Jeffries also received support from Percy Jackson alumni Alexandra Daddario, who formerly held the role of Chase in a previous adaptation. !May 10, 2022. While the response to Leah Jeffries casting was indeed mostly positive, the young actress was subject to some intense bullying on her social media accounts. Lets Go!! Leahs co-star, Aryan Simhadri, was not met with the same backlash, nor should he have been. And it seems for the most part that fans (and Alexandra Daddario) cant wait to see Leah Jeffries play everyones favorite daughter of Athena. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy. Twelve-year-old actress Leah Sava Jeffries is being harassed simply because she is Black, while the character she will play, Annabeth Chase, was described as white in Author Rick Riordan, who wrote the original Percy Jackson novels, released a statement on his website defending the young actress. He stated his intent to cast the series without regard for factors like ethnicity and gender, and that Leah Jeffries was the best actress to embody Annabeths strength. There is power in plurality. He is heavily involved with the show, however, and most recently welcomed the two new cast members on his blog, highly praising both actors (and sharing a picture of him and the three leads). Now. Now. He stated his intent to cast the series without regard for factors like ethnicity and gender, and that Leah Jeffries was the best actress to embody Annabeths strength. Riordan also called out the racism displayed by fans, and declared it to be the real reason behind the bullying. Once you see Leah as Annabeth, she will become exactly the way you imagine Annabeth, assuming you give her that chance, but you refuse to credit that this may be true. She might be perfect and a great actress but Annabeth is supposed to be blonde hair with grey eyes like Athena., I really wanted them to do everything by the book. NY 10036. 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. She was the daughter of Olivia Lyon, Jamals ex wife, who claimed she was his daughter, but it turned out she wasnt. Author Rick Riordan, who wrote the original Percy Jackson novels, released a statement on his website defending the young actress. 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. 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 of hero they want to be.". Percy Jackson's Annabeth Controversy Brought Out Some Fans' Ugly Side By Cara Smart Published May 20, 2022 Casting controversies aren't uncommon, but Percy 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. Heres how it works. On Tuesday, the author issued a lengthy statement defending the casting of Leah Jeffries as Annabeth Chase. I agree with TheWrap's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy and provide my consent to receive marketing communications from them. While Walker does not have Percys signature Black hair, Riordan assured everyone that he embodied Percy the best. 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? ", "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. She does not have superpowers like her closest friends. Nevertheless, when Idris Elba was cast as Heimdall in Thor, a similarly undervalued character, the backlash was horrific. This entitlement is intertwined with white supremacy. All rights reserved. SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY NEWSLETTER, FIRST TAKE, Percy Jackson Disney+ Series Sets The Adam Project Breakout Walker Scobell in Lead Role, Alexandra Daddario Talks Percy Jackson Disney+ Series and the Chances of Her Return (Video). Alexandra reprises her role of Annabeth in the film adaptation of The Sea of Monsters. And now, at least on Disney+, she always will be. This is not something new. "The response to the casting of Leah has been overwhelmingly positive and joyous, as it should be," Riordan wrote on his website. They join Walker Scobell, who will portray the titular Percy. Since then, there has been significant backlash to the casting of Jeffries, a Black actress, as Annabeth, described as white with blonde hair in the original books. Author Rick Riordan, who is also writing the series and cast the actors, has responded to the backlash on his blog. The only other thing she has is her wisdom and her ambition. If they could act, Disney wanted their tapes. You would think the protest of her character would be on the basis of the colorist casting. Once you see Leah as Annabeth, she will become exactly the way you imagine Annabeth, assuming you give her that chance, but you refuse to credit that this may be true, he wrote. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). 2013 saw the release of a sequel that garnered an even worse reception. I have it. 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 is not a woman. