Courtney B. Vance has been cast as Zeus in the second season of Percy Jackson and the Olympians. He takes over the role following the passing of Lance Reddick, who played the Greek god in Season 1 before his death at age 60. Reddick’s performance was featured in the season finale, where Zeus accuses Percy Jackson (Walker Scobell) of stealing his master lightning bolt.
Season 2 will adapt Rick Riordan’s The Sea of Monsters, the second book in the original series, and is set to premiere in 2025. Production is currently underway, with Disney unveiling new cast additions at D23 2024.
In the upcoming season, Percy returns to Camp Half-Blood to find his world turned upside down. His friend Grover (Aryan Simhadri) is missing, Camp is under siege by Kronos’ forces, and Percy discovers he has a cyclops half-brother, Tyson, played by new cast member Daniel Diemer. The season follows Percy and his friends Annabeth (Leah Sava Jeffries) and Tyson as they journey into the Sea of Monsters to rescue Grover and save Camp Half-Blood.
Additional new cast members include Tamara Smart as Thalia Grace, daughter of Zeus; Andra Day as Athena, Annabeth’s mother; and Timothy Simons as Tantalus, the interim director of Camp Half-Blood. Returning cast members include Charlie Bushnell as Luke Castellan and Dior Goodjohn as Clarisse La Rue, daughter of Ares.
Key moments from the book, such as the appearance of the Gray Sisters, played by Sandra Bernhard, Kristen Schaal, and Margaret Cho, are expected to feature in the season. Fans can also look forward to memorable scenes, including Percy’s deepening bond with Annabeth and Grover’s humorous disguise in a wedding dress.
Lance Reddick’s portrayal of Zeus was honored in Season 1, with the finale dedicating a heartfelt tribute to the actor. Executive producer Jonathan E. Steinberg reflected on the thoughtful decision to cast Vance, ensuring a respectful continuation of the character’s legacy.
The series, co-created by Rick Riordan and Jonathan E. Steinberg, continues to expand the world of Percy Jackson. With its blend of mythology and adventure, the second season is set to take audiences deeper into Percy’s epic journey.