Back in 2022, Disney released a brand new live-action series called “Percy Jackson And The Olympians”, which is based on Disney Hyperion’s best-selling book series by award-winning author Rick Riordan.

“Percy Jackson and the Olympians” follows Percy Jackson on a dangerous quest. Outrunning monsters and outwitting gods, he must journey across America to return Zeus’ master bolt and stop an all-out war. After losing his mother, Percy is sheltered at Camp Half-Blood, a sanctuary for demigod children. He must prove himself and confront his origins once he discovers he too is a demigod, and will take off into the perils of pursuing enemies in search of the Underworld. With the help of his quest mates Annabeth and Grover, Percy’s journey will lead him closer to the answers he seeks: how to fit into a world where he feels out of place, if he’ll ever see his mother again, and if he can ever find out who he’s destined to be.

One of the main characters in the series was Zeus, who was played by Lance Riddick, who sadly passed away from heart disease early last year. Lance has previously starred in many different shows and films throughout his career including the “John Wick” movies and the hit series, “Fringe”, in addition to voicing many characters in hit video games like “Destiny” and “Horizon: Zero Dawn”.

Today, Disney has announced that Courtney B. Vance has been cast as Zeus, replacing Lance Riddick and Executive Producer Dan Shotz said in a statement regarding the casting news:

“Finding someone to step into this role going forward was not an easy task, but when icon Courtney B. Vance answered the call, we knew the Gods were listening. This legend of cinema not only wanted to honor the books, but wanted to honor Lance’s legacy. We can’t wait for you all to see him take the throne.”

Courtney B. Vance has previously starred in many Disney projects, including “Grotesquerie”, “Genius: Aretha”, “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder”, “The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story” and the upcoming live-action version of “Lilo & Stitch”.

The second season of “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” is based on the second instalment of Disney Hyperion’s best-selling book series titled “The Sea of Monsters” by award-winning author Rick Riordan. In the new season, Percy Jackson returns to Camp Half-Blood one year later to find his world turned upside down. His friendship with Annabeth is changing, he learns he has a cyclops for a brother, Grover has gone missing, and camp is under siege from the forces of Kronos. Percy’s journey to set things right will take him off the map and into the deadly Sea of Monsters, where a secret fate awaits the son of Poseidon.

The first season of “Percy Jackson And The Olympians” is available to stream on Disney+ now