Unveiling the Hidden Gems: 10 Surprising Percy Jackson Characters Disney's TV Show Should Introduce Sooner Than The Books

The highly anticipated Disney+ Percy Jackson and the Olympians series is set to be one of the streaming service's most thrilling projects. With ten characters that the TV show can introduce earlier than the books, this adaptation has the opportunity for even further character development. Based on Rick Riordan's beloved young adult books, the Percy Jackson TV show will finally bring the story of the half-god-half-human demigod to life in a proper live-action format. Following Percy Jackson's journey as he attends Camp Half-Blood, a training ground for the offspring of Greek gods, this series aims to redeem the franchise after the disappointing live-action movies.

10 Thalia Grace

9 Tyson

While Thalia Grace's mention in "The Lightning Thief" is brief, her formal introduction comes later in "Sea of Monsters" before she becomes a prominent character in the subsequent books. Although the absence of Thalia in the first two seasons of the Disney+ series is justified by the storyline, there exists a perfect opportunity to introduce her. In "The Lightning Thief," Grover uncovers the captivating tale of Thalia to Percy through narration. However, owing to the visual nature of filmmaking, Percy Jackson season 1 could creatively introduce Thalia by delving into her backstory through an engaging flashback.

Tyson, a Cyclops and Percy's half-brother, crosses paths with Percy at school during the early stages of Percy Jackson's second book, Sea of Monsters. Given that his appearance is not restricted to season 1 of the Disney+ series, there is ample opportunity to introduce Tyson as one of Percy's classmates. In this way, his role can gradually develop over time and take center stage when the narrative of Sea of Monsters unfolds in Percy Jackson season 2.

8 Nico di Angelo

7 Will Solace

Similar to several other characters in the Percy Jackson series, Nico di Angelo is introduced to Percy seemingly without any specific purpose. Nico is the offspring of Hades in the Percy Jackson universe, and he becomes so popular that he even receives his own standalone book. Given that Hades is a significant antagonist in Percy Jackson's first season, it is highly likely for Nico to make an appearance in the Underworld while Percy and his friends navigate through the events of The Lightning Thief.

Although initially a minor character in the Percy Jackson series, Will Solace becomes more prominent in the spin-off series The Heroes of Olympus and The Trials of Apollo. Since he leads Apollo's Cabin at Camp Half-Blood, it would be reasonable for him to appear in the first season. Furthermore, Will's relationship with Nico, his boyfriend, can be established earlier if both characters are introduced in the initial season.

6 Rachel Elizabeth Dare

5 Kronos

: Rachel Elizabeth Dare, a character from the Percy Jackson series, first encounters Percy at the Hoover Dam in The Titan's Curse. Interestingly, it is later revealed that Rachel actually lives in New York, which is conveniently close to Percy's own home. The fact that they are both around the same age, reside in the same area, and share connections to Greek mythology explains why their paths would cross. Additionally, Rachel's presence continues in The Heroes of Olympus series, making it possible to lay the groundwork for her story in season 1.

Kronos, the primary antagonist of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians book series, orchestrates the Second Titan War that serves as a prominent storyline. Interestingly, Kronos does not make an actual appearance in the first book. Instead, he is alluded to and it is revealed that he manipulates the book's antagonists. However, he remains absent in physical form. To enhance the conclusion of Season 1 and foreshadow his significant role in Season 2, Kronos could be introduced towards the end, offering both a satisfying ending for The Lightning Thief's narrative and building anticipation for future events.

4 Artemis

3 Zoë Nightshade

: The appearance of Artemis in season 1 of the Disney+ series draws inspiration from her brief cameo in the throne room of Olympus in the Percy Jackson movies. This introduction sets the stage for her future involvement, aligning with her significant role in Greek mythology as the goddess of the hunt and her later appearances in the Percy Jackson book series, particularly The Titan's Curse.

Zoë Nightshade, a member of Artemis' hunters, aids Percy and his companions in the later books. Similar to Artemis, her introduction earlier in the series alongside their leader would be seamless. Zoë Nightshade is highly regarded by fans, making her presence in season 1 immensely satisfying to the audience.

2 Calypso

1 Gaea

Calypso, another character in the Percy Jackson series, has her backstory introduced early on but doesn't appear until several books later. Since Calypso played a significant role in the First Titan War, it would be beneficial to incorporate her backstory in a season 1 flashback, providing viewers with a deeper understanding of the Percy Jackson world. Given Calypso's relatively minor role in the series, the placement of her backstory in the Disney+ show is flexible.

Mentioned multiple times in the Percy Jackson series, Gaea is known as the mother of Kronos. Although absent from the Percy Jackson books, Gaea takes center stage as the primary antagonist in The Heroes of Olympus spin-off series. To ensure the success of Percy Jackson and the Olympians as a significant franchise, it is crucial for Gaea to make an appearance in season 1 of the show. This will not only lay the groundwork for Kronos but also pave the way for a future spin-off series.