Percy Jackson Season 2: Rick Riordan & The Cast Break Down Sea Of Monsters, New Gods & The Show’s Future (Exclusive)

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All eyes, singular and plural, are on Percy Jackson and the Olympians.

Rick Riordan’s popular series reimagining Greek mythology is a remarkable story. It started as a simple bedtime story for his son and grew into five incredibly successful novels, captivating readers around the globe. However, adapting the books into movies has proven challenging.

The Percy Jackson movies weren’t very well-received and barely made a profit, so the franchise sat unused at 20th Century Fox until Disney bought the studio in 2019. Author Rick Riordan hadn’t been involved in making the films, but he directly presented his ideas to Disney. With the launch of Disney+ and its need for popular live-action series, Riordan recognized a chance to revive the story.

Disney/David Bukach

It’s been amazing to watch Percy Jackson and the Olympians come to life! It felt like a dream when it was greenlit in 2020, and then seeing them actually filming in 2022 was incredible. Finally, it arrived on Disney+ in Winter 2023, and it absolutely blew up! By the end of 2024, we, as fans, had streamed over three billion minutes of the first season – making it the most popular show on the platform, even beating out huge Marvel and Star Wars titles. It really was an underdog story, and now, it feels like Percy Jackson is aiming for something even bigger – a lasting legacy.

I recently had the incredible opportunity to dive deep into the world of Percy Jackson and the Olympians for ScreenRant. This isn’t just another show; I truly believe season 2 marks a huge turning point in how television is made. I sat down with Rick Riordan, the creative force behind it all, and the amazing young cast – Walker Scobell, Leah Jeffries, Aryan Simhadri, Charlie Bushnell, Dior Goodjohn, and Daniel Diemer – for an exclusive cover story. We talked all about the show’s evolution and I’ve got some brand new photos and insights from those interviews that you won’t find anywhere else. Get ready, because this show is poised to become a defining series for the next decade!

Returning To The Percy Jackson Set Was Its Own Odyssey

Inside Percy Jackson Season 2’s Production: How the Cast Returned to a Bigger, Higher-Stakes Set

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Percy returned the Master Bolt to Zeus on Mount Olympus four months earlier, and now his second year at Camp Half-Blood was starting. However, for the actors portraying the demigods, it had been two years since they first came together to begin filming in Vancouver.

Walker Scobell, the lead actor in the series, confessed he didn’t feel as creatively secure starting season 2. He explained that a significant amount of time had passed since season 1, making it feel like a fresh start. He’d changed a lot personally, which made him anxious about recapturing the same performance he delivered initially.

Walker Scobell wasn’t the only one feeling anxious at first. Aryan Simhadri, who plays Grover Underwood, Percy’s satyr friend, noticed the pressure building both in the story and while making the show. As the challenges in the series got bigger, so did the importance of getting it right.

After seeing how much everyone loved season one, Disney knew they had something really special with this show, a potential blockbuster franchise. That meant a lot more attention from the studio during season two’s filming. I remember Simhadri talking about how executives started visiting the set, but honestly, it didn’t hurt morale – it actually made the whole team even more determined. It really hit home how many people we wanted to entertain and make proud with the show.

Rick Riordan, an executive producer on the show, says he’s still amazed by how popular his books became twenty years ago. He explained that he knew they were a hit when he saw the enthusiastic reactions from his partners at Disney+ and 20th Television during video calls – he could see their excitement and big smiles.

Playing With Practical Effects In The Sea Of Monsters

Why Percy Jackson Season 2 Shifted to Practical Sets for Its Sea of Monsters Story

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The first season of The Lightning Thief adaptation, created by Dan Shotz and Jonathan Steinberg, was successful, but they aimed for something even more expansive in season two.

Season 2 of Percy Jackson and the Olympians will be based on the 270-page novel The Sea of Monsters. This season sends the demigod characters on a big adventure to the Bermuda Triangle. While the first season used digital effects to create places like Mount Olympus and the Underworld, this season will focus more on practical sets and real locations.

