Masuk Free Press

The adaptation of Percy Jackson and the Olympians into a TV show has emerged as a delightful journey for fans, reigniting the magic of Rick Riordan’s beloved book series with a fresh and faithful approach. However, this is not the first book-to-screen adaptation that fans have seen. In 2010, the movie Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief was released.  The movie-form adaptation faced criticism for its divergence from the original source material. Fans lamented casting choices, plot alterations and an overall lack of fidelity to Riordan’s vision. The stark contrast between the TV show’s success and the movie’s shortcomings has become a prominent topic of discussion. 

“The movie was trash. I watched it right after I read the books and it was so different,” said junior Aubrey Zvovushe-Ramos. Audience members have been disappointed with the movie’s lack of important characters such as Ares and Clarisse as well as inconsistencies with descriptions of place in the book and visuals in the movies. 

“I wish I could rate this 0/5 but I can’t,” said Zvovushe-Ramos. However, the new TV show has had a much better audience response.

“As a Percy Jackson fan, I can say this met my expectations but surpassed them … Percy has always been about his personality and sass, which is beautifully portrayed in this series,” said junior Gabriella Assignon.

 Walker Scobell’s portrayal of Percy Jackson has been widely celebrated, capturing the spirit of the beloved demigod and resonating with viewers through authentic depictions of pre-teen behaviors, such as the popular dance move of flossing and talking back to adults. The cast, displaying remarkable chemistry, brings to life the diverse array of characters that fans have come to adore.

Leah Sava Jeffries’ portrayal of Annabeth Chase—despite facing initial backlash for deviating from the character’s description in the books—has proven to be an excellent and groundbreaking choice. Jeffries not only defies stereotypes but brings depth, intelligence, strength and wit to Annabeth’s character, offering a nuanced and empowering representation that moves past racial boundaries. The casting decision stands as a testament to the show’s commitment to inclusivity and has added layers to Annabeth’s character, resonating with a broader audience.

“Leah, although she may not have looked exactly like she was described, she still did a good job with her personality. It was like she fell right out of the book,” said junior Rebecca Frate.

While there are some complaints about the differences between the book, the show has had an overwhelmingly positive response from fans.

As the Percy Jackson TV show unfolds its narrative, it continues to captivate audiences and solidify its place in the media. From TikTok edits to fan theories and reactions, the prominence with which the show has occupied space online displays the immense impact the show has had on its audience.

Percy Jackson has since been renewed for season two which is supposed to be out next year.