Rarely does a book become a movie and then, years later, also become a series. And even rarer is when this series becomes a brilliant adaptation that is loved by critics and audiences. Percy Jackson and the Olympians is such an exception.
The highly anticipated series is starring Walker Scobell as the young hero, a high school student who discovers that the pantheon of Greek deities is real and that he is a demigod descendant of one of the gods of Olympus.
Adaptation of the beloved series of young adult novels by Rick Riordan, the first season of the series will cover the events of the first book, The Lightning Thief, in which Percy and his friends embark on a journey across the country to find Zeus’ lightning bolt.
An adaptation designed for everyone, regardless of condition
After being excluded from the creative process in the two 2010 film adaptations directed by Chris Columbus, Rick Riordan explained that he was given a lot of creative power over this television adaptation.
“I feel comfortable telling fans of the books who have been waiting – in some cases, for decades – for this kind of faithful adaptation, that this is the one they have been waiting for. We are involved and I think you are going to love it,” said Riordan.
Riordan also indicated that he wants the series to be as inclusive and accessible as possible: “20 years later, it was important for me to look at it with fresh eyes and make sure that the story speaks to all children, and that everyone can watch this series and see themselves in it.”
“It is inclusive enough for everyone to 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. Difference is a strength. You will be fine. And you belong in this world'”, explained the writer.
The premiere of the first two episodes of the series was scheduled for Wednesday, December 20, but they can already be seen streaming on Disney+. The remaining six episodes will be broadcast on Tuesdays.
