Summary
The Percy Jackson and the Olympians cast features a combination of emerging talent and experienced actors, ensuring diverse performances of gods, monsters, and heroes.
In the upcoming Disney+ series, the initial season will introduce significant characters and lay the foundation for future plotlines. It will primarily revolve around Percy Jackson's journey to vindicate himself. The cast features esteemed actors like Leah Sava Jeffries, Aryan Simhadri, and Virginia Kull, who skillfully portray Annabeth Chase, Grover Underwood, and Sally Jackson, respectively.
The cast of Percy Jackson and the Olympians comprises a mix of up-and-coming talent and established actors in the entertainment industry. With a diverse range of experience and expertise across various genres, the actors are poised to breathe life into the performances of Greek gods, monsters, and heroes. Drawing inspiration from the book series, the Disney+ streaming adaptation of Percy Jackson and the Olympians plans to dedicate each season to one book, beginning with Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief.
The story of Percy Jackson and the Olympians centers around Percy and the friendships he forges during his time at Camp Half-Blood, a sanctuary resembling a summer camp for the children of gods. Percy uncovers his own divine heritage while still in middle school and becomes entangled in conflicts among the gods, embarking on quests to resolve them. The first season, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, revolves around Percy's journey to clear his name after being wrongfully accused of stealing Zeus' lightning bolt. Along the way, viewers will be introduced to key characters who will play significant roles in the subsequent seasons of Percy Jackson and the Olympians.
Walker Scobell As Percy Jackson
Walker Scobell takes on the lead role of Percy Jackson in Percy Jackson and the Olympians, replacing Logan Lerman from the previous film adaptations. The series follows Percy's journey of self-discovery as he learns he is the son of the Greek deity Poseidon, and sets out on a mission to prove his innocence after being wrongly accused of stealing Zeus' lightning bolt. Scobell gained recognition for his portrayal of a young version of Ryan Reynolds' character in Netflix's The Adam Project, marking his professional debut. Prior to securing the role of Percy Jackson, Scobell also appeared in the action-comedy Secret Headquarters.
Leah Sava Jeffries As Annabeth Chase
Leah Sava Jeffries portrays the character of Annabeth Chase in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. Annabeth, a resident of Camp Half-Blood, becomes Percy's trusted ally upon discovering her Greek goddess heritage. Possessing remarkable intelligence and strategic fighting skills, Annabeth plays a vital role throughout the inspiring novels.
Unlike Scobell, Jeffries boasts a more extensive acting career. Beginning with commercials as a young child, she has since appeared in television shows such as Empire. Jeffries has also showcased her talent in films like the thriller Beast alongside Idris Elba and the Amazon movie Something From Tiffany's.
Aryan Simhadri As Grover Underwood
Aryan Simhadri plays the role of Grover Underwood in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians cast. While initially introduced as Percy's classmate, Grover is actually a satyr who goes undercover to protect and observe demigods. Throughout their journey, Grover, Percy, and Annabeth develop a strong bond as they undertake various quests.
Despite his young age, Simhadri has an impressive career in television, encompassing over a decade of work and involvement in approximately two dozen projects. Prior to his role in Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Simhadri also appeared in the Disney+ remake of Cheaper by the Dozen and showcased his voice acting talent in animated series such as Adventure Time, The Casagrandes, Adventures In Wonder Park, and Mira, Royal Detective.
Virginia Kull As Sally Jackson
Percy Jackson's mother, Sally Jackson, is portrayed by Virginia Kull, a member of the cast of Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Sally has hidden the truth about Percy's father from him until he becomes aware of the magical world surrounding him. Once she realizes this, Sally reveals that the Greek gods he knows about are indeed real. Despite not knowing when she will see him again, she is willing to take Percy to Camp Half-Blood for his safety.
