The Epic Journey of Percy Jackson: Experience Rick Riordan's Magical World at NYCC

Summary

The Percy Jackson and the Olympians series on Disney+ aims to be more faithful to the books and bring the same heart and tone to the screen.

The series' showrunners and executive producers, Jon Steinberg and Dan Shotz, place strong emphasis on the emotional complexity of the characters and their personal journeys.

Meanwhile, director and executive producer, James Bobin, not only showcases the team's profound appreciation and affection for the source material, but also brings their own distinct touch to create something truly distinctive.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians is an upcoming Disney+ series that will bring Rick Riordan's beloved fantasy stories to life on the small screen. Set to premiere later this year, the show will follow the thrilling escapades of Percy, Grover, and Annabeth as they navigate their newfound powers and encounter the powerful gods. Leading the cast is Walker Scobell as Percy, alongside talented actors such as Virginia Kull from Big Little Lies, Megan Mullally from Will & Grace, and Jason Mantzoukas from The League. It is important to note that this series marks the final television role of the late Lance Reddick, who passed away earlier this year.

Shortly after discovering his own powers, Percy finds himself accused of stealing Zeus' lightning bolt, setting off a grand adventure for him and his friends. While there have been previous adaptations of Riordan's works, namely The Lightning Thief and Sea of Monsters, they were met with mixed reviews from both critics and fans due to significant creative liberties taken. This new series aims to stay true to the original books, with Riordan himself serving as one of the producers.

Jon Steinberg & Dan Shotz On Percy Jackson And The Olympians

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Our website: I'm curious what you think fans of the book will appreciate most about this series.

Jon Steinberg believes that viewers will have a fulfilling experience while watching the show. They will be able to witness the iconic elements from the books and the important aspects of the story. However, the show also aims to present a fresh perspective on the Percy Jackson tone and heart, utilizing the performers and the medium to create something new and exciting.

According to Dan Shotz, people of all ages and backgrounds have been drawn to the books for various reasons. Whether you are a parent, a child, or someone who feels like an outsider, the show is designed to cater to everyone's unique perspective. It was important for the creators to ensure that viewers could bring their own interpretation and personal connection to the story throughout its development.

And what, in terms of scenes you've adapted from the book, are you most proud of that you're most excited to see fans react to?

Dan Shotz: Good question.

Jon Steinberg and Rick Riordan worked closely together to create fully-realized and complex monsters and gods in the series. Each character, while familiar, will bring something unique to the story that will captivate the audience. Dan Shotz credits Jon and Rick for bringing emotional depth to the season. The characters' experiences and how they navigate through various situations are portrayed with intense emotional depth. The meticulous attention to detail in the writing is what makes the audience care and want to return week after week.

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James Bobin On Percy Jackson And The Olympians

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Our website: What do you think fans of the book series will appreciate the most about this series?

James Bobin expressed his love and dedication for the material, highlighting the careful and thoughtful process of creating the show. Acknowledging the invaluable presence of Rick, who possesses extensive knowledge in the subject matter, Bobin appreciated his assistance and pleasant demeanor. The team's respect and passion for the material served as the driving force behind their commitment to putting in the time and effort required for a successful project. Working collaboratively with the individuals behind him, Bobin believed that their collective effort would yield a satisfying result. While they aimed to add their own touch to the production through actors, sets, and design, the primary goal remained honoring the strong appeal of the source material.

Are there any specific moments or scenes that you are especially proud of and excited for fans to witness?

James Bobin: That's a great question. Yes, I mean, without giving away any spoilers, there's an incredible scene in the first episode where Percy's mother reveals his true identity and who his father is. It's a challenging scene to execute because essentially, she has to convey to Percy, "Your father is a god." [Laughs] So in that episode, we had to construct a narrative that makes that statement believable at that point in the story. I am most proud of our accomplishment in achieving that. It feels like something his mother would say, and it adds a sense of possibility. And that's truly amazing.

Can you recall any standout moments when working with Rick, perhaps a particularly challenging scene?

James Bobin: Absolutely, what's interesting about Rick is that I used to mistakenly call Walker [Scobell] "Walter" on set, finding humor in the different names. Surprisingly, about six months ago, Rick introduced Walker at an event as "Walter." [Laughs] It's possible that my own error influenced Rick's introduction. Nonetheless, Rick is a consummate professional, and I feel fortunate to have him on set. He is incredibly supportive, and it always brings me joy when he is pleased with my work.

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More About Percy Jackson And The Olympians

Adapted from Rick Riordan's acclaimed book series, Percy Jackson and the Olympians unravels the extraordinary tale of a 12-year-old contemporary demigod named Percy Jackson. As he comes to grips with his newfound divine abilities, Percy finds himself thrust into a thrilling quest of epic proportions. Accused by Zeus, the mighty sky god, of stealing his powerful lightning bolt, Percy embarks on a life-changing adventure alongside his companions, Grover and Annabeth, to locate the bolt and restore harmony to the majestic realm of Olympus.

Check out our other Percy Jackson and the Olympians interview here:

Dan Hennah, Tish Monaghan, Erik Henry, and Jeff White

Percy Jackson and the Olympians will debut with a two-episode premiere on December 20 on Disney+.