Alexandra Daddario originally portrayed the role of Annabeth in Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, as well as its sequel The Sea of Monsters. "The response to the casting of Leah has been overwhelmingly positive and joyous, as it should be," Riordan wrote on his website. The Chris Columbus-directed film was greeted with a lukewarm reception from critics and even worse reactions from devout fans of the series. 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. ", More:Notorious B.I.G. These three roles are interesting to note because of the reaction to the corresponding casting announcements. You refuse to believe me, the guy who wrote the books and created these characters, when I say that these actors are perfect for the roles because of the talent they bring and the way they used their auditions to expand, improve and electrify the lines they were given. Racism/colorism isnt something we have or dont have. She is a Black girl playing someone who was described in the books as white. Furthermore, Annabeth did not have blonde hair or grey eyes. Riordan also reiterated that, as the man who created these characters, he is inarguably best suited for knowing who should play them, and is confident that audiences will fall in love with Jeffries as Annabeth. "If you have a problem with this casting, however, take it up with me. If that doesnt speak to the Black girl experience, I dont know what does. In the movie adaptions of Rick's book, Annabeth is played by white actress Alexandra Daddario. His blonde hair was a negligible non-issue that was largely brushed aside. 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. ", In addition to announcing Jeffries as Annabeth, Variety also reported "Cheaper by the Dozen" star Aryan Simhadri will play satyr Grover.Walker Scobell from "The Adam Project" had already been announced as series protagonist Percy Jackson., In May 2020, Riordan confirmed onTwitterthat a live-action series based on hisbooks about kidsdescended from Greek gods would be coming to Disney+., "Rest assured that (my wife) Becky & I will be involved in person in every aspect of the show," he wrote inthe announcement. May 10, 2022 Shannen Michaelsen Last week, it was announced that Leah Sava Jeffries would portray Annabeth Chase and Aryan Simhadri would portray Grover 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. Meanwhile, Jaffries will portray Annabeth, a brilliant strategist and a daughter of Athena. You are judging her appropriateness for this role solely and exclusively on how she looks. Leah brings so much energy and enthusiasm to this role, so much of Annabeths strength. Friends, that is racism. 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. Now. Take a look at her message below: Leah Jeffries is going to be an incredible Annabeth!! While Walker does not have Percys signature Black hair, Riordan assured everyone that he embodied Percy the best. Additionally, it was Lets not even get into the complete disregard of the story from the source material. When I was 10 years old, I discovered a book series called Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan. She doesnt look the way I always imagined.. Percy Jackson & the Olympians fans showed their more controversial side when Leah Jeffries was cast as Annabeth Chase in the upcoming Disney+ TV series. When the fan base learned that Disney+ was picking up their beloved franchise for a second shot at on-screen adaptation, they were ecstatic. Previously Walker Scobell (The Adam Project) was cast in the lead role of Percy Jackson. Jenna Ortega Starring in New Movie with The Weeknd, Cady Heron's Mom Has Been Cast for 'Mean Girls' Movie Musical. 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 . The actress, who is Black, is set to star as one of the leads in the upcoming adaptation set to release on Disney+. Elba himself has described playing Heimdall as torture. Author Rick Riordan, who wrote the original Percy Jackson novels, released a statement on his website defending the young actress. "If you have a problem with this casting, however, take it up with me. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy. The idea of blackwashing is a clear example of misogynoir. The character of Aquaman has historically been white with blond hair and blue eyes. You didn't learn anything from them," the creator notes. We took a year to do this process thoroughly and find the best of the best. People cannot fathom that Black actresses, who auditioned for a role, were better than the white people who tried out. "Watch the show or don't. People feel as though they have a claim to the characters, and therefore their word is law. In the second film, Alexandra dyed her hair blonde to resemble Annabeth more. Weve got you covered! Ten thousand other actresses of various backgrounds auditioned for Annabeth and Rick Riordan hand-picked Leah. The response to the casting of Leah has been overwhelmingly positive and joyous, as it should be. Leah won the role of Annabeth out of ten thousand other girls. The most watched K-pop music videos of the year have been revealed. Annabeth She is a Black girl playing someone who was described in the books as white. They do not necessarily reflect or represent the opinions of any part of Disney, the TV show, the production team, or the Jeffries family. You have it. She will be a role model for new generations of girls who will see in her the kind of hero they want to be.". These thoughts are mine alone. 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. The Wise Girl has arrived!. We did that. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 'It is not racist to want an actor who is accurate to the books description of the character!' By Allison Schonter - May 12, 2022 09:18 am EDT. 