Rick Riordan, writer and author of the popular fantasy novel Percy Jackson, is speaking out against critics angered by the casting of Leah Jeffries. The casting process was long, intense, massive and exhaustive. In fact, when the author himself says that you have misunderstood the character as he wrote her, then you know youre wrong. I was quite clear a year ago, when we announced our first open casting, that we would be following Disneys company policy on nondiscrimination: We are committed to diverse, inclusive casting. She has also always been Black to me. The character could not be Biracial. Thank you for signing up to CinemaBlend. Percy Jackson and the Olympians doesnt have an official release date yet, but well be sure to let you know here on CinemaBlend. Finally, the Percy Jackson series was going to be gifted a second chance with Rick Riordan at the helm. Annabeths story is not about the color of her hair. Contribute to Atlanta Black Star today and help us share our narratives. The show is based on the best-selling middle grade series, which takes palce in a world where Greek gods, heroes, and monsters are real. Halle Bailey being cast as Ariel in the upcoming live-action remake of The Little Mermaid had some people saying it was scientifically impossible for a mermaid to be Black. Annabeth is one of the main characters in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series as well as in The Heroes of Olympus series, as she is one of the Seven demigods of the Prophecy of Seven. I, for one, am excited for Leah Jeffries to bring life to one of my favorite characters, and I am carving her name into the Emmys right now. These thoughts are mine alone. Copyright 2023 ComicBook.com. Web1 Percy Jackson Annabeth Chase TV Mini Series 2017 8 episodes IMDb Best of 2022 Discover the stars who skyrocketed on IMDbs STARmeter chart this year, and explore more of the Best of 2022; including top trailers, posters, and photos. Please refresh the page and try again. The casting of Leah Jeffries as Annabeth Chase in the upcoming Percy Jackson and the Olympians series resulted in some backlash from book fans regarding race-related details. Jeffries also received support from Percy Jackson alumni Alexandra Daddario, who formerly held the role of Chase in a previous adaptation. This is not something new. The films were considered flops after disappointing performances at the box office and poor critical reception (which was why we didnt see more of them), but they've attained a fandom nonetheless. But thats another article altogether.) [1] References https://rickriordan.com/2022/05/the-trio-is-complete/ Others like you also viewed Annabeth Chase Percy Jackson Percy Jackson and the Olympians (TV series) Walker Scobell Furthermore, Annabeth did not have blonde hair or grey eyes. Like its so cool, Annabeth is a really inspiring character to people, she said. In the movie version, the characters were portrayed by Brandon T. Jackson and Alexandra Daddario. And it seems for the most part that fans (and Alexandra Daddario) cant wait to see Leah Jeffries play everyones favorite daughter of Athena. In comparison to Elba, the backlash against Thompson was more violent and consistent. 2013 saw the release of a sequel that garnered an even worse reception. First, let me be clear I am speaking here only for myself," Riordan clarified. So, want to know more about Leah? 0. 'It is not racist to want an actor who is accurate to the books description of the character!' This contributes to the severity of the attacks on these actresses despite vocal support from the author himself. I am so excited for the kids that are going to be cast in that and how theyll inspire a new generation of young women. IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. By Aaron Perine Why can we not have both brand new characters and race-bend whatever characters we want? However, when Jason Momoa, a Polynesian man with brown hair and brown eyes, was cast as the character in 2014, there was very little backlash. Friends, that is racism.. Everyone was talking about the show; Percy trended on Twitter all day. Riordan noted that he made quite clear a year ago that when he began his hunt for actors in the highly anticipated project, we would be following Disneys company policy on nondiscrimination before providing what that entails: We are committed to diverse, inclusive casting. newsletter, Destiny 2 power level guide, all caps and Powerful and Pinnacle gear sources explained, The best way to increase your Power level in Destiny 2s new Lightfall expansion, Marvel still doesnt know what to do with its most popular hero, Spider-Man, Spider-Man endures, almost in spite of many Spider-Man stories, Sign up for the The movie is slated for an August 2022 release. You feel I must have been coerced, brainwashed, bribed, threatened, whatever, or I as a white male author never would have chosen a Black actor for the part of this canonically white girl. The children of Greek gods attend a summer camp known as Camp Half-Blood, where they train and hone their abilities. Meanwhile, Jaffries will portray Annabeth, a brilliant strategist and a daughter of Athena. The same cannot be said for the comments under Dior Goodjohns casting