{"id":42173,"date":"2023-12-19T14:25:32","date_gmt":"2023-12-19T13:25:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/?p=1947183"},"modified":"2023-12-19T14:29:16","modified_gmt":"2023-12-19T13:29:16","slug":"percy-jackson-and-the-olympians-crucially-corrects-missteps-from-films","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/rss_feed\/percy-jackson-and-the-olympians-crucially-corrects-missteps-from-films\/","title":{"rendered":"Percy Jackson and the Olympians crucially corrects missteps from films"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Disney Plus series will undoubtedly be a relief for fans. <\/p>

By Nicola Austin\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Tuesday, 19 December 2023 at 13:25 PM<\/p>

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Fans of Rick Riordan\u2019s best-selling Percy Jackson series<\/a> (and spin-offs), the Camp Half-Blood Chronicles, have long been waiting for a faithful adaptation of the beloved franchise following the disappointment of the much maligned films \u2013 and now their hopes have come true with Percy Jackson and the Olympians<\/a>.<\/p>\n

First released back in 2005, The Lightning Thief quickly became a phenomenal success, selling over 1.8 million copies during the first five years. With a winning mix of heart, humour and action \u2013 set amongst the fun backdrop of Greek mythology interwoven throughout modern America \u2013 the coming-of-age novel has since become a popular mainstay in children\u2019s and young adult literature.<\/p>\n

With subsequent sequels and spin-offs launching a brand new universe and fandom, the franchise soon cemented itself amongst popular magical fantasy franchises such as Harry Potter, Artemis Fowl and His Dark Materials.<\/p>\n

Looking to jump on the novel\u2019s popularity, 20th Century Fox quickly released a film adaptation, The Lightning Thief, in 2010 and a following sequel, The Sea of Monsters, in 2013. Despite being box office hits, the movies disappointed fans with their lack of book accuracy, key changes in Percy\u2019s portrayal and the creative choices around plot and pacing.<\/p>\n

\"Walker\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Walker Scobell as Percy Jackson, Leah Sava Jeffries as Annabeth Chase and Aryan Simhadri as Grover Underwood in Percy Jackson and the Olympians.<\/span><\/figcaption> Disney Plus<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

However, the upcoming eight-episode Disney Plus series will undoubtedly be a welcome relief for the fandom, as so far it wonderfully captures the spirit, magical essence and wit of the book \u2013 proving a much more faithful adaptation.<\/p>\n

And with an exciting universe filled with gods, heroes, monsters & mythology, it could certainly become the next big fantasy YA epic \u2013 and the glowing critic reviews and an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score at 97%<\/a> are certainly indications of a strong debut series.<\/p>\n

Keen to create a successful and satisfying retelling of the titular young demigod\u2019s tale \u2013 and crucially correct the missteps of the films \u2013 Disney made it a priority to work incredibly closely with Riordan. Along with co-creating the series with co-showrunner Jonathan E. Steinberg and executive producer Dan Shotz, the author has wisely been involved with all the creative changes to the adaptation to fit its new medium.<\/p>\n

And it certainly shows, with plenty of wonderful little touches woven throughout, including episode titles named directly from book chapters, the series opening with Percy\u2019s iconic \u201cLook, I didn\u2019t want to be a half-blood\u201d speech and the inclusion of Annabeth\u2019s Yankees cap.<\/p>

Firstly, casting age-appropriate actors for the core trio instantly lends itself to a more accurate portrayal, particularly amongst Percy\u2019s crucial coming-of-age narrative. Young adult adaptations in Hollywood typically cast actors who are clearly much older than their high school counterparts, or in terms of The Lightning Thief\u2019s lead Logan Lerman, age up their central protagonists to the disservice of the core themes and primary audience.<\/p>\n

Casting Netflix film The Adam Project\u2019s breakout actor, 14-year old Walker Scobell, in the titular role certainly makes for a much more believable performance. Unlike Lerman\u2019s portrayal, there\u2019s also a more developed focus on Percy\u2019s difficulties and insecurities at school and (what he believes) makes him different, particularly his ADHD and dyslexia. The shift to a more intimate, first-person viewpoint (with added voiceover) also better allows viewers to see the world and experience events through Percy\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

Scobell wonderfully captures the sharp wit, frustrations and heartfelt bravery of the young demigod, sharing a more genuine dynamic with best friend Grover (Aryan Simhadri) and Camp Half-Blood acquaintance Annabeth (Leah Sava Jeffries). Fans can also look forward to a much more true to form portrayal of Percy and Annabeth\u2019s relationship, which kickstarts with the amusing \u201cyou drool when you sleep\u201d line, instantly setting the playful tone.<\/p>\n