Disney+ has been positioned as a powerhouse streaming service, one that provides a plethora of original content that spans Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars. Of course, there are a number of other interesting projects in the works, including a new TV show based on the Percy Jackson book series. Since the live-action series was confirmed by author Rick Riordin back in the spring of 2020, news on the project has been scarce. Now, Riordan has provided a new update that should make fans happy.
According to Rick Riordan, a draft for the pilot episode of the Percy Jackson series has been completed and the reception to it has been positive thus far. The episode will however go through some “tweaks” before it’s sent off to the powers that be at Disney. While some may be concerned about hearing things will be changed within the script, Riordan assures fans that this is a common practice in the development process:
We have a couple of important meetings this coming week with the top brass at the studio for the Percy Jackson TV show, so keep your fingers crossed. Everyone who has read the pilot script loves it, but there will be a few additional tweaks we need to make before we send it off to its next stop: the top execs at Disney+. That’s normal. In script writing, as in every other kind of writing, you can expect to do many, many drafts! All the input has been super positive and helpful, though. Everyone is committed to making this the best show we possibly can. I remain excited and guardedly optimistic that we are on the verge of getting a really first-rate project off the ground. As always, though, good things require time and patience! Stay tuned!
Rick Riordan’s update on his blog certainly sounds like music to the ears of Percy Jackson fans. It’s also great to hear that Riordan himself is pleased with the script and how things are progressing. He’s absolutely right in pointing out that the development process takes time and, when it comes to Percy Jackson, fans will probably appreciate the fact that the creatives are putting their all into crafting a worthy adaptation of the series.
When Chris Columbus’ Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief released in 2010, the film was panned by both fans and critics alike. Riordan was also critical of the adaptation, citing the major differences from his source material. The movie was, however, financially successful enough to spawn a sequel -- 2013’s Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters -- which was also critically panned. This reception was one of several reasons why more films ultimately were not produced.
Despite being displeased with the previous live-action adaptations of his work, Riordan has been optimistic about the new Disney+ series. This seems to be in large part due to the fact that the show isn’t being rushed through production. He previously acknowledged that it does feel like the show is “taking forever” to get here, but he truly seems to believe it will be worth the wait.
There’s no telling when Disney+’s Percy Jackson series will finally see the light of day, but fans can rest assured knowing things are moving right along. Hopefully, the efforts of Rick Riordan and his collaborators will allow lightning to finally strike for this beloved franchise.