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. She is a Black girl playing someone who was described in the books as white. They said that Clarisse was white and built. As soon as you see her on the screen, you will know what I mean. By Aaron Perine - May 10, 2022 01:25 pm EDT 0 Percy Jackson creator Rick Riordan had to pen a letter supporting Leah Jeffries after she had been cast as Annabeth You can keep up with Leah Sava Jeffries by following her on Instagram @leahsavajeffries! Anyone can be a hero. last updated May 12, 2022 Percy Jackson film vet Alexandra Daddario has weighed in. We did that. They do not necessarily reflect or represent the opinions of any part of Disney, the TV show, the production team, or the Jeffries family. She will be a role model for new generations of girls who will see in her the kind of hero they want to be., Riordan dared those with a problem with this casting to take it up with me. He added, You have no one else to blame. 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. THEY ARE CHILDREN GIVE THEM LOVE INSTEAD BC THEYRE THE PERFECT CASTING FOR THE PERCY JACKSON TV SHOW., A REMINDER THAT NO HATE FOR WALKER SCOBELL, LEAH SAVA JEFFRIES, AND ARYAN SIMHADRI ARE ALLOWED THEY ARE CHILDREN GIVE THEM LOVE INSTEAD BC THEY'RE THE PERFECT CASTING FOR THE PERCY JACKSON TV SHOW . It is only natural that a new generation of kids will get to see themselves in these characters now. People feel as though they have a claim to the characters, and therefore their word is law. Who would be Grover? She is a Black girl playing someone who was described in the books as white. That's your call. When I was 10 years old, I discovered a book series called Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan. "These thoughts are mine alone. James Gunn Reveals New Superman, Batman Movies and More, John Boyega and Kelly Marie Tran were treated, Percy Jackson Creator Pens Letter Supporting Annabeth Chase Actress Leah Jeffries, Everything Coming to Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max & Other Major Streaming Services in March 2023, Stranger Things: The First Shadow Stage Show Coming to London's West End, The Mandalorian Reveals What Happened to Cara Dune, Schitt's Creek Star Says "Never Say Never" to Possible Revival, The Mandalorian Director Says Season 3 Is a "Culmination" of Star Wars Plans, Mayfair Witches: Michelle Ashford on Ciprien's Surprising Journey (Exclusive), Yellowstone Star Breaks Silence About Season 5 Future Amid Kevin Costner Feud Reports, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Teases Gritty Cameo. On April 11th, Walker Scobell was introduced to the world as our new Percy. But this will be an adaptation that I am proud of, and which fully honors the spirit of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, taking the bedtime story I told my son twenty years ago to make him feel better about being neurodivergent, and improving on it so that kids all over the world can continue to see themselves as heroes at Camp Half-Blood. That should mean something. Now., After the announcement, fans of the mythological adventure called out the cast for not staying true to the book, like one Twitter user who said, I really wanted them to do everything by the book. Tessa Thompsons casting as Valkyrie, on the other hand, unleashed a hellfire of vitriol. In the book, Gabe is also described as fat. You refuse to believe her selection could have been based on merit. Why can we not have both brand new characters and race-bend whatever characters we want? ", More:Notorious B.I.G. 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. It's a shame such posts need to be written, but they do. Riordan saidhis goal with casting was to find performers who could "inhabit and bring to life the personalities of these characters" regardless of what they looked like. 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. Her story is one of constant heartbreak, but also unflinching resilience and triumphs. Author Rick Riordan has openly shared grievances with the previous adaptation, particularly when it came to aging up the characters. For every role, please submit qualified performers without regard to disability, gender, race and ethnicity, age, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by law. If you dont get that, if youre still upset about the casting of this marvelous trio, then it doesnt matter how many times you have read the books. First, let me be clear I am speaking here only for myself," Riordan clarified. What We Know About Disney+s Show Her casting as Annabeth Chase was announced in May 2022, along with the announcement of the casting of Aryan Simhadri as Grover Underwood. Additionally, it was announced that Walker Scobell will be playing the titular character back in April 2022. