The much-anticipated third season of “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” is set to premiere on 20 November 2023, building excitement among fans of the book series as well as new viewers discovering the adaptation. 17-year-old Walker Scobell, who plays the titular character Percy Jackson, recently expressed his appreciation for Rick Riordan, the author behind the beloved series, during a panel at the New York Comic Con.
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At the event held on 10 October, Scobell shared personal insights into his relationship with Riordan, challenging the common notion of never meeting one’s heroes. He described the author as “just a really awesome, nice dude” and encouraged others to meet their idols, particularly if those figures had such a positive impact on their lives. “If Rick Riordan is your hero, you should definitely meet your hero; he’s the nicest to meet, ever,” Scobell stated.
The connection between Scobell and Riordan not only highlights the author’s warmth but also reveals the unique advantages of playing a character from such a well-crafted story. The actor noted that through his interactions with Riordan, he has been granted access to early drafts of new books, which he considers a significant perk of portraying Percy Jackson. “That’s obviously [one of the] big benefits [of] being able to play Percy,” he explained, showcasing the depth of his commitment to the role.
Rick Riordan, now 62 years of age, began the “Percy Jackson & the Olympians” saga with “The Lightning Thief,” published in 2005. The series has captivated readers worldwide with its engaging storyline, following Percy—a demigod son of Zeus—as he navigates life in the modern United States, filled with Greek mythology and formidable adversaries. The saga recently expanded with the seventh installment, “Wrath of the Triple Goddess,” due to be released in 2024.
During his conversation at the comic convention, Scobell elaborated on how meeting Riordan provided him with a deeper understanding of Percy and Annabeth, the series’ lead characters. “It was so interesting meeting him and Becky [Riordan’s wife], because you can kind of just see exactly where he got Percy and Annabeth from,” Scobell reflected. His desire to learn more about other influential figures in Riordan’s life was evident with his humorous curiosity about the origins of supporting characters, stating, “I almost wanted to see everybody else that kind of plays a big role in his life, to see like, where’s Grover and Tyson?”
The television adaptation has followed a staggered release, with the first season launching in 2023, focusing on the story of “The Lightning Thief.” The subsequent season set to air in 2025 will bring to life “The Sea of Monsters,” continuing to explore the adventures of Percy and his friends. Fans eagerly await the upcoming third season, which will adapt “The Titan’s Curse,” promising more adventures and challenges for the young demigod and his companions.
As the franchise continues to grow, both Riordan and Scobell emphasize the importance of community and storytelling in connecting with audiences. The heartfelt relationship between author and actor reflects the spirit of the series, which seeks to inspire young readers to embrace their identities and navigate life’s challenges with bravery and humour.
With just weeks to go before its debut, “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” is poised to capture the hearts of its audience once more, with Scobell leading the charge as they delve into a world where myth intertwines with the contemporary. As fans prepare to immerse themselves in the next chapter of Percy Jackson’s journey, the excitement surrounding the series only continues to swell.