Percy Jackson is getting a second shot on screen, with Disney+’s series currently in development, alongside writer Rick Riordan (via Variety). While many of the characters and their casting choices have been confirmed, there are many more that are integral to the narrative that simply have to turn up in some form but haven’t been addressed yet.
Perhaps they are only mentioned in the first book, but could benefit the saga as a whole if they were to appear in a small capacity. Alternatively, they might be featured throughout the initial novel and shouldn’t be ignored considering how much screen time is available across the series.
Iris
There are multiple minor deities that appear throughout the Percy Jackson series that reflect upon the depth of this fictional world. Camp Half-Blood, where Percy attends has a unique infrastructure that includes the use of the powers of the rainbow goddess Iris.
The character appears very rarely, but this ethereal figure helps the Camp to communicate with the wider world, carrying the messages of these heroes. It would certainly establish the concept further for Iris to briefly appear, introducing the idea of minor gods more firmly, while helping to cement the oddities of Camp Half-Blood.
Kronos
Kronos is the Titan who acts as the big bad of the first series of Percy Jackson novels. Fans of the big screen productions will know that the character appeared in just the second outing, getting defeated far before his time. This was without the villain getting established as a major threat in the first film.
The prophecy and perception that Kronos will return hangs over the five Percy Jackson books like an ominous warning. Kronos should appear in that first series to signify what is to come and right the wrongs of the past movie; even if it is in the form of a flashback showing his initial defeat and what Percy will one day face.
Athena
The parents of the demigods are incredibly important and Athena is one such figure that should appear. While Zeus and Hades will have to make an impact in some form since they are both integral to the narrative, Athena’s own arrival could be saved for a later season.
That would be a mistake though, as it’s vital to see how Annabeth connects with her mother, the goddess of wisdom and tactical war, and how she learns from her. The arc of Annabeth in that first Percy Jackson book, (which was teased in the trailer), is partially built on how she feels her mother might perceive her. To not have Athena appear just yet might take away from that.
Poseidon
Much in the same way as Annabeth, Percy’s own character evolution is also based on the discovery of his heritage. His father is a major piece of the puzzle, with Poseidon genuinely falling in love with Percy’s mother, but having to leave her because of his duty.
It’s a complex story that can only be told through the arrival of the god of the sea. Percy is certainly not forgiving of his dad’s absence to start with, and Poseidon will have a big role to play in the future of the saga. Introducing him early is a must and shouldn’t be saved for the purpose of conflict in later seasons.
The Oracle Of Delphi
Those who enjoyed the movies will remember that the Oracle of Delphi doesn’t make an appearance until the second film. This goes completely against what the novels had established in regards to the nature of the prophecy she gives to a young Percy.
That moment of fortune-telling will come to define the first novels and are intrinsically linked to the larger narrative. The Oracle has to appear at some point in the initial season to set out the direction of the story moving forward, so audiences can anticipate the hero’s dangerous journey. No one should depart on a quest without a visit to the Oracle.
Procrustes
Percy, Annabeth, and Grover embark on their quest in the initial Percy Jackson book and meet plenty of challenges along their path. The first film didn’t portray all of them, but this initial season will have much more room to dive deep into these dangerous encounters.
Procrustes is one such being that they have to battle in order to continue on their journey. Described as crusty, this villainous figure owns a mattress store, where Annabeth and Grover are briefly trapped. It’s a whimsical action sequence that sets out yet another side of the Greek mythological universe Riordan has built with the Percy Jackson books, and helps to confirm that Percy is the hero he hoped to be.
Tyson
Tyson is Percy Jackson’s brother, a Cyclops that isn’t introduced until the second novel. However, TV shows always need teases as to what comes next and there is surely a post-credit sequence to be created with the reveal of Tyson (somewhere out there beyond the Sea of Monsters).
His introduction in the sequel is definitely a shock, but it could be fun to have some foreshadowing for those who have read the books, while acting as a bit of a cliffhanger for newcomers. Tyson is a really integral character for Percy’s own journey and deserves to have this brief moment to introduce his larger role.
Silena Beauregard
Silena Beauregard begins life fully in the second Percy Jackson novel, but her part in the series indicates that she should be featured in some capacity in the first season compared to the mere mention on the page. The daughter of Aphrodite isn’t exactly what she appears to be and needs to be firmly linked to Camp Half-Blood for her narrative to have a deeper effect.
Silena is actually an agent of Kronos himself, a spy working from the inside of the Camp. She’s supposed to be kind and charming but the twist that is to come will be far bigger if Percy comes to actually trust Silena, as the head of her cabin. A larger range of screen time will allow for a far more personal betrayal.
Thalia Grace
Thalia Grace is another character whose journey begins in the second narrative of the saga (although she acts as a cliffhanger for that story). She is trapped within the tree that protects Camp Half-Blood and is only freed once the Golden Fleece is placed upon its branches.
That story would be capitalized on further if Thalia’s origins are actually set out within season 1. The importance of the tree shouldn’t be ignored, because it drives the quest across the Sea of Monsters. Setting out these concepts for audiences early only adds to the gravitas of the situation and one of the most iconic moments in Percy Jackson history, where it is revealed that Thalia is still alive.
Pan
Pan is a Satyr and environmental god; a character that Grover himself looks up to. He has an emotionally significant appearance towards the latter half of the saga, making a sacrifice that genuinely moves the reader. It would be interesting to see him brought in a little earlier.
He could bounce off of Grover and once again expand the range of small-scale deities involved with Camp Half-Blood, while also building up an emotional connection between the character and the audience. Fans of Pan know that he simply has to be involved because he’s such an intriguing personality.