As a fan, I was so excited to hear Daniel Diemer, who plays Tyson, talk about season 2! He said filming in actual locations really reminded him of the fantasy movies he grew up with, like The Lord of the Rings. He admitted that while green screens can look amazing, it just doesn’t feel the same. He believes audiences can sense when something is artificial. Being on real sets and locations, though, made him feel like we were with Percy and his friends on their journey, and that’s what makes the show so immersive.

Disney+
Disney+
Disney+

Two of the most memorable locations in season 2 take place on the water: the Princess Andromeda yacht, belonging to the villain Luke, which actor Charlie Bushnell noted was incredibly detailed, and the warship The Ironclad, led by quest leader Clarisse La Rue, which Dior Goodjohn felt was remarkably realistic.

The show’s realism extends to its action sequences. Scobell jokingly mentioned that his character, Daniel, was set on fire multiple times during filming. “It really helps me get into the role,” he said, adding with a laugh, “And honestly, it’s just fun to watch him burn!”

Scobell’s focus on practical improvements, even small ones, has been helpful. However, Goodjohn noted that this comes with a cost. Vaccinations can be expensive, and there’s always concern about whether funding will be available.

The excitement and determination everyone felt – that ‘let’s make this perfect’ attitude – really boosted the tension and drama during filming on The Ironclad. Telling the story from Clarisse’s point of view felt natural and right as we filmed, and the whole experience was truly incredible.

Grover’s Distress Call Shapes Percy Jackson Season 2

Grover’s Expanded Role: Why His Season 2 Arc Is Key to Percy Jackson’s Story

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Even as the show develops, the central friendship between Percy, Annabeth, and Grover remains constant. Walker Scobell, Leah Sava Jeffries, and Aryan Simhadri are all returning as their characters from the first season, and their familiarity with the roles allowed them to explore their performances more freely.

Simhadri explained that they have the opportunity to suggest all sorts of ideas to the showrunners – whether they’re unusual concepts, predictions about what might happen, or things they know fans would enjoy. The showrunners are receptive to these suggestions. While not every idea is adopted, sometimes they respond positively, saying, ‘That’s a good idea, let’s use it.’

This season, Simhadri is in an interesting situation. The story, The Sea of Monsters, begins with the satyr connecting with Percy to let him know he’s stuck on Polyphemus’ Island. Although the main plot focuses on rescuing Grover, it also means he’s not present for much of the action.

Simhadri explained that Dan and John told him he wouldn’t be featured prominently in the upcoming season and wouldn’t have much opportunity to return home. He described being kept busy with haircuts, rehearsals, and fittings, essentially being present without actually filming scenes or being able to go home.

At first, the message seemed a little strong, but it quickly became clear they genuinely wanted me around. They basically said they wanted me there even when I wasn’t actively working – to observe, learn by shadowing, and discuss future projects. They really just wanted me to be present and involved. I was thrilled with the opportunity and eager to soak everything in, even offering to help as a camera trainee. I was lucky enough to train with the camera team on ‘The Ironclad,’ and it was an amazing experience!

When asked about potentially directing a future episode of Percy Jackson, Simhadri playfully called it a “nightmare,” but then said he and Walker Scobell would be interested. He believes it could happen around season 4 or 5. He also expressed a desire for season 5 to be split into two parts, and he’d love for him and Scobell to be involved in the writing or production process by that point.

Despite having limited screen time this season, Simhadri portrays some of Percy Jackson’s most challenging magical abilities, particularly the complex empathy link. He explained that this effect was created using mirrors and unusual camera angles.

Simhadri shared how much they enjoyed working with Walker again, especially their scenes together. They described a friendly competition where they pushed each other to improve. When one of them delivered a great performance, the other would try to top it, creating a positive but exhausting cycle. Ultimately, they both felt creatively fulfilled at the end of the day.

