Legendary Author Rick Riordan doubles down in defense of HIS casting for Annabeth Chase for the upcoming “Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The TV Series.”
Rick Riordan is a hell of a writer. Clear, descriptive, entertaining – he’s one of the best. But that means when he delivers a message succinctly, it can come down, well, like a lightning bolt.
Riordan’s latest post, explicitly aimed at “those who have a problem with the casting of Leah Jeffries as Annabeth Chase,” delivered an unequivocal message.
Back.
Off.
I have been clear, as the author, that I was looking for the best actors to inhabit and bring to life the personalities of these characters, and that physical appearance was secondary for me. We did that. We took a year to do this process thoroughly and find the best of the best. This trio is the best. Leah Jeffries is Annabeth Chase.
Rick Riordan
Riordan characterized the controversy over casting a Black actor in what was assumed to be a white character’s role in Disney’s upcoming Percy Jackson and the Olympians series as “racism.”
Moreover, he doubled down on the real purpose of his mythical creations.
“The core message of Percy Jackson has always been that difference is strength. There is power in plurality. The things that distinguish us from one another are often our marks of individual greatness,” wrote Riordan.
“You should never judge someone by how well they fit your preconceived notions,” he added. “That neurodivergent kid who has failed out of six schools, for instance, may well be the son of Poseidon. Anyone can be a hero.
“If you don’t get that, if you’re still upset about the casting of this marvelous trio, then it doesn’t matter how many times you have read the books. You didn’t learn anything from them.”
Amen.
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