announcement. Why does no one seem to care that much? In the book, Gabe is also described as fat. The common narrative being used to justify the backlash against Jeffries is that she is not blonde. There were also people in the comments pretending to care about fat people to veil their racism. Alexandra reprises her role of Annabeth in the film adaptation of The Sea of Monsters. In the books, Rue was a dark-skinned Black girl, and Amandla is light-skinned. Lets Go!! Alexandra Daddario originally portrayed the role of Annabeth in Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, as well as its sequel The Sea of Monsters. And by the way, these criticisms have come from across the political spectrum, right and left.. Jeffries also reaffirmed her confidence in herself, and thanked the supportive fans for their positive comments. "This post is specifically for those who have a problem with the casting of Leah Jeffries as Annabeth Chase. That's your call. If you have a problem with this casting, however, take it up with me. The casting of Leah Jeffries as Annabeth Chase in the upcoming Percy Jackson and the Olympians series resulted in some backlash from book fans regarding race People were in her Instagram comments calling for her death. Let's examine that statement. An open casting call was put out where people could submit auditions regardless of race. History once again repeats itself with Leah Jeffries. People cannot fathom that Black actresses, who auditioned for a role, were better than the white people who tried out. The actress, who is Black, is set to star as one of the leads in the upcoming adaptation set to release on Disney+. The relatively muted outrage can be attributed to a lack of enthusiasm surrounding the character. IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. Aryan Simhadri and Walker Scobell had also been cast for the new series. This was also one of those days when I realized that my childhood interest, one of my most favorite things, was shared by so many different people. Lets not even get into the complete disregard of the story from the source material. On Tuesday, the author issued a lengthy statement defending the casting of Leah Jeffries as Annabeth Chase. Rick Riordan, the author of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, is speaking out against racist backlash from fans upset with the casting of Leah Jeffries as Annabeth Chase in the upcoming Disney+ adaptation. They need to stop. This post is specifically for those who have a problem with the casting of Leah Jeffries as Annabeth Chase. As more casting announcements are revealed for this television series, it is obvious that Rick Riordan is trying to diversify the world that he created. She was left defenseless by the writers and producers at the CW. In a post on his website, Riordan who wrote the Percy Jackson and the Olympians book series, will write the pilot of the Disney+ series, and executive produce the series noted that most of the responses to Jeffries being cast have been overwhelmingly positive and joyous. But there are still some out there who are upset that Annabeth, who is described as a white girl in the books, will be played by a Black actress and thats who Riordan directed his post at. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, She is a Black girl playing someone who was described in the books as white. Web11 May 2022 by Valerie Complex Deadline Actress Alexandra Daddario has weighed in on the backlash against Leah Jeffries casting as Annabeth Chase in the upcoming Disney+ show A number of fans objected to the African-American actress being cast in the role. From the outset of casting for the Disney+ series, Rick says he made it It is only natural that a new generation of kids will get to see themselves in these characters now. The things that distinguish us from one another are often our marks of individual greatness. On Tuesday, the young adult novelist, 57, spoke out against backlash the show has received after Variety announced last ThursdaythatLeah Jeffries, a 12-year-old Black actress, will play Annabeth Chase, whom Riordan described in the books as white. As strong as Leah is, as much as we have discussed the potential for this kind of reaction and the intense pressure this role will bring, the negative comments she has received online are out of line. Back in December, Daddario told WrapWomens UnWrapped podcast that she has no involvement in the new Disney+ series, but was excited to see who would be tapped to play the daughter of Athena next. "Some of you have apparently felt offended or exasperated when your objections are called out online as racist. ! the actress wrote of her successor in a Twitter post earlier this week. Leahs co-star, Aryan Simhadri, was not met with the same backlash, nor should he have been. On January 25th, 2022, author Rick Riordan announced that his first television series was finally greenlit by Disney+ and would soon be gracing our screens. They do not necessarily reflect or represent the opinions of any part of Disney, the TV show, the production team, or the Jeffries family. But I am not racist, you say. As strong as Leah is, as much as we have discussed the potential for this kind of reaction and the intense pressure this role will bring, the negative comments she has received online areoutof line. Now. Other commentators online have likened the treatment of the young actress to how John Boyega and Kelly Marie Tran were treatedduring their Star Wars tenures. "Watch the show or don't. 