Percy Jackson and the Olympians

YA novels tend to follow a familiar framework: a seemingly unremarkable protagonist discovers that they’re the chosen one and subsequently find themselves part of a fantastical world where they’ll meet new friends and embark on a perilous quest. Percy Jackson and the Olympians is no exception to this trend as it sees the eponymous 12-year-old (played by Walker Scobell) learn that they’re the son of a Greek god who’s destined for adventure. Though the template for the story is as standard as it gets for the genre, the first two episodes of this fantasy series show promise for an action-packed outing that the whole family can enjoy.

After the previous film adaptations of Rick Riordan’s novels failed to make it past the second instalment, the Disney+ reboot takes things back to the start where viewers meet Percy as a bullied schoolboy who catches glimpses of mythical creature from out the window and is told stories of Greek mythology from his loving mother (Virginia Kull). Scobell shines in the starring role, with his youthful charm and wonderful chemistry with best friend Grover (Aryan Simhadri) winning viewers over to his cause instantly. Thanks to the opening episode’s zippy pacing, audiences won’t have to wait long before Percy is thrust into this strange new reality when he’s attacked by a Furie and Minotaur, both of which are rendered with impressive fidelity.

It’s in the second episode where the show’s fantastical setting comes into its own. Alongside learning the rules of the world, Percy likewise befriends talented warrior Luke (Charlie Bushnell) and master tactician Annabeth (Leah Jeffries). Each interaction brings the series’ enthralling setting to vibrant life, entrenching viewers further within the mythos it’s based upon, the most interesting part of which is meeting iconic figures like Chiron (Glynn Turman) and Dionysus (a pitch-perfect Jason Mantzouka).

Although Percy Jackson and the Olympians is littered with contrived genre trappings, the first two episodes of Disney’s latest series capture the sense of magic and imagination at the core of its world. It’s an enjoyable fantasy outing that can be watched with the whole family, with plenty more adventure for Percy and friends still to come.

Andrew Murray

Percy Jackson and the Olympians is released on Disney+ on 20^th December 2023.

Watch the trailer for Percy Jackson and the Olympians here: