Walker Scobell, the 17-year-old star of Disney+ series “Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” has made headlines for his decision to skip his high school prom due to a surge of concerning threats aimed at his peers. The young actor took to Instagram to address the issue, urging individuals to cease sending death threats to teenage girls who may be connected to him.
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In a candid post shared on Sunday, April 12, Scobell explained the distressing situation surrounding the unwanted attention that some of the girls in his school have been facing. “Just to let everyone know, I will not be attending prom,” he stated. “Please stop sending death threats to EVERY teenage girl who could remotely be associated with me based on their proximity to where I live.”
His statement highlights the negative impact of fame on his personal life, as he expressed deep concern for the safety and well-being of his classmates. Scobell further emphasised the unfairness of the situation, stating, “It’s not fair to them or to their families. Maybe also just stop sending death threats in general. That’s just not cool. Kinda weird I have to say this.”
The young actor’s decision to bypass the prom reflects the pressures that come with being in the public eye, especially for a teenager. Earlier, he had shared his mixed feelings about returning to school following the success of the show’s first season. In previous interviews, Scobell described his experience of balancing his burgeoning career with everyday life as “a little bit weird.”
Before stepping into the spotlight, Scobell had been attending the same school since the fourth grade, reminding his followers that he knows his classmates well. “When season 1 was coming out, I was on the press tour, and then I came back, and I think going back to school after the press tour was a little bit weird,” he noted in an interview. This illustrates the unique challenges he faces in trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy amidst growing fame.
“Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” based on Rick Riordan’s beloved book series, marked a significant turning point for Scobell, who was just 13 years old when he was cast as the titular character. The show made its debut on Disney+ in 2023, following the 2010 film adaptation starring Logan Lerman and others. It follows the adventures of Percy and his friends, Annabeth Chase and Grover Underwood, played by Leah Sava Jeffries and Aryan Simhadri, respectively, as they tackle ancient Greek mythology.
With the show’s second season airing from 2025 to January 2026, fans are eagerly anticipating the release of the third season later this year. The latest season saw Percy embarking on a perilous journey into the “Sea of Monsters” in search of his friend Grover and the legendary Golden Fleece, a quest that serves as both an exciting storyline and a testament to the show’s vibrant adaptation of the source material.
In light of the threats, Scobell’s concerns resonate not just with his classmates but with many young individuals navigating similar challenges related to online culture and celebrity. His call for kindness and understanding illustrates the responsibility that comes with being a public figure, reminding fans of the importance of empathy in interactions, particularly on social media platforms.
As Scobell prepares for life after high school, it will be interesting to see how he continues to balance his career in acting with his education and personal relationships. His recent experiences highlight the complexities of growing up in a world where online behaviour can have real-world consequences, ultimately serving as a reminder of the importance of compassion and respect in all interactions.