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. Thats your call. And not just white people like me. WebAnnabeth Chase is a fictional character in Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus series. On Tuesday, the author issued a lengthy statement defending the casting of Leah Jeffries as Annabeth Chase. Leah Jeffries is going to be an incredible Annabeth!!! The same cannot be said for the comments under Dior Goodjohns casting announcement. Alexandra Daddario Supports Percy Jackson Series Casting Of Annabeth Role As Leah Jeffries Speaks Out About Online Bullying, Hoda Kotb Absent From Today Due To Family Health Matter, Savannah Guthrie Still Out After Positive Covid Test, Hoda Kotb's Today Absence Due to 'Family Health Matter', iPhone GIFs Not Working? Nevertheless, it is as interesting as it is disturbing that these critics have no problem with a non-demigod role going to someone who isnt white. Aryan Simhadri (left) and Leah Jeffries (right). 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 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). 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. 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 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. Actor, singer, and occasional dancer. 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 There is power in plurality. Shes real and fleshed out. Watching her act with Walker and Aryan, I saw Annabeth Chase come to life. The main trio of Percy Jackson and the Olympians has officially been cast for the upcoming Disney Plus show. Alexandra In the replies to that announcement, there were people commenting on her race and body type. Rick Riordan and the rest of the Percy Jackson crew immediately came out against the racist trolls. 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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. The only other thing she has is her wisdom and her ambition. Here was a main character who was the correct age and he had Percy energy! Alexandra reprises her role of Annabeth in the film adaptation of The Sea of Monsters. She revealed in an Instagram live session that she was even driven to delete her TikTok account after receiving such hateful messages. Simadri plays Grover, Percys best friend who is secretly a satyr, a half-man half-goat creature from Greek mythology. Whatever else you take from this post, we should be able to agree that bullying and harassing a child online is inexcusably wrong. 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. Percy Jackson and the Olympians doesnt have an official release date yet, but well be sure to let you know here on CinemaBlend. The response to Diors casting is colored by her being an antagonist, meanwhile, Leah is playing a hero. 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. Author Rick Riordan has openly shared grievances with the previous adaptation, particularly when it came to aging up the characters. WebPercy Jackson Author Shuts Down Backlash to Casting Black Actress as Annabeth Chase: Friends, That Is Racism 10 May 2022 by Andi Ortiz The Wrap Rick Riordan will not stand Who Is Leah Sava Jeffries? I agree with TheWrap's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy and provide my consent to receive marketing communications from them. and The Doobie Brothers have nothing in common - except great books out this week. Its a But, elements of the fandom online have been hyper critical of Jefferies' inclusion. "Buckle up, demigods. In the movie version, the characters were portrayed by Brandon T. Jackson and Alexandra Daddario. Her story is one of constant heartbreak, but also unflinching resilience and triumphs. last updated May 12, 2022 Percy Jackson film vet Alexandra Daddario has weighed in. But thats another article altogether.) Alexandra Daddario hasnt been the only Percy Jackson-related vet to support Leah Jeffries. In fact, when the author himself says that you have misunderstood the character as he wrote her, then you know youre wrong. 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. 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.". In a lengthy blog post published earlier this week, She will be a role model for new generations of girls who will see in her the kind of hero they want to be. It should mean almost everything. Rather than finding excitement in the concept of new interpretations of classic characters, social media trolls tend to share negative critiques without seeing the finished product first, and in this case share them before filming has even started. Who would take roles as the gods and, more importantly, who would be Annabeth? By Aaron Perine Warm messages continued to pour in, including one from a Twitter user who commented, A REMINDER THAT NO HATE FOR WALKER SCOBELL, LEAH SAVA JEFFRIES, AND ARYAN SIMHADRI ARE ALLOWED. Jeffries takes over the mantle of Annabeth Chase after the character was originally brought to life in the Percy Jackson movies by Alexandra Daddario. 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. 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. [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 Annabeths story is not about the color of her hair. She is a Black girl playing someone who was described in the books as white. From look I didnt want to be a half-blood, I was hooked. People were in her Instagram comments calling for her death. Dior is not as big as Clarisse was described in the book. Whats more? In comparison to Elba, the backlash against Thompson was more violent and consistent. This trio is the best. And now, at least on Disney+, she always will be. 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. 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. The conversation turned odious enough for the creative to create a post on his website calling for the end of the harassment the young actor has faced. This is something that other studios have failed to do, but it should not be commended. 1:58. This is not something new. IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. 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. Why does no one seem to care that much? You will receive a verification email shortly. 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. 