Advance Review: Percy Jackson and the Olympians Is A Must Watch For All Ages
Disney+ is set to debut its new series, Percy Jackson and the Olympians tomorrow, December 20, and fans are in for quite the treat. Based on the series by Rick Riordan, this new television series follows the young demi-god, Percy Jackson (Walker Scobell), as he sets out on a quest bestowed to him by the gods. Along for the journey are Athena’s daughter and fellow demi-god, Annabeth Chase (Leah Sava Jeffries), and satyr, Grover Underwood (Aryan Simhadri), as they try their best to stop an incoming battle between the big three gods, Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades.
Millennials will know that this isn’t the first adaptation of Riordan’s series. In 2010, 20th Century Studios unveiled their own film adaptation, Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, along with the sequel, Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters, in 2013. But unlike its previous adaptation, this version of the beloved tale allows for the story to be fleshed out and details previously missed to be included. The book series itself is filled to the brim with Greek Mythology and world building details that the film adaptation left out due to time constraints. This new TV telling, created by author Rick Riordan and Jonathan E. Steinberg, does no such thing. The world of Percy Jackson comes to life within each episode. There is never a dull moment, and fans of the series will be happy to see their beloved series come to life in ways they never could have imagined.
Walker Scobell, Leah Sava Jeffries, Aryan Simhadri play the lead trio and these three don’t miss a beat. Each one brings something special to the table that will again remind Millennials of some of their favorite trios from other well known series and films. Scobell’s manages to bring a healthy balance of heroics and charm to Jackson while Sava Jeffries brings a fierceness to Annabeth that will leave fans rooting for her. Finally, Simhadri is the glue that holds this trio together and he showcases that beautifully with Grover with quick-witted responses and humor.
There are a few other stars that make brief appearances across the four episodes delivered to press. Glynn Turman as Mr. Brunner, Percy’s teacher, Jason Mantzoukas as the god, Dionysus, a deliciously deceiving Megan Mullally as one of Hades Furies, Alecto, Dior Goodjohn as another demi-god, Clarisse La Rue, and Charlie Bushnell as Luke Castellan, another demi-god. But the story truly belongs to our three leads who carry the weight of this series as though it was a feather.
If families are looking for something to watch together this holiday season into the New Year, I strong suggest Percy Jackson and the Olympians. The series is a bold and better take on the hit book series that will leave viewers excited for what is to come after the credits roll.
Grade: A