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Now, former Percy Jackson film franchise star Alexandra Daddario has chimed in with a simple but supportive message for the actress taking over her former role. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Leah brings so much energy and enthusiasm to this role, so much of Annabeths strength. And by the way, these criticisms have come from across the political spectrum, right and left. Alexandra Daddario is talking all about Disney+s upcoming Percy Jackson series, which is expected to debut sometime in 2022. All people. You are judging her appropriateness for this role solely and exclusively on how she looks. This trio is the best. The most watched K-pop music videos of the year have been revealed. However, no one is saying the same thing about Tim Sharp. The Wise Girl has arrived!. In fact, when the author himself says that you have misunderstood the character as he wrote her, then you know youre wrong. You can read Rick Riordans full statement here. She is a Black girl playing someone who was described in the books as white. At times, her character gets into situations that are not pretty. May 10, 2022 Shannen Michaelsen Last week, it was announced that Leah Sava Jeffries would portray Annabeth Chase and Aryan Simhadri would portray Grover Rick Riordan will not stand for any racism toward or bullying of the new "Percy Jackson" cast. Please check your email to find a confirmation email, and follow the steps to confirm your humanity. That neurodivergent kid who has failed out of six schools, for instance, may well be the son of Poseidon. One of the main gripes that anchored discourse in online circles was the way the characters looked. Will Alert: Missing Persons Unit Be Renewed For Season 2 On Fox After Finale? That neurodivergent kid who has failed out of six schools, for instance, may well be the son of Poseidon. From the outset of casting for the Disney+ series, Rick says he made it Its how we navigate the world based on what were taught and our own personal histories.. Lets not even get into the complete disregard of the story from the source material. 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. Riordan made a point to clarify that he was not instructed by Disney or anyone else on who he should pick to play the beloved half-bloods. The children of Greek gods attend a summer camp known as Camp Half-Blood, where they train and hone their abilities. The things that distinguish us from one another are often our marks of individual greatness. Actor, singer, and occasional dancer. May 5th was D-Day. She has also always been Black to me. "Watch the show or don't. If you have a problem with this casting, however, take it up with me. She might be perfect and a great actress but Annabeth is supposed to be blonde hair with grey eyes like Athena , To comments like that, the author said, You are judging her appropriateness for this role solely and exclusively on how she looks. We took a year to do this process thoroughly and find the best of the best. She doesnt look the way I always imagined.. Without having seen her play the part, you have pre-judged her (pre + judge = prejudice) and decided she must have been hired simply to fill a quota or tick a diversity box. Alexandra Daddario joins Percy Jackson author Rick Riordan in praising Leah Jeffries after fans criticized her casting as the new Annabeth Chase in Disney+ series. In the movie version, the characters were portrayed by Brandon T. Jackson and Alexandra Daddario. Rick Riordan went out looking for the most talented actors to portray the characters that he wrote and when he found them, they just so happened to not be white. The things that distinguish us from one another are often our marks of individual greatness. Yara Shahidi Stars as Tinker Bell In New 'Peter Pan & Wendy' Trailer - Watch Here! Her casting as Annabeth Chase was announced in May 2022, along with the announcement of the casting of Aryan Simhadri as Grover Underwood. Empire fans may recognize Leah from her role as Lola on the hit Fox drama. Rick Riordan made a promise that he was going to try to keep the spirit of his books alive with young actors who would be accurate to the ages of the characters. Annabeth must work ten times harder than everyone around her to be seen as powerful and worthy of being a hero. They need to stop. The idea of blackwashing is a clear example of misogynoir. Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief hit theaters in 2010. 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. Jenna Ortega Starring in New Movie with The Weeknd, Cady Heron's Mom Has Been Cast for 'Mean Girls' Movie Musical. In the film, based on the novel by Melissa Hill, a womans life is upended when an engagement ring meant for someone else leads her to the person shes meant to be with, reports Deadline. Percy Jackson creator Rick Riordan had to pen a letter supporting Leah Jeffries after she had been cast as Annabeth Chase in the Disney+ series. New York, They need to stop. You either are not aware, or have dismissed, Leahs years of hard work honing her craft, her talent, her tenacity, her focus, her screen presence, Riordan wrote. 