There’s a new king of the Gods as Disney has just announced what actor will play Zeus in season 2 of Percy Jackson and the Olympians!
It’s always difficult for a TV show to have to recast a major star. It’s even tougher when the reason is because the actor in the role passed away. Such is the challenge for the producers of Percy Jackson as the Disney+ series was a huge success with a great cast. Among them was acclaimed actor Lance Reddick as Zeus, the king of the Greek Gods.
Sadly, this turned out to be one of Reddick’s final roles, as the actor unexpectedly died in March 2023 at the age of 60. He had a few roles in other shows and films in the can before his passing and was to play a larger role in season 2 of Percy Jackson.
After a lot of waiting and questions, Disney has revealed that in Season 2, Zeus will now be played by Emmy award winner Courtney B. Vance. Executive producer Dan Shotz shared a statement on Instagram on the casting.
"Finding someone to step into this role going forward was not an easy task, but when icon Courtney B. Vance answered the call, we knew the Gods were listening," the statement reads. "This legend of cinema not only wanted to honor the books, but wanted to honor Lance’s legacy. We can’t wait for you all to see him take the throne."
Based on the books by Rick Riordan, Percy Jackson and the Olympians stars Walker Scobell in the title role of a teen who discovers he’s the son of the Greek God Poseidon and attending a camp of other demigods. Season 1 had Percy falsely accused of stealing Zeus’ thunderbolt and a big showdown with Reddick’s Zeus. While Zeus backed down then, he hinted it wasn’t finished between him and Percy.
Per the logline, Season 2 has Percy returning “to Camp Half-Blood one year later to find his world turned upside down. His friendship with Annabeth is changing, he learns he has a cyclops for a brother, Grover has gone missing and camp is under siege from the forces of Kronos. Percy’s journey to set things right will take him off the map and into the deadly Sea of Monsters, where a secret fate awaits the son of Poseidon.”
Season 2 is adapting Sea of Monsters, the second book in the series. Replacing Riddick was always going to be a challenge as the actor’s booming voice and amazing charisma made him perfect for Zeus. The producers were as shocked as everyone at his death and moving on without Zeus wouldn’t fit the story.
Vance is a fine choice to step into the role. The actor has carved out an amazing career with dozens of TV shows and movies, including hits like Law & Order: Criminal Intent, The Preacher’s Wife and the recent CW drama 61st St. one of his best roles was playing Johnnie Cochran in FX’s American Crime Story: The People vs OJ Simpson which earned him the first of two Emmy Awards.
Vance is adding more Disney fare as he’ll also be playing Cora Bubbles in the upcoming live-action version of Lilo & Stitch. Following Reddick will be a challenge, but Vance has the same charisma and booming voice to match Reddick. He also adds some layers to Zeus, making him less villainous this time around.
So while fans of Lance Reddick will miss him deeply, Vance can still make Season 2 of Percy Jackson a huge one for fans.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 1 streaming on Disney+.