Virginia Kull, who has been active in television and movies for the past two decades, is known for her roles in various projects. Some TV fans may recognize her from the mini-series Gracepoint, the drama Big Little Lies, and the horror series NOS4A2. Additionally, she has portrayed multiple characters in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
Jason Mantzoukas As Dionysus AKA Mr. D
In the Percy Jackson and the Olympians cast, Jason Mantzoukas takes on the role of Mr. D, also known as Dionysus in Greek mythology. Mr. D, the god of wine, festivals, and theater, is the overseer of Camp Half-Blood.
Aside from his portrayal as Mr. D, Jason Mantzoukas is widely recognized as a comedic actor. He has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry, showcasing his talents not only as an actor but also as a writer and podcaster. Mantzoukas began his career in improv comedy and has since accumulated over 100 acting credits. Chances are, even those who may not be dedicated fans of his work have come across his performances. He has made appearances in various streaming shows including Twisted Metal and Paper Girls, and has also lent his voice to numerous animated series such as Invincible, Human Resources, HouseBroken, and Star Trek: Prodigy.
Glynn Turman As Chiron AKA Mr. Brunner
Mr. Brunner, also known as Chiron, is another character from the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series who goes by multiple names. Portrayed by Glynn Turman, Chiron serves as the activities director at Camp Half-Blood. However, he is not just any ordinary director, as he is a centaur and the trainer of various Greek heroes and demigods from the past.
Glynn Turman initiated his career in the entertainment industry during his teenage years on Broadway in the 1950s. Since then, he has ventured into both live-action and animated projects, exploring a wide range of genres. Turman has appeared in popular television shows like The Wire, How To Get Away With Murder, and Mr. Mercedes. Additionally, he has lent his voice to characters in shows such as The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder. Alongside his television work, Turman has also played a supporting role in the film 80 For Brady and even made appearances in music videos for Beyoncé.
Lance Reddick As Zeus
The late Lance Reddick portrayed the character Zeus in the film adaptation of Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Zeus, one of the "big three" gods in the Percy Jackson novels, made an agreement with his counterparts not to have any more demi-god children. However, as the series progresses, it is revealed that Zeus has children. It is likely that the Disney+ series will explore this pact. In the first Percy Jackson story, Zeus' lightning bolt is stolen, which sets off the events of the entire series.
Throughout his career, Lance Reddick was a highly accomplished actor, particularly renowned for his roles in science fiction projects. He left a lasting impression with his performances in popular TV shows such as Fringe and LOST, as well as in the action movie franchise John Wick. Additionally, Reddick lent his incredible voice to various video games and podcast series, including Batman Unburied.
Adam Copeland As Ares
Adam Copeland has joined the cast of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, portraying one of the "big three" gods. Ares, known as the god of war, occupies a unique position in the Greek pantheon, alternating between hero and villain roles. At Camp Half-Blood, his demigod children reside in one of the most unruly cabins, while his daughter Clarisse assumes a prominent role in later Percy Jackson tales.
Copeland's journey in the entertainment industry commenced as a professional wrestler with the WWE. Initially, his acting endeavors featured him reprising his wrestling persona on various television shows. However, his breakthrough in a non-wrestling role arrived with the sci-fi series Haven. Since then, he has made appearances on The Flash and headlined in the series Vikings.
Toby Stephens As Poseidon
Percy Jackson's father, Poseidon, is portrayed by Toby Stephens. As one of the "big three" gods in the series, Poseidon, the god of the seas, often appears briefly in the novels to offer Percy advice or check on him. It is expected that the Disney+ series will maintain this pattern.
Toby Stephens, known for his role as Captain Flint in Black Sails, has a diverse career spanning both stage and screen. He has lent his voice to James Bond in various radio plays and has appeared in numerous British adaptations of Agatha Christie novels. Additionally, Stephens has been involved in shows such as Lost In Space, Alex Rider, and Six Four.
Lin-Manuel Miranda As Hermes
Lin-Manuel Miranda has joined the cast of Percy Jackson and the Olympians on Disney+, taking on the role of the Greek god Hermes. Known as the messenger god and a symbol of communication, it's interesting to note that in the novels, Hermes struggles with effectively communicating with his demigod children. However, he does assist Percy on several quests, implying that he will have an important role throughout the Disney+ series. It's worth mentioning that Hermes does not make his first appearance until the second novel, so including him in the first season sets the stage for future developments.
