Book-to-screen adaptations have noticeably improved in recent years, with fantasy series like Shadow and Bone and The Witcher getting big budgets and attracting big audiences. Perhaps that’s why Disney+ is giving Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series — about a teen who finds out he’s the son of the Greek god Poseidon — another chance on the small screen. And from the sound of it, things are going well.
Riordan posted an update on his website, filling fans in on the details surrounding the Percy Jackson show planned for the streamer. The blog post, titled “Vroom, Vroom in the Writer’s Room,” revealed that the creative team has officially begun scripting the episodes for the show’s first season.
That team includes showrunners Jon Steinberg and Dan Shotz, both known for their work on Black Sails and Jericho. It also includes writers Daphne Olive (also known for Black Sails), Monica Owusu-Breen (who’s worked on Lost and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), and Joe Tracz (who was actually involved in The Lightning Thief Musical).
The lineup of creatives behind the Percy Jackson series is already promising, and Riordan said that he’s optimistic about the show’s future. Although it hasn’t received a full series order just yet, the author is feeling confident that the scripts will stick the landing — especially since the behind-the-scenes talent all have a deep appreciation for the source material.
Rick Riordan says the writer’s room is full of love for Percy Jackson
The writers’ love for the central story of Riordan’s books will appeal to readers worried about another “middling” adaptation of the series. According to Riordan, the group tried to strike a balance between staying true to the source and adding new elements to keep things interesting:
"Well, folks, we are off to a roaring start in the PJOTV writers’ room. After our first two days, I am delighted to report that I am feeling more confident than ever about the quality of writing this show will have, and I am over the moon about the level of thoughtfulness and love for the PJO book series that everyone is bringing to the discussion. This is a group that knows the books, understands the importance of making longtime (and brand new) readers happy, but also making a show that feels fresh and surprising in the best ways, so even if you think you know the story backwards and forwards, you will find the show a compelling experience."
Riordan also said that the team is hoping to draw in viewers who haven’t read the books, something he thinks is possible with their current writing strategy.
Whether Disney+ will feel as hopeful as Riordan about its Percy Jackson series remains to be seen, but the author’s update bodes well for fans. It’s still early in the process — Riordan says they’re outlining episodes 2 and 3 — but things are off to a promising start. Hopefully, that will continue as the show searches for its director.
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