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+. If I may quote from an excellent recent article in the Boston Globe about Dr. Khama Ennis, who created a program on implicit bias for the Massachusetts Board of Registration for Medicine in Boston: To say a person doesnt have bias is to say that person isnt human. I have it. Annabeth must work ten times harder than everyone around her to be seen as powerful and worthy of being a hero. You should never judge someone by how well they fit your preconceived notions. Jeffries also received support from Percy Jackson alumni Alexandra Daddario, who formerly held the role of Chase in a previous adaptation. She is not a woman. Leah is a twelve-year-old child. Leah Jeffries is Annabeth Chase. A weekly roundup of the best things from Polygon. New York, Watch the show or dont. Everyone was too old. In the books, Rue was a dark-skinned Black girl, and Amandla is light-skinned. 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. She will also be starring in the upcoming Prime Video movie Something From Tiffanys, alongside Zoey Deutch, Kendrick Sampson and Shay Mitchell. From the outset of casting for the Disney+ series, Rick says he made it "This post is specifically for those who have a problem with the casting of Leah Jeffries as Annabeth Chase. Like its so cool, Annabeth is a really inspiring character to people, she said. It's going to be a fantastic, exciting ride! IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. History once again repeats itself with Leah Jeffries. She should not have to be strong in the face of blatant misogynoir by people who want to put her in her place or dim her shine. We did that. WebBest of 2022 Oscars Best Picture Winners Best Picture Winners Emmys STARmeter Awards San Diego Comic-Con New York Comic-Con Sundance Film Festival Toronto Int'l Film Contribute to Atlanta Black Star today and help us share our narratives. 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. The casting process was long, intense, massive and exhaustive. The things that distinguish us from one another are often our marks of individual greatness. Anyone can be a hero. Meet the 'Percy Jackson' Series' Annabeth Chase! They also cannot imagine a little Black girl playing a hero. May 10, 2022 Leah Jeffries is Annabeth Chase This post is specifically for those who have a problem with the casting of Leah Jeffries as Annabeth Chase. You refuse to believe her selection could have been based on merit. No actor should have to bear their job. The key differences between the two actors? Friends, that is racism.. Everyone was talking about the show; Percy trended on Twitter all day. Lets Go!! At times, her character gets into situations that are not pretty. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Jeffries also reaffirmed her confidence in herself, and thanked the supportive fans for their positive comments. newsletter, recently welcomed the two new cast members on his blog, Every movie and show coming to Netflix in March, All the big new games coming out in March, Pokemon Go leader counters for Sierra, Arlo, and Cliff in March 2023, Pokmon Go Rocket Giovanni counters, team in March 2023, PlayStation VR 2 games releasing in March, all upcoming titles for 2023, The official BTS Lego set is now available. Let us know down in the comments! We all do. The only gift her mother ever gave her was an invisibility hat. Dislikes: cilantro, the NJ Turnpike, sneaker wedges. This contributes to the severity of the attacks on these actresses despite vocal support from the author himself. ", '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. The common narrative being used to justify the backlash against Jeffries is that she is not blonde. Copyright 2023 ComicBook.com. This is not unique to the Percy Jackson fandom. You should never judge someone by how well they fit your preconceived notions. Please enter a valid email and try again. Cinemablend is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. You are judging her appropriateness for this role solely and exclusively on how she looks. They claim that Annabeths story was about overcoming the dumb blonde stereotype in a world full of brunettes. Leah Sava Jeffries has an exciting new role she will be playing Annabeth Chase in the upcoming Percy Jackson and the Olympians series! ! the actress wrote of her successor in a Twitter post earlier this week. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. They need to stop. She does not have superpowers like her closest friends. All rights reserved. "Leah brings so much energy and enthusiasm to this role, so much of Annabeths strength. 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. 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. Fans are already excited to see the young actress in the role, and Percy Jackson author Rick Riordan is also praising her. Unlike the movie, the show will keep the characters closer to their book ages. 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. Mother's Day / My First Week at the Studios. 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. She is not even a teenager. This page was last changed on 26 October 2022, at 04:22. Arguably, Pattons role as Iris West started the trend of race-bending originally white characters with Black actors. 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. In the book, Gabe is also described as fat. The core message of Percy Jackson has always been that difference is strength. Likes: fashion, books, old buildings. And before you resort to the old kneejerk reaction I am not racist! lets examine that statement too. She is a Black girl playing someone who was described in the books as white. As soon as you see her on the screen, you will know what I mean. Leah Jeffries is going to be an incredible Annabeth!! Rick Riordan created Percy Jackson and the Olympians as a way for his son to see himself in the neurodiverse characters of the world. Leah Sava Jeffries has an exciting new role she Tessa Thompsons casting as Valkyrie, on the other hand, unleashed a hellfire of vitriol.
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