fbpx

Disney+ Renews Percy Jackson Series for Season 2, Pays Tribute to the Late Lance Reddick, Challenges in Recasting Zeus

percy jackson lance reddick

Camp Half-Blood is about to witness another thrilling adventure as Percy Jackson and the Olympians return for a second season on Disney+. The eagerly anticipated announcement came during Disney’s Q1 2024 earnings call, with CEO Bob Iger revealing the exciting news.

The second season of the Disney Branded Entertainment series will continue to follow the heroic trio of Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase, and Grover Underwood, portrayed by Walker Scobell, Leah Sava Jeffries, and Aryan Simhadri, respectively. This time, they’ll be diving into the captivating storyline of “The Sea of Monsters,” the second book in Rick Riordan’s beloved series published by Disney Hyperion.

“I can’t wait to bring the next season of Percy Jackson to Disney+! Raise anchors. Hoist the mainsail. All hands on deck, demigods. We’re heading for the Sea of Monsters!” exclaimed Riordan, the mastermind behind the captivating world of Percy Jackson.

The renewal comes hot on the heels of the Season 1 finale’s release on Disney+, which saw Percy concluding his quest to find the elusive Master Bolt.

Produced by Disney TV Studios’ 20th Television, Percy Jackson has become a monumental success, marking the largest launch for a Disney Branded Entertainment series on Disney+ to date. With over 110 million hours streamed since its debut, the series has captured the hearts and imaginations of viewers worldwide.

Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television, expressed excitement about the upcoming season, stating, “Rich in magic, wonder, adventure, and heart, Percy Jackson and the Olympians captivated the imaginations of viewers of all ages everywhere. We’re thrilled to embark on an exciting new quest and a season two with Rick Riordan, our fantastic partners at 20th Television, and the exceptional ensemble of cast and creative talent that bring this story to life.”

The success of the series has not only resonated with audiences but has also reignited interest in Riordan’s books, propelling the eponymous novel back to the #1 spot on the New York Times Bestseller list for Middle Grade series.

As the series prepares to embark on its next chapter, the team behind Percy Jackson and the Olympians remembers the late Lance Reddick, who portrayed Zeus in the Season 1 finale. Reddick’s portrayal of the powerful Greek god left a lasting impact on fans, and the creative team acknowledges the challenge of recasting the role for Season 2.

Executive producers Jon Steinberg and Dan Shotz expressed their gratitude for Reddick’s contributions to the series, honoring his memory and the iconic role he brought to life on screen. Steinberg reflected, “I don’t think anybody’s there yet. There’s also just a little bit of denial, I think. That’s something that we’re gonna have to deal with. But we’re incredibly grateful for this character that he helped build and the presence that he created. I do not envy whoever has to step into his shoes.”

Shotz added, “It was really, really a rough situation, and we miss him very much. But just the fact that the world got to see him in this iconic role — that will live on forever.”

Percy Jackson honored Reddick in a title card at the end of the Season 1 finale. After Reddick’s passing, author Rick Riordan also wrote a tribute to the actor on his blog, where he frequently communicates with fans. He described Reddick as a “vibrant, kind and talented” man, promising that Reddick’s scenes would “remind us of how much brilliance we have lost.”



Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

%d bloggers like this: