The Percy Jackson and the Olympians series starts airing on Disney Plus this December 20th, and you might be wondering where to start with the series. Well, here's a guide on what to watch before the Percy Jackson reboot comes on the streamer!
Originally adapted from Rick Riordan's fantasy novel series, the Disney Plus reboot will be featured in the 21st Century.
This time, the author is involved with the writing and production of the series, raising fan expectations about the show adapting a more loyal story than the old movies did.
But does this mean you still have to watch the movies, though?
The Original Percy Jackson Movies
There were two original Percy Jackson movies, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief in 2010 and Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters in 2013, and although 20th Century Studios intended to continue for a third movie, The Titan's Curse, the short-lived franchise only lived until its sequel.
Riordan's frustration over his adapted books was undoubtedly evident to fans and the produced films themselves. Considering that the movies didn't clearly depict and show justice to his fantasy novel series, he expressed his disappointment in his personal blog post:
"Even if some reboot happened someday, I would have ZERO control over it, because those rights were signed away before the first PJO book was published, and like most authors, my contract was very standard in that Hollywood controls all things and all decisions about the movie. The author may or may not be consulted, but the movie folks have final say on everything."
It is quite fortunate that Riordan was able to secure his very own franchise reboot under Disney Plus, retitling the series, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, which makes more sense to make it into an episodic media rather than a two-hour long film for each book.
Take note, whether or not you decide to read the original novel series is up to you, and as for the previous movies, they are available to stream on the Disney Plus streamer.
Though they hold no significance in connecting to the reboot series, perhaps it would give off a refresher as to why fans and the author himself were utterly disappointed in the 2010-2013 franchise.
READ MORE: Percy Jackson and the Olympians Cast & Character Guide: Who Stars in the Disney+ Reboot?
How Will the Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series Reboot the Franchise?
It's one thing to not adapt a word-per-word dialogue or scene from the original source materials, but it's a whole different issue when the movies refuse to stick to what the books are trying to say.
In Percy Jackson and the Olympians' series, Riordan and the crew made it their mission to not only cast the titular characters, Percy, Grover Underwood, and Annabeth Chase, closer to their ages, but the reboot also included the author in the production.
With that in mind, this leaves Riordan to freely work during filming and give his final say in the scenes they shoot along with the stars of the show, meaning a more accurate translation of Percy Jackson's Camp Half-Blood life and his demigod journey.
While waiting for the Percy Jackson reboot to air on Disney Plus this December, here's the official synopsis of what the Disney Plus show will be about:
Based on Disney Hyperion's best-selling book series by award-winning Rick Riordan, Percy Jackson and the Olympians is a Disney+ Original series that tells the fantastical story of a 12-year-old modern demigod, Percy Jackson, who's just coming to terms with his newfound divine powers when the sky god Zeus accuses him of stealing his master lightning bolt. With help from his friends, Grover and Annabeth, Percy must embark on an adventure of a lifetime to find it and restore order to Olympus.
READ NEXT: Percy Jackson and the Olympians Disney Plus Release Date, Cast, and Everything You Need To Know!
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