Walker Scobell reveals the"terrifying"pressure he feels surrounding Percy & Annabeth’s iconic book scenes inPercy Jackson & the Olympiansseason 2. The upcoming season adaptsSea of Monsters, the second book in the beloved book series written by Rick Riordan.
Percy Jackson & the Olympiansseason 2’s storywill include the iconic Sirens scene fromSea of Monsterswhere Annabeth’s fatal flaw is revealed to be excessive pride, also known as hubris. It is a pivotal moment for the couple, who are often referred to as “Percabeth.”
This is the first time that the scene will be shown in live action since it was not featured in the 2013Sea of Monstersmovie. While speaking withEntertainment Weekly,Scobell admits that"it’s almost terrifying"to bring this scene to lifeconsidering how much it means to the fans. Check out his additional comments below:
“There’s scenes like that where you feel like every singlePercy Jacksonfan in the world is watching this happen. You can feel all their eyes on you while you’re acting.”
Even though the Sirens scene is meant to do the source material justice,Annabeth actor Leah Sava Jeffries hints that the scene will involve “a huge change.“Both actors also tease that their characters will have an emotional and honest discussion after the Sirens scene, and Jeffries is pleased by this addition to the relationship between their characters:
“I just love how it came together. Me and Walker definitely did our best to give you guys that.”
Meanwhile,Riordan touches on the"pretty powerful"chemistry that develops between Percy and Annabethas they become closer than ever before, and that he is pleased by how this compares to their love story in the novels. Check out Riordan’s comments below:
“We’re following the arc of the books pretty closely — I don’t know that it’s going to feel any faster. Certainly, we’re not going to have them go on a date in season 3. No, the idea is still that they are friends and it is a question of: Are they going to be involved beyond friendship or not? That’s a really interesting and important tension that I don’t think we want to give up any sooner than we need to.”
What This Means For Percy Jackson & The Olympians
Season 2 Will Be Faithful While Also Making Changes
Considering how much Percy and Annabeth’s relationship means to multiple generations of fans, there are inevitably expectations to see it done right in season 2. It isnatural for Scobell to feel that pressure, especially with this being the first time that the Sirens scene will be shown in a live-action format.
Previous episodes have been largely faithful to the novels, but there were still somebook changes inPercy Jacksonseason 1, and that will continue to be the case in season 2. While any changes from the books can be divisive, they are only intended to further enhance Riordan’s existing story, andScobell and Jeffries emphasize that they approve of this specific change.
As important as season 2 will be to further developing Percy and Annabeth’s emotional intimacy, Riordan is making it clear that the development of their relationship in the show will remain consistent with thePercy Jacksonbooks.
Our Take On Walker Scobell, Leah Sava Jeffries, & Rick Riordan’s Comments
Season 1 Proved That The Sirens Scene Can Meet High Expectations
Even though it has been years since I last readSea of Monsters, this particular Percy and Annabeth scene is still one of the most memorable in the series and among my favorites. I amexcited to finally see it depicted onscreenand to see Percy and Annabeth reach a deeper level of understanding and vulnerability.
Considering how perfect the original scene is, it’s easy to be skeptical about changes being made. However,Percy Jackson & the Olympiansseason 1 won me over by being an adaptation that honors what is most important about the source material, and I am confident that the same will hold true in season 2.