Okay, so there’s this really fun scene where Grover’s trying to trick Polyphemus, the cyclops. It’s hilarious because Grover actually puts on a wedding dress to convince the cyclops he’s a bride! At first, it looks like we’re heading for the classic ‘damsel in distress’ storyline, but the director, Simhadri, is clearly a mythology buff. He used his knowledge of the original story to steer Grover away from that tired trope, which I really appreciated. It’s a clever way to subvert expectations and keep things interesting.

Simhadri explained that the cast studied The Odyssey before filming began, and Grover’s storyline closely mirrors that of Penelope. Penelope isn’t waiting passively to be rescued; she’s actively managing a kingdom, fending off numerous suitors with clever challenges, and keeping everything running smoothly until Odysseus returns. Simhadri wanted to give Grover a similar strength and independence this season, as he’s also pursuing his own journey.

Annabeth Chase Makes New Friends, But Will She Keep The Old?

Annabeth’s Role in Percy Jackson Season 2: Tyson, Thalia, and the Sirens

Disney/David Bukach

Grover isn’t the only character facing a cyclops this season. Annabeth Chase, played by Jeffries, unexpectedly teams up with a one-eyed giant named Tyson. Jeffries shared, “I really care about Danny, and it was hard to have to act so coldly towards him,” before explaining the unusual relationship between the three characters in the show’s second season.

Annabeth pulls away from Percy when Tyson comes into the picture, especially because of her past experiences with Cyclopes, and this really upsets him. It seems like she recognizes how much Percy cares for Tyson and wants to protect him. She loves Percy so much that she ultimately wants him to be happy, even if it’s with someone else.

As Annabeth becomes closer to Tyson, we learn more about one of her oldest friends. Actress Tamara Smart plays Thalia Grace, the daughter of Zeus, who is currently a tree protecting the boundaries of Camp Half-Blood.

Jeffries explained that seeing Annabeth’s past experiences in flashbacks, especially her relationship with Thalia, really clarifies her current behavior. These flashbacks are crucial to understanding Annabeth’s growth and how she operates. While she gains courage from her mother, Athena, it’s clear she also learned fearlessness from Thalia.

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Annabeth’s bravery is something she got from her mother, the goddess Athena. Andra Day will play Athena in the series, becoming the eighth of twelve Olympian gods to be featured. In season two, Jeffries and Day will share a scene together that deeply affected the young actress.

Jeffries hinted at something amazing, saying, “I don’t want to ruin the surprise because it’s just that good.” He continued, “It was the best experience of my life, and it made me feel incredibly powerful.”

I’m working with Athena, and I really want to impress her. This is my chance to demonstrate everything Annabeth is capable of. Seeing how well she performed inspired me and unlocked a new level of confidence. Even just filming with her for a day was transformative – it helped me see my own courage in a completely different light.

Seeing Annabeth interact with Athena on screen is a key moment for her character this season, and just one of many exciting developments. When the Percy Jackson series was initially approved five years ago, fans were particularly eager to see the adaptation of Annabeth’s encounter with the Sirens, as it’s a pivotal part of the five-book story.

Jeffries described the day as incredibly difficult, saying it was one of the toughest of her career. She wasn’t exaggerating – she had to deal with water that quickly switched between freezing cold and hot. It was so challenging that her genuine reaction, not acting, was visible. She was literally shaking, but Andra encouraged her, saying they were almost finished.

The performers playing the sirens were actually stunt doubles, but Jeffries confessed that the singing was terrifying. She said it genuinely frightened her and she almost cried, truly believing she was in danger. Despite being scared, she considered it a valuable experience that helped her understand the character better. She explained that going through such intense emotions was necessary for her to deliver the most authentic adaptation for the audience.

Percy Jackson: Son of Poseidon

Percy Jackson Season 2’s Poseidon Return and Percy’s Growing Power

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The new trailer for season 2 of Percy Jackson shows more scenes with Percy and his father, Poseidon. This time, their interaction appears to be less strained than before.

