Leah Sava Jeffries, one of the stars of the highly-anticipated Disney+ series “Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” has recently addressed rampant speculation regarding her off-screen relationship with co-star Walker Scobell. Both actors, aged 17, portray Annabeth and Percy, respectively, in the adaptation of Rick Riordan’s celebrated book series. Jeffries hopes to clarify the distinction between their on-screen romance and their personal lives.
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In an interview with Variety, Jeffries expressed her enthusiasm for the fictional relationship between her character Annabeth and Scobell’s Percy; however, she urged fans to keep the characters separate from the actors’ real-life dynamics. “I ship Percy and Annabeth, mind you, not Walker and Leah,” Jeffries insisted, aiming to dispel any misunderstandings surrounding their friendship.
The young actress noted that she and Scobell had previously considered addressing these speculations in interviews, hoping to bring an end to the ongoing chatter. She affirmed their mutual affection for their characters and deemed their on-screen romance “a beautiful relationship.” “We’re gonna clear this up now before I get on this press tour,” Jeffries stated, indicating her commitment to setting the record straight.
Adding a touch of humour to her response, Jeffries remarked on how fans often interpret the smallest gestures between the two as substantiation of a romantic connection. “The funny part is, we won’t look at each other, and [fans will] be like, ‘They love each other so much that they won’t look at each other.’ But then we’ll look at each other [and fans are like], ‘Wow, look at him looking at her.’ So like, should I become blind? What’s going on, y’all?” she quipped.
To further illustrate her point, Jeffries shared the interview clip on her Instagram Stories, playfully conveying her hope that it would serve as a final statement on the matter. Scobell’s support became evident when he liked Jeffries’ post regarding the video interview, subtly indicating his agreement with her sentiments.
The duo’s chemistry undoubtedly brings life to the series, which is set to return for its third season on November 20. This upcoming season adapts “The Titan’s Curse,” a storyline that introduces new challenges for Percy and Annabeth as it shifts away from the previous film adaptations.
Scobell revealed to PEOPLE that the upcoming storyline forces his character to undergo significant growth, particularly as Annabeth finds herself in peril. He mentioned that Percy must take on a leadership role in a situation where he has often relied upon Annabeth for guidance and strategy. “He’s relied on Annabeth before to be the one to make these decisions and figure out ways out of these things. There’s growth there, to emotionally regulate everybody, but Percy has to step up,” Scobell explained.
As fans prepare for the new season, the anticipation is palpable, especially with the depth and complexity of the characters’ relationships coming to the forefront. As Jeffries and Scobell continue to navigate their roles, both on and off-screen, their focus remains dedicated to their craft while managing the scrutiny that comes with public interest in their lives.
“Percy Jackson and the Olympians” is set to premiere on Disney+ and Hulu, promising an engaging viewing experience that explores the rich narratives established in Riordan’s novels. With the celebrity status of its young leads, the series not only appeals to longtime fans of the books but also to a new audience, eager to witness this next chapter unfold.
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