'It is not racist to want an actor who is accurate to the books description of the character!' They do not necessarily reflect or represent the opinions of any part of Disney, the TV show, the production team, or the Jeffries family. The main trio of Percy Jackson and the Olympians has officially been cast for the upcoming Disney Plus show. You have no one else to blame," he continued."We should be able to agree that bullying and harassing a child online is inexcusably wrong. She also starred in the comedy Rel on the same network. Gender and race. 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. Daddario has already given the new series her blessing, but after the news went public that Leah Jeffries' casting sparked negative reactions and insults on her social media accounts, Alexandra Daddario stepped up to cheer her on, though without addressing any of the blowback directly. ", 'Percy Jackson' author Rick Riordan not a fan of the film adaptations, calls them a 'mess', He continued: "You are judging her appropriateness for this role solely and exclusively on how she looks. People rejoiced. In the second film, Alexandra dyed her hair blonde to resemble Annabeth more. You didn't learn anything from them," the creator notes. The core message of Percy Jackson has always been that difference is strength. Annabeths story is not about the color of her hair. In fact, this should be the norm. Muscles can be built. No actor should have to bear their job. "Leah brings so much energy and enthusiasm to this role, so much of Annabeths strength. Additionally, it was IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. Racism/colorism isnt something we have or dont have. Leah Jeffires definitely isnt the first Black actress to be the target of racist commenters after being cast in a role that was initially written as and played by a white person. She is a Black girl playing someone who was described in the books as whitethat is racism.#LeahIsOurAnnabeth Read Ricks statement at the link below:https://t.co/DGeOzrjZuw. Watch the show or dont. Rick Riordan and the rest of the Percy Jackson crew immediately came out against the racist trolls. There was a problem. When Anna Diop was cast as Starfire in the DC show Titans, people could not fathom it. ", "You have decided that I couldnt possibly mean what I have always said: That the true nature of the character lies in their personality. 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. And before you resort to the old kneejerk reaction I am not racist! lets examine that statement too. Oops. The character could not be Biracial. 'But I am not racist,'you say. In the series, we follow 12-year-old Percy Jackson as he stumbles into the world of Greek gods and monsters. Percy Jackson film vet Alexandra Daddario has weighed in. Likes: fashion, books, old buildings. Friends, that is racism. 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. The key differences between the two actors? The only gift her mother ever gave her was an invisibility hat. Jacob Elordi, Will Poulter & Sasha Calle Will Star In New Book to Movie Adaptation. 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. 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+. 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. She also is playing the (10-year-old spoiler alert!) 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. Coming up, Leah will star in the movie Beast with Idris Elba, which finds Elba on a trip to South Africa, only for he and his two teenage daughters to be hunted by a massive rogue lion intent on proving that the savanna has but one apex predator, according to The Wrap. It is worth noting that in the book Annabeth is described as having blonde hair, Percy is described as having black hair, and Grover is described as having brown hair. Dislikes: cilantro, the NJ Turnpike, sneaker wedges. 0. In the books, Rue was a dark-skinned Black girl, and Amandla is light-skinned. Along the way, he gains two main friends, Annabeth, daughter of Athena, and Grover, his satyr protector. But following last weeks announcement that actress Leah Sava Jeffries was cast as the series deuteragonist and love interest Annabeth Chase, (@camphalfblood) May 10, 2022. Meet the 'Percy Jackson' Series' Annabeth Chase! But I am not racist, you say. We should be able to agree that bullying and harassing a child online is inexcusably wrong, Riordan wrote. This page was last changed on 26 October 2022, at 04:22.
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