Bringing Camp Half-Blood to Life: Disney+ vs The Books

By Catalina Rovira

On June 28th, 2005, Rick Riordan introduced the world to Percy Jackson & the Olympians, a fantasy series that quickly became a childhood favorite for many readers. Set in a world where Greek mythology is real, the series follows Percy Jackson and other demigods—children of the Greek gods—as they face challenges that often seem impossible. The series blends adventure, humor, and mythology in a way that captures the imaginations of readers around the world.

When the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series came out on Disney+ on December 19th, 2023, it immediately drew attention. With Rick Riordan himself involved in the production, there were high hopes that the show would stay true to the books. One of the first things the series succeeded in, that the 2010 movie adaptations failed to do, was staying faithful to the characters' ages. In the books, Percy and his friends are twelve years old, and the Disney+ show ensured that the characters' ages matched their descriptions in the books, giving a more authentic portrayal.

In the series, Percy Jackson, played by Walker Scobell, is a 12-year-old boy who suddenly learns that he's a demigod and must adapt quickly to his new reality. This matches the description of Percy in the books, who struggles with accepting the reality of the mythological world. Annabeth Chase, portrayed by Leah Sava Jeffries, is also portrayed accurately as a smart, brave, and confident daughter of Athena. Her leadership and intelligence, which are important aspects of her character in the books, are shown well in the show. Similarly, Grover Underwood, played by Aryan Simhadri, stays true to his character as Percy's loyal and protective friend, which is crucial to the story. Grover's journey of growth and self-discovery is also a key part of the books, and it's exciting to see how his next adventures are portrayed in the show.

The bond between Percy, Annabeth, and Grover is central to the plot. As they face challenges together, their friendship grows stronger, and they learn to care for one another deeply. The Disney+ series captures this dynamic well, portraying the trio's growing loyalty and teamwork. So far, the show has done an excellent job of showing how these friendships evolve, and fans are hopeful that this will continue as the series progresses.

In terms of plot, the Disney+ series stays true to the original story. Key events from The Lightning Thief, such as Percy discovering he's a demigod, going to Camp Half-Blood, and going on the quest to retrieve Zeus's stolen lightning bolt, are all kept as they are in the books. The series format allows for a more detailed exploration of the story, giving room for longer, more immersive scenes. This means there’s more time to dive into character development, show complex relationships, and feature the exciting battle sequences that make the books so thrilling.

One of the features that the Disney+ series was able to build on is its deeper exploration of secondary characters. In the books, characters like Luke Castellan, Clarisse La Rue, and Chiron play secondary roles in shaping Percy’s adventure, and the series gives them more screen time and development compared to the 2010 films. By taking a slower, more thoughtful approach to these characters, the series allows viewers to understand them better, making their interactions with Percy feel more meaningful. This additional character depth adds richness to the show and brings the world of Percy Jackson to life.

When it comes to Greek mythology, the Disney+ series does a great job of staying true to the complex world that Rick Riordan created. The show accurately represents the gods, monsters, and magical elements from the books. For example, characters like Medusa, the Minotaur, and Chiron are brought to life in ways that feel both exciting and true to their mythological roots. This portrayal helps immerse viewers in the world of Percy Jackson and gives them a deeper understanding of the mythology that is such a crucial part of the story.

Another important aspect of the Disney+ adaptation is its commitment to diversity in casting. While books themselves have always included diverse characters, it's rare for large productions like this to fully embrace diversity. The series made casting choices that reflect a more inclusive world, which helps open its appeal and reach a global audience. This representation is important not only for the fans of the books but also for young viewers who can see themselves reflected in the characters on screen.

Overall, Disney+ has done an excellent job of adapting Percy Jackson & the Olympians for the screen. With Rick Riordan’s involvement, the show remains faithful to the spirit of the books while also adding its own depth. The characters’ personalities are well-developed, and the series captures the fun, thrilling, and often emotional tone of the original novels. While it's impossible for any adaptation to capture every small detail from the books, the Disney+ series has succeeded in bringing Rick Riordan’s world to life in a way that feels faithful to the original material. So far, it stands as the best cinematic adaptation of the Percy Jackson universe, and fans of the books can look forward to more adventures with Percy and his friends.