The Impact of Lance Reddick's Performance as Zeus in Percy Jackson & The Olympians

Lance Reddick's Last Role as Zeus

In a recent interview, Percy Jackson and the Olympians producer Dan Shotz reflected on what it was like to work with the late Lance Reddick in his final role. The first two episodes of the new Disney+ fantasy series premiered this week and has already garnered significant praise for its talented cast and faithfulness to Rick Riordan's books. Reddick plays Zeus in the show, alongside actors like Walker Scobell as the titular lead, Will & Grace's Megan Mullally, and The League's Jason Mantzoukas.

Percy holding his sword and shield in Percy Jackson episode 2

Zeus plays a key role in the series' overarching narrative - a large part of the plotline revolves around Percy being falsely accused of stealing his lightning bolt on behalf of his father Poseidon. The fearsome god was Riddick's last recorded role before he passed away earlier this year, and in a recent Screen Rant interview about Percy Jackson and the Olympians, producer Dan Shotz fondly reflected on what it was like working with the actor. Check out the full quote below:

Dionysus wearing sunglasses in Percy Jackson and the Olympians episode 2

Dan Shotz: It was an incredible experience with him. We miss him dearly, and I think the thing that I look back most [on] is his connection to the kids. Showing up as his Zeus, the kids were intimidated. Not only because it's Lance Reddick, but also this character that's been built up all season; seeing him and how powerful he is.

Clarisse La Rue smiling sarcastically in Percy Jackson episode 2

And Lance, obviously, brought that power. But he also brought this soulfulness, he brought this just connection to them that was pretty immediate. I just love how he showed up and actually cared for them in this scene. And you can just tell what kind of actor he was because he was amazing. He was an amazing scene partner to these kids.

Clarisse holding her spear in Percy Jackson and the Olympians episode 2

And even though it was only a couple of days, he felt so connected to the show, and I stayed in touch with him for a lot after we shot. I actually spoke to him a couple of days before he passed, and he just was so proud of being a part of this and wanted it to be right, and I'm so honored and grateful that one of his last iconic roles will be Zeus. It's pretty awesome.

Aryan Simhadri as Grover wearing an orange Camp Half-Blood shirt in Percy Jackson and the Olympians

The Impact of Zeus in Percy Jackson & The Olympians

The importance of Zeus in the series' storyline has already been made clear in the first few episodes of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, serving as the impetus for the protagonists' journey to return the lightning bolt. Reddick was clearly the perfect choice to play a character that's so intimidating and full of gravitas, as he's really able to drive home the powerful nature of the god. It's clear from Shotz's quote that Reddick didn't just serve the series with his own performance, but helped enhance those around him as well.

From The Wire to John Wick, Reddick's legacy obviously stretches well beyond his involvement with the new Disney+ series. However, there's something to be said about the beloved actor's final role being such a powerful and important character. Reddick's role as Zeus is one that's key to the narrative and expertly demonstrates his acting prowess, and considering the widespread critical praise Percy Jackson and the Olympians has been receiving so far, the show is a meaningful addition to an already strong body of work.

The Impact of Percy Jackson & The Olympians

The first two episodes of Percy Jackson and the Olympians are available now on Disney+, with new episodes released weekly on Tuesdays at 9 pm ET.