Producers Jonathan Steinberg and Dan Shotz discovered early on “Percy Jackson†wasn’t just any franchise.
In addition to a series of books, it spawned several films and a Broadway musical.
To adapt it for television, they needed a higher sense of awareness.
“We spoke to some people who had done this before and I think there was a part of me that hoped there was a secret answer,†Steinberg says. “But it became clear quickly that there was not. You really don’t know what you’re going to get until you’re in front of a camera shooting scenes.â€
The stars of "Percy Jackson and the Olympians," from left, Leah Sava Jeffries, Aryan Simhadri and Walker Scobell.Â
"Percy Jackson and the Olympians" stars, from left, Aryan Simhadri, Leah Sava Jeffries and Walter Scobell.Â
Collaboration works
To get the script right, the two worked with author Rick Riordan and his wife, Rebecca, during the pandemic.
“It was really just the four of us locked together to build this story,†Steinberg explains. “This is their baby and it’s such a personal story that it made a difference that we had that time together, building this as a team.â€
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The key was watching the Riordans as they tossed out ideas. “When you’re hitting a note that isn’t quite right, you pull it out and try to be respectful of this thing that they have given so much of themselves to," Steinberg says.
The story – about a boy traveling across America to return Zeus’ master bolt – has elements of “Harry Potter,†“The Hunger Games†and young adult-friendly properties that have been massive hits. Joining forces with two friends, Percy encounters plenty of demigods and monsters. In the process, he learns about himself and his past.
Envisioned as a book series, “Percy Jackson and the Olympians†has sold more than 180 million copies. It spawned two book series and a film, “Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief,†that did respectable business. It was followed by “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters,†another film. But that didn’t strike the kind of fire Steinberg and Shotz knew was there.
“We were such fans of the book, we went chasing the property before it was available,†Steinberg says. “We had been doing a fair amount of detective work trying to figure out how to get at the story…and it felt like a massive thing…but that it was ready to be put back on the screen.â€
Now's the time
With a 10-year gap between adaptations (“Sea of Monsters†was released in 2013), both producers thought the time was right.
Essential, though, was casting. “We got so improbably lucky to get three kids that also understood what was being asked of them,†Steinberg says. “Pretty early in the process, you forget they’re kids. You’re just watching actors do an amazing job with material that you would write for any adult actor.â€
Also important: chemistry. “It’s not just about the individual sitting in that part but how these three work together,†Shotz says. “These three are pretty much in every scene for most of the season.â€
While the young actors – Walker Scobell, Leah Sava Jeffries and Aryan Simhadri – had other credits, none were as demanding as the roles in “Percy Jackson.â€
“It’s the biggest thing I’ve ever worked on,†says Simhadri, who plays Grover Underwood. “Just getting used to the huge new environment with all of this stunt work and wirework was (daunting).â€
Aryan Simhadri plays Grover Underwood, Percy's best friend, in "Percy Jackson and the Olympians."Â
Walker Scobell plays Percy in "Percy Jackson and the Olympians."Â
Hard work pays
The trick to mastering it: Being all in.
“I stayed in character 24/7,†says Jeffries, who plays Annabeth Chase. “I ate, I slept, I woke up being Annabeth. I went to school, and I still was Annabeth. I wanted to make sure that these fans get what they had been waiting for for so long.â€
Scobell says the series’ fight scenes may have been tiring, but they brought him into contact with guest stars like wrestler Edge. “It was so great working with him. He’s the coolest guy ever.â€
The list of actors making cameos reads like a who’s who of genres.
Lin-Manuel Miranda, for example, pops up as Hermes.
“Virgina Kull (who plays Sally Jackson) was incredible,†Jeffries says. “She was there like a mother. She really took care of us and brought so much heart and connection to (the story). We learned so much.â€
Leah Sava Jeffries plays one of the campers at Camp Half-Blood in "Percy Jackson and the Olympians."Â
Hitting the books
To help them maneuver the world of Greek gods, the three relied on their acting coach. “He made us read all these Greek myths, which was very helpful,†says Scobell.
The producers, they say, were able to bring much of the story to life before they started shooting. “Getting to see their visions definitely helped a lot,†Simhadri says.
Should the first season of “Percy Jackson and the Olympians†do well, “there’s absolutely an ambition on our part to continue,†Steinberg says. “We’re four years into this process and we’re finally in a place for people to see it. It’s ready…and it’s time.â€
“Percy Jackson and the Olympians†airs two episodes Dec. 20 on Disney+.
Lin Manuel-Miranda plays Hermes.Â
Virginia Kull plays Percy's mother.Â