Walker Scobell explained that Percy feels more at ease talking to this particular character. He believes that Poseidon’s silence in season one felt like an affirmation. Scobell described their current conversation as having a father-son dynamic, noting that Percy seems to have come to terms with the situation.

Even though Percy is still annoyed with his father, he’s mostly angry with Luke, the demigod who unexpectedly betrayed him at the end of last season.

Scobell stated directly, “Percy is really going all out this time.” When questioned about his sword fight with Luke in the second season, he playfully responded, “Which one are you referring to?”

Becoming Olympus’ Elite Employees

Disney/David Bukach

Percy tends to be very aggressive, but doesn’t always reciprocate when others are equally forceful. Bushnell, recently made a regular cast member, also pointed out that Luke’s group, which opposes the Olympian gods, still welcomes former friends from Camp Half-Blood.

Bushnell explained that the character still believes Percy and Annabeth will support his vision of restoring a glorious past. He genuinely thinks he’s acting in the best interests of all demigods, and Bushnell suggests that Percy might even recognize some truth in the opposing viewpoint. Because the story is told through Percy’s eyes, however, there’s a possibility that his perception of events isn’t entirely accurate. Bushnell hinted that what readers see in the book might not be a completely objective account of what really happened.

Throughout the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, Luke is presented as the main opponent, but he’s a complex character, not simply a villain. According to Bushnell, the show’s version of Luke is even more nuanced than the book version. “The show portrays him as a revolutionary fighting for equality, rather than a purely evil character.”

His involvement in the conflict now clearly sides him with Kronos, the former ruler of the world who was defeated by Zeus and the Olympian gods. This season, Luke has become Kronos’s main assistant, and with that role comes benefits, like a more stylish appearance.

Bushnell commented on Luke’s improved style, noting, ‘He’s definitely moved on from that Camp Half-Blood shirt, though I do miss it sometimes.’ She added that Luke has three distinct looks this season, all reflecting his newfound confidence and lavish lifestyle. It seems he’s really embraced his power and is living life to the fullest.

However, when Luke really pushes himself and uses his full power, it also creates weaknesses. According to Bushnell, “His fighting is sometimes his downfall because he can get carried away by his anger.”

He’s an incredibly talented fighter, but if you push him too far, he loses focus. He abandons technique and just goes for a quick, decisive attack. Honestly, the fight scenes this season are really intense – he doesn’t pull any punches.

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Dior Goodjohn is also promoting the upcoming project. When she first accepted the role of Clarisse La Rue in 2022, she was assured her character, the daughter of Ares, would have a significantly larger role if the show continued for a second season.

Goodjohn expressed feeling deeply honored to be entrusted with this role. They explained that viewers will finally gain a deeper understanding of the character Clarisse, going beyond her initial purpose in the first season. The upcoming storyline will reveal complex layers to her personality, uncovering a rich and compelling narrative. Goodjohn described the unfolding story as ‘beautiful’.

As the story unfolds, a fearsome war god is revealed. This season, Adam Copeland plays Ares, and part of his storyline involves a tense encounter with his family. According to Goodjohn, one scene was particularly powerful: “He knelt down, put his hands on his knees, and said, ‘You let that inexperienced kid break your spear. How do you think that made me feel?’”

He was incredibly controlling, verbally abusive, and unsettling. At one point, he actually told me to hit him, repeatedly urging me to do it and claiming I was too scared. It was a very intense and disturbing moment that really highlighted the dynamic of our relationship. Surprisingly, he seemed pleased that I didn’t break down or cry.

Zeroing In On The New Eye

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Joining the show as the popular character Tyson is newcomer Daniel Diemer. This role is something the 29-year-old actor has been working towards since the very beginning of the series, and he’s thrilled to finally be part of the cast.

Diemer jokingly explained he originally wanted to play Percy Jackson, admitting he was a huge fan of the books and wanted to be the hero. While he didn’t get that role – which was good news for fans looking for a younger actor – he was thrilled to have a second chance when auditions opened for the part of Tyson.

