The upcoming series of Percy Jackson will have a diverse cast. This has always been the intention of Rick Riordan who, in addition to being the author of the original novels, will serve as writer and producer of the television adaptation.
Since the first book in the series was published, The Lightning Thiefit became clear that Riordan’s stories would reflect a society much closer to modern reality, and the chapters that will premiere in streaming They will continue this same trend.
In an interview with Entertainment Weeklythe creative explained that, if he decided for the saga to address the importance of diversity, it was to help his son, who felt alienated from his environment due to two conditions that make his learning process different.
“He was struggling with dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, he had a really hard time at school, but the only thing he liked was Greek mythology. As a school teacher, I knew a lot about Greek mythology. I loved teaching it. So I started telling him stories from Greek myths, and when I ran out of them, I invented a new Greek hero: A modern-day boy named Percy Jackson who, like my son, has ADHD and dyslexia and discovers that those are indicators of how well he is. you could be a demigod. “My son had no trouble believing it.”
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With this in mind, Riordan continued to make the Percy Jackson saga a safe place for youth around the world who felt like they didn’t fit in or were invisible.
Rick Riordan defends the series’ diverse cast Percy Jackson
“20 years later, it was important that I approached it fresh and made sure that the story spoke to all children, and that everyone could watch this series and see themselves. It’s inclusive enough that everyone can be a hero; after all, that’s why I wrote the book in the first place. My son, because of his learning differences, felt like a stranger and this was my way of telling him: ‘It’s okay. Being different is a strength. You will be fine. And you belong in this world,’” Riordan added.
One of the first signs that the series addresses diversity in the same way that the books do, came with the announcement that the role of Annabeth Chase, demigoddess daughter of Athena, and best friend of Percy, will be played by Leah Sava Jeffries.
In the books, Annabeth is described as a white, blonde girl, and these traits are different from Jeffries. Therefore, with the news of the signing, many fans were upset. Given this, the writer responded the following last year on his blog:
“As an author, I have been quite clear. He was looking for the best actors to inhabit and bring these characters to life. Physical appearance is secondary to me. We did that. It took us a year to go through the casting process and find the best of the best. This trio is the best. Leah Jeffries is Annabeth. They are judging how appropriate she may be for the role based on how she looks. Friends, that is racism.”
Percy Jackson and the Olympians premieres on December 20th on Disney Plus. HERE you can see the first trailer.
José Roberto Landaverde I am fascinated by writing, listening, reading and commenting on everything related to cinema. I love music and I am a fan of The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac and Paramore. My favorite movies are Rocky and Back to the Future and obviously one day I will climb the “Philly Steps” and drive a DeLorean. Faithful believer that cinema is the best teleporting machine, and also that on the big screen we can all see ourselves represented.