Variety reported that Disney+ has announced the recasting of Zeus in Percy Jackson and the Olympians, following Lance Reddick’s tragic passing a year ago. Courtney B. Vance will take on the role of Zeus.
Best known for his roles in The Preacher’s Wife and Lovecraft Country, Courtney B. Vance most recently appeared as Professor Marshall Tryon, husband of Detective Lois Tryon (Niecy Nash), in Hulu’s Grotesquerie.
“I can’t express how thrilled I am to join the extraordinary cast of Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” Vance said in a statement. “There are very few moments in an actor’s career when you can honestly say you’re stepping into a series based on a wildly successful book series, filled with globally beloved characters, and backed by such a loyal fan base. I know stepping into the role of Zeus will be an unforgettable experience, and I’ll be sending a heavenly embrace to my brother Lance Reddick, who left us far too soon.”
On the official Percy Jackson Instagram account, Executive Producer Dan Shotz shared: “Finding someone to take on this role after everything was no easy task, but when the legendary Courtney B. Vance answered the call, we knew the gods were listening. This cinematic icon not only wanted to honor the books but also Lance’s legacy. We can’t wait for you all to see his ascension to the throne.”
According to Disney+’s official synopsis, Season 2 “picks up a year later as Percy returns to Camp Half-Blood to find his world turned upside down. His friendship with Annabeth is changing, he discovers he has a Cyclops brother, Grover is missing, and the camp is under siege by Kronos’ forces. Percy’s journey to set things right will take him off the map and into the deadly Sea of Monsters, where the son of Poseidon faces a hidden destiny.”
Season 1 of Percy Jackson and the Olympians is currently streaming on Disney+, with Season 2 expected to premiere in 2025.