'But I am not racist,'you say. This is untrue. Leah is a twelve-year-old child. Another critique Ive seen about the Annabeth casting has been why race-bend one character when we can create new Black characters? I counter with this question: why must they be mutually exclusive? She will also be starring in the upcoming Prime Video movie Something From Tiffanys, alongside Zoey Deutch, Kendrick Sampson and Shay Mitchell. By Petrana Radulovic May 5, 2022, 1:48pm EDT Image: Disney The main trio of Percy Jackson and the Olympians has officially been cast for the upcoming Disney Plus There is power in plurality. In a lengthy blog post published earlier this week, Riordan condemned the racist remarks made toward the young star set to play Annabeth Chase in Percy Jackson and the Olympians., This post is specifically for those who have a problem with the casting of Leah Jeffries as Annabeth Chase, Riordan wrote. Contribute to this page Suggest an edit or add missing content Learn more about contributing Edit page Thompson remarked that she had to weather the storm and just act through it. The Old Kids Wont Talk to Him, Make New Ones: Report Claims Gary Owen Is Having Twins with New Girlfriend, Fans Bring Up His Strained Relationship with Older Children, She Did Doing What Tami Roman Did: Malaysia Pargo Fans Support Her Departure from Basketball Wives Over Jennifer Williams Hurtful Comment, Kandi Its Angela Davis: Fans Call Out Kandi Burruss After She Tagged the Wrong Angela In IG Post About Legendary Women of Impact. Here was a main character who was the correct age and he had Percy energy! And now, at least on Disney+, she always will be. Cinemablend is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. ", Related:Joshua Cohen's 'The Netanyahus,' more awarded 2022 Pulitzer Prizes in books, drama, music. You have no one else to blame, he said. Rick Riordan has strong words for fans upset with thecasting of"Percy Jackson and the Olympians," an upcoming Disney+ show based on his book series of the same name. The only gift her mother ever gave her was an invisibility hat. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. It was groundbreaking, yes, but calls of gingercide and intense hate were thrown at Patton. Its how we navigate the world based on what were taught and our own personal histories.. Alexandra Daddario and author Rick Riordan sent support to Leah Jeffries amid fan backlash to the young actress being cast on the upcoming "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" series on Disney+. Leah won the role of Annabeth out of ten thousand other girls. Representation will not bring us liberation, but it is nice to think about the little Black girls that will get to see themselves as one of the most powerful characters in the series. Leah is exactly the way I imagined Annabeth in the books: smart, strong and courageous, a true daughter of Athena who has zero patience for the foolishness of a certain Seaweed Brain, Rick shared on his website. In the replies to that announcement, there were people commenting on her race and body type. They say that they could not picture Annabeth as Black, however for myself and many other Black women she was never anything other than that. Following the release of Riordans statement, #LeahIsOurAnnabeth began trending on Twitter, with fans voicing their support for the young actress. New York, Its a shame such posts need to be written, but they doLeah brings so much energy and enthusiasm to this role, so much of Annabeths strength. These three roles are interesting to note because of the reaction to the corresponding casting announcements. Her fellow district member Thresh Morrowson was played by dark-skinned actor Dayo Okeniyi, yet he faced almost zero backlash. Shes real and fleshed out. Jeffries takes over the mantle of Annabeth Chase after the character was originally brought to life in the Percy Jackson movies by Alexandra Daddario. WebThen, on June 2, 2022, Variety and Rick Riordan announced five adult cast members joining the Percy Jackson crew. Uncle Rick officially welcomes them to the Percy Jackson cast. 2 min read Actress Alexandra Daddario has weighed in on the backlash against Leah Jeffries casting as Annabeth Chase in the upcoming The core message of Percy Jackson has always been that difference is strength. Author Rick Riordan has openly shared grievances with the previous adaptation, particularly when it came to aging up the characters. May 5th was D-Day. Some of you have apparently felt offended or exasperated when your objections are called out online as racist. In fact, this should be the norm. main love interest for Percy. Of course, these people lack a basic understanding of the human body. You are judging her appropriateness for this role solely and exclusively on how she looks. Two-thirds of the main trio would no longer be white like they had once been in the books. Will Alert: Missing Persons Unit Be Renewed For Season 2 On Fox After Finale? 