The highly anticipated Disney+ adaptation of Percy Jackson and the Olympians is finally here! Fans of the beloved book series have been eager to see how this latest retelling stacks up against its predecessors. While the show delivers plenty of magic and nostalgia, it also stumbles in a few key areas. Here’s my full breakdown of the good, the bad, and the godly.
The Positives
1. Perfect Casting
https://people.com/percy-jackson-and-the-olympians-cast-everything-to-know-8415344
The cast is easily the series’ greatest strength. Each actor brings their character to life in a way that feels authentic and true to the books. Percy, Annabeth, and Grover’s chemistry is spot-on, and even the side characters shine. Watching them interact is like seeing old friends come to life.
2. Faithful Adaptation
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Book 1 The Lightning Thief- Rick Riordan
At last, we’ve been blessed with an adaptation that respects the source material! The series captures the spirit of the books while making changes that enhance the story for the screen. Unlike the infamous movies—which felt like someone skimmed a SparkNotes summary—the series takes its time to immerse us in Rick Riordan’s world without losing its essence.
3. Nostalgia Done Right
Percy Jackson The Lightning Thief Disney Film (2010)
The show knows how to make longtime fans smile. Case in point: the “this is a pen” moment when Mr. Brunner gives Percy Riptide. The scene in the pilot episode nails the tone perfectly without even needing dialogue. Percy’s incredulous expression says it all, and it felt like a delightful nod to both the books and the one good thing the movies gave us. (I’ll die on this hill!)
The Negatives
1. Pacing Problems
Walker Scobell in 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians.' Disney/David Bukach
The pacing throughout the season is inconsistent, with the first three episodes suffering the most. Some scenes drag on unnecessarily, while others feel rushed. This uneven rhythm makes it hard to stay fully immersed and detracts from the overall flow of the story.
2. Too Much Telling, Not Enough Showing
The first two episodes lean heavily on info dumping, and while that works in the books—where Percy’s narration guides us—it feels unnatural on screen. Instead of letting the world unfold organically, the series spoon-feeds us details to forcefully establish the setting. It’s like they took the ADHD demigod trait a bit too literally when writing this part. Relax, guys—we’ll figure it out!
3. Lackluster Costuming
While I appreciate the effort to stay book-accurate, the costuming at Camp Half-Blood was underwhelming. Sure, everyone rocking the orange shirts is nostalgic, but it felt too uniform. A camp full of unique demigods should reflect more individuality—accessories, styling, or variations to showcase each cabin’s personality. Instead, it looked like an uninspired child army.
4. The Mrs. Dodds Scene
https://www.escapistmagazine.com/who-is-mrs-dodds-in-percy-jackson-and-the-olympians/
The pilot’s Mrs. Dodds scene was rushed and lacked the suspense it deserved. This pivotal moment—where Percy’s world begins to unravel—felt blink-and-you-miss-it. While it didn’t need to follow the book exactly (though a Sphinx setting at the MET would have been amazing), it needed more time to build tension and establish Percy’s stakes.
Final Thoughts Disney’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians series delivers a faithful, heartfelt adaptation with plenty of charm and nostalgia. The casting is flawless, and the story stays true to the books, giving fans the adaptation we’ve been craving for years. However, issues with pacing, info dumping, costuming, and rushed moments prevent it from reaching its full potential. Overall, it’s a promising start to what could become a truly iconic series. If the creators learn from these early missteps, we might finally have the demigod show we deserve.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)
Did you watch the series? What were your favorite (or least favorite) moments? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
Sources:
1. https://people.com/percy-jackson-and-the-olympians-cast-everything-to-know-8415344
2. https://press.disneyplus.com/disney-plus/percy-jackson-and-the-olympians/102
3. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/percy-jackson-and-the-olympians-review-disney-1235760226/
4. https://www.escapistmagazine.com/who-is-mrs-dodds-in-percy-jackson-and-the-olympians/