Disney+ has released the new series that every fan of Greek mythology and writer Rick Riordan has been waiting for: Percy Jackson and the Olympians. The updated version of the classic has returned to the screen, this time with an improved story and new details to discover.
The title has not only made a grand entrance into the catalog but has also managed to break records on the platform, solidifying itself as the biggest debut of all time for the TV company, garnering 13.3 million views in its first episode during the first six days.
The two previous movies, starring Logan Lerman and Alexandra Daddario, tell a different story than the new adaptation. Several characters have been altered and one of them is Medusa, portrayed by Jessica Parker Kennedy.
What changes did the story of Medusa undergo in the Percy Jackson series?
The third and new episode of Percy Jackson and the Olympians introduced more characters to the plot, in addition to presenting the story of one of the most well-known and iconic figures from the books: Medusa. This time, the scene in which she appears stood out for being different from the original novels, significantly altering the course.
Walker Scobell, Leah Jeffries and Aryan Simhadri in Percy Jackson and the Olympians. (Source: IMDb)
The series deviates quite a bit from the novel in depicting Medusa’s backstory, delving into the weight of her experiences (including the assault she suffered) and exploring the origins of the myth associated with her name.
Furthermore, the show also portrays the affection the character has for Athena, the goddess of wisdom, strategy, and justice. It depicts how she continues to make offerings and prayers in her honor, despite not receiving any response or acknowledgment from the goddess so far. Jessica Parker-Kennedy brings the snake-haired woman to life and delivers a monologue filled with emotions, narrating her story.
This is one of the many different moments in the show compared to the novel, as in the books, her past is mentioned in just a paragraph. The producers chose to integrate the character more into the narrative and add unprecedented scenes, such as a battle with the main trio, consisting of Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase and Grover Underwood.
What is Percy Jackson and the Olympians about?
This time, the series closely follows the demigod Percy Jackson, who leads a quest across America to prevent a war among the gods of Olympus. The 12-year-old modern youth is just getting used to his divine powers when Zeus, the god of the sky, accuses him of stealing his powerful lightning bolt.
With the help of his friends, Annabeth Chase and Grover Underwood, he must venture into the depths to clear his name and prevent these leaders from destroying everything in their path. The main trio is portrayed by Walker Scobell, Leah Jeffries and Aryan Simhadri, while Lance Reddick plays the ruler of Olympus.