Aside from his involvement in Percy Jackson, Lin-Manuel Miranda is widely recognized for his work on Broadway, particularly with acclaimed shows like Hamilton and In The Heights. He is not only a talented writer and musician but also an accomplished actor. Miranda has an extensive film and television background, having lent his voice to animated series such as BoJack Horseman and DuckTales, as well as taking on live-action roles in projects like His Dark Materials and Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.
Jay Duplass As Hades
Jay Duplass, known for his role in Percy Jackson and the Olympians as the Greek deity Hades, portrays the god of the underworld. In the story, Percy encounters Hades early on as one of his initial quests requires a visit to the underworld. Additionally, Hades' demigod offspring are introduced in subsequent tales. Prior to his on-screen success, Jay Duplass began his career as a writer in short films and has since delved into directing, producing, and acting. He has made notable appearances in various television series such as Drunk History, Transparent, Search Party, and Industry.
Charlie Bushnell As Luke Castellan
In the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, Charlie Bushnell, a relative newcomer, portrays Luke Castellan. Luke is not only a close friend of Annabeth's but also Hermes' son. He plays a significant role in the first two Percy Jackson stories, and if there is a second season of the Disney+ series, his character will have a prominent storyline.
Since 2018, Bushnell has been actively pursuing an acting career, initially appearing in short films. Notably, he was also involved in another Disney+ series called Diary of a Future President, although it has been subsequently taken down from the streamer.
Percy Jackson And The Olympians Supporting Cast And Characters
Dior Goodjohn portrays Clarisse La Rue, the daughter of Ares and one of Percy's initial antagonists at Camp Half-Blood. However, as the stories progress, Clarisse's character arc shows her transformation into an ally. Goodjohn began her career by playing a younger Santana on the television show Glee and has also made appearances in remakes of Head of the Class and Are You Afraid of the Dark?
Megan Mullally takes on the role of Alecto, also known as Mrs. Dodds, a character who appears early in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. Mrs. Dodds is Percy's teacher who is actually disguised as a Fury. Mullally is well-known for her portrayal of Karen Walker in the television series Will & Grace and has had a successful career in the entertainment industry.
Jessica Parker Kennedy will portray the character Medusa in the first season of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. Medusa, a Gorgon with the power to turn people to stone, crosses paths with Percy, Grover, and Annabeth during their initial quest. Kennedy is recognized for her roles in popular television shows such as The Secret Circle, Black Sails, and The Flash.
Olivea Morton joins the cast as Nancy Bobofit, a bully from Percy's school. In a moment of anger, Percy inadvertently uses his demigod abilities against her, unknowingly revealing his true identity and setting off a series of consequential events. Morton, known for her contributions to a few short films and the TV series Angel, brings Nancy to life in Percy Jackson and the Olympians.
Suzanne Cryer will portray the character of Echidna, also known as the "mother of all monsters" in Greek mythology. In Percy Jackson's story, Echidna encounters Percy and his friends alongside one of her children, a Chimera. Cryer, renowned for her role in Silicon Valley, will bring this character to life. Additionally, Cryer has appeared in The Fosters and All Rise, and has lent her voice to characters in the new Beavis and Butt-head series.
Timm Sharp will take on the role of Gabe Ugliano, Percy's stepfather who is depicted as a negative character in the Percy Jackson book series. In fact, Percy's mother confesses that she only married Gabe in order to protect Percy, as his peculiar scent appears to conceal him from certain mythological threats. Sharp, known for his roles in streaming series such as The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers and Based On A True Story, will portray this character.
Timothy Omundson joins the Percy Jackson and the Olympians cast as Hephaestus, a Greek god. Best recognized for his performances in Psych and Galavant, Omundson's portrayal of Hephaestus will become increasingly prominent in season 3 as the Disney+ series progresses and expands its cast.