overall dynamics and captured the essence of the content in a more effective manner. Additionally, he highlighted that revisiting and revamping an existing book was particularly thrilling for Riordan, further underscoring Disney's commitment to delivering a captivating and engaging adaptation.
"From the very beginning, Disney was always engaged in a continuous conversation as each step of the process unfolded. Whether it was about how we shot, where we shot, who we cast, where we went, or what the show required, there was always a deliberate and meaningful dialogue to ensure the show got exactly what it needed," Shotz expressed.
"I am truly thankful to Disney for their commitment, as this level of collaboration is rare. Everyone involved understood the significance of this project and the importance of doing it justice."
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Editor's P/S
As a passionate fan of the Percy Jackson book series, I have mixed feelings about the extensive deviations from the books in the Disney+ series. On the one hand, I understand the need to adapt the story for a different medium and to make it more visually appealing for a wider audience. However, I also believe that some of the changes are unnecessary and detract from the original story.
For example, I am disappointed that the series has changed the portrayal of Medusa. In the books, she is a complex and tragic figure who is more than just a monster. In the series, she is depicted as a one-dimensional villain, which I find to be a missed opportunity. I am also concerned about the changes to the backstories of the main characters. These changes seem to undermine the character development that occurs in the books, and I worry that they will make the characters less relatable to viewers.