Diemer’s audition for the show involved multiple steps, starting with self-taped recordings at home and progressing to in-person meetings with the showrunner, Dan Shotz, and director James Bobin. The final stage was a chemistry read with Walker Scobell, who he would be acting with most often, and Diemer felt it went about as well as he could have asked for.

Disney/David Bukach

“We just clicked right away,” Diemer said. “We were on the same page about what our relationship was. He taught me a lot about selflessness, and I really appreciated that. I’m truly impressed by these young people and how they carry themselves, both personally and professionally.”

Diemer didn’t get to meet Riordan until filming started, but when they finally had a chance to talk one-on-one, Riordan immediately reassured him. Diemer fondly remembered Riordan telling him, “I love what you’re doing. I love the Tyson you’re creating. Just keep doing what you’re doing.”

Riordan said that watching the characters interact and develop their relationship in the beginning was truly lovely and heartwarming. He even believes the final result is an improvement over his initial writing.

Although he’s new to the cast, Diemer is actually the oldest of the six main actors in Percy Jackson, and that naturally makes him a leader on set. He sees his role as being the best possible support for his younger co-stars.

It’s incredibly challenging to grow up in the public eye, and I’m grateful I had a relatively private upbringing. Seeing others navigate that pressure, I want to be a supportive and non-judgmental presence for them. I want them to feel comfortable talking to me about anything, knowing they’ll be heard, understood, and able to approach their work with enthusiasm.

The actor’s personal connection to his character is clear. He described Tyson as a source of strength, saying, “They really support each other, which is great.” He’s hopeful his work will help the show and its actors succeed. He explained he’s not just aiming for a good second season; the entire story is mapped out for five seasons, and potentially longer. “We have big plans and want to keep going for five years, or even more, but that only happens if everyone works well together.”

Looking Beyond Percy Jackson and The Olympians Season 2

Disney/David Bukach

Rick Riordan, the author, and Percy Jackson himself both hope the series continues for more than five years.

“I’m really excited about continuing,” Scobell said, expressing enthusiasm for adapting The Heroes of Olympus, the follow-up series to Percy Jackson, which he described as similar to The Avengers. “My main goal is to create something special for fans. Percy Jackson means a lot to me and to so many others, and I want to focus on bringing Rick Riordan’s original vision to life, rather than just highlighting how good the story is.”

Let’s save discussion of Heroes of Olympus for later. Right now, everything points to The Great Prophecy, a foreboding message that runs throughout the entire five-book Percy Jackson series. It’s essential for keeping the story moving forward, as the author explains.

Season 2 introduces The Great Prophecy, a major conflict that has been building throughout Percy’s world, and which everyone involved is eager to portray in the show.

Scobell explained that the prophecy will become more important in the third season. He shared, “Currently, much of my work with Thalia revolves around discussing it, and everything we’re doing is connected to The Great Prophecy.”

We’re raising the intensity this season. I’ve worked on all the scripts for season 3, and we’re staying very faithful to the novel The Titan’s Curse. Fans of the books should be happy with what we’ve created, and we’ve included a few unexpected twists. Ultimately, we’re still heading towards the same major plot point.

Scobell says he’s mostly focused on enjoying the present moment when it comes to the series, but he does have one particular goal outside of filming. He wants to have a casual conversation with Logan Lerman, ideally while watching the first movie and a couple of episodes of the show together, so they can discuss the making of it all.

Disney/Brian Bowen Smith

He shared a humorous story about a strange coincidence that happened while filming season 3. He explained that he actually had a fight scene with the stunt double for Luke Skywalker from the original movies. He found it bizarre to be fighting someone who, in a way, was Luke, while working on a show with a similar theme.

I’ve always felt a special connection between these two characters – it reminds me of the incredible chemistry everyone on set has shared since we started filming back in 2022. People talk about the uncertainty of the future, but honestly, it feels like what’s happening was always meant to be.

The first two episodes of Percy Jackson and the Olympians season 2 will be available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu starting December 10th, with new episodes released each Wednesday.

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2025-12-08 21:19