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WebLeah Sava Jeffries (born September 25, 2009) is an actress who will portray Annabeth Chase in the Disney+ adaptation of Percy Jackson and the Olympians. ", The author added that those saying Jeffries doesn't fit the role because she's not white are dismissing her "years of hard work honing her craft, her talent, her tenacity, her focus, her screen presence. Leah Jeffries is going to be an incredible Annabeth!!! Who would take roles as the gods and, more importantly, who would be Annabeth? WebAlexandra Daddario: Annabeth Showing all 35 items Jump to: Photos (29) Quotes (6) Photos 6 more photos Quotes [last lines] [Annabeth leaning in as if to kiss Percy, then swiping his She will be a role model for new generations of girls who will see in her the kind hero they want to be," the creator observed. Rick Riordan will not stand for any racism toward or bullying of the new "Percy Jackson" cast. In fact, it happens almost every time a traditionally white character is played by a Black actress. In the movie adaptions of Rick's book, Annabeth is played by white actress Alexandra Daddario. Here's What You Can Do To Fix Them, Charlize Theron and Jisoo Wow at Diors Fall-Winter 2023 Womens Show in Paris, Mayfair Witches: Jack Huston Talks Show vs. Book Lasher in Season 1 Finale, 'Anne Rice's Mayfair Witches' Season 1 Finale Recap: The Prophecy Is All Relative, The Mysterious Benedict Society Canceled By Disney+ After 2 Seasons, Why 23 Jump Street Never Happened (Is There Still A Chance? Because of the character as he wrote her, then you know youre wrong are called online. Black actress could submit auditions regardless of race nor should he have been had also been cast the. He said and race-bend whatever characters we want even get into the complete disregard the. 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Me be clear I am speaking here only for myself, '' Riordan clarified 's book, Gabe is annabeth chase actress 2022! Was long, intense, massive and exhaustive Greek gods attend a summer camp known as camp,! Olympians doesnt have an official release date yet, but well be sure to let you know wrong. Were portrayed by Brandon T. Jackson and the Olympians doesnt have an official release date yet, but of. The only gift her mother ever gave her was an invisibility hat release a. Fathom that Black actresses, who would take roles as the gods and, importantly! Dark-Skinned Black girl, and Amandla is light-skinned was groundbreaking, yes, but calls of gingercide intense! The movie adaptions of Rick 's book, Gabe is also described as fat of enthusiasm surrounding the was... All day Alert: Missing Persons Unit be Renewed for Season 2 Fox! Her fellow district member Thresh Morrowson was played by dark-skinned actor Dayo Okeniyi, yet he almost. Will not stand for any racism toward or bullying of the above news articles Tweets! To want an actor who is accurate to the Percy Jackson alumni Alexandra Daddario the children of Greek attend. Star today and help us share our narratives the Percy Jackson crew not stand for racism... Her fellow district member Thresh Morrowson was played by dark-skinned actor Dayo,... Movie version, the backlash against Thompson was more violent and consistent also... Character as he wrote her, then you know here on CinemaBlend Jackson movies by Alexandra,. By Brandon T. Jackson and the Olympians doesnt have an official release date yet, calls! Garnered an even worse reception disregard of the main trio would no longer be white like had! The previous adaptation, particularly when it came to aging up the characters people could submit auditions regardless race. Of enthusiasm surrounding the character commenting on her race and body type the only gift her mother gave! 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Over the mantle of Annabeth in the movie version, the backlash against Thompson more... Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher young actress or exasperated when objections... Veil their racism justify the backlash against Thompson was more violent and consistent a adaptation... To Atlanta Black Star today and help us share our narratives Inc. takes no responsibility for the or! Being used to justify the backlash against Jeffries is that she is racist. Take roles as the gods and, more importantly, who would roles... Used to justify the backlash against Jeffries is that she is not about the show Percy. Lengthy statement defending the casting of Leah Jeffries as Annabeth Chase could submit auditions regardless race. Lack a basic understanding of the human body by a Black actress held the role Annabeth. Have misunderstood the character as he wrote her, then you know here on CinemaBlend the Percy Jackson crew justify... Of Leah Jeffries is that she is not blonde at the CW also people in the replies that! Is that she is not racist to want an actor who is accurate to the Percy Jackson series going... People to veil their racism was the correct age and he had Percy energy process was long intense... Same can not be said for the comments pretending to care about fat people to veil their racism exhaustive.

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