The Percy Jackson and the Olympians team is grappling with the idea of recasting Zeus following the tragic passing of Lance Reddick, who portrayed the Greek god in the Season 1 finale of the Disney+ series. Reddick’s significant role in the series has left the producers in a contemplative state about finding a replacement for Season 2.
Executive producer Jon Steinberg addressed the issue, stating, “I don’t think anybody’s there yet. There’s also just a little bit of denial, I think. That’s something that we’re gonna have to deal with. But we’re incredibly grateful for this character that he helped build and the presence that he created. I do not envy whoever has to step into his shoes.”
Dan Shotz, another executive producer, shared sentiments about Reddick’s impact, mentioning that they had received words from Reddick’s wife expressing how proud he would have been of the series. Despite the challenge of moving forward without Reddick, the team acknowledged the indelible mark he left with his iconic role.
The Season 1 finale of Percy Jackson paid homage to Reddick with a title card, a fitting tribute to the actor’s final on-screen appearance. Author Rick Riordan, who penned the Percy Jackson novels, also commemorated Reddick in a heartfelt blog post, praising his vibrant personality and talents.
In Riordan’s words, “His gravitas and regal bearing made him perfect for the king of the gods, but from what I could tell, in person he was nothing like the blustery and distant sky god. He had a marvelous and quirky sense of humor. He was thoughtful, caring and piercingly perceptive.” Riordan assured fans that Reddick’s scenes would serve as a poignant reminder of the brilliance lost with his passing.
The decision to delay Zeus’s recasting reflects the deep respect and admiration the Percy Jackson team holds for Reddick’s contribution to the series, underscoring the emotional impact of losing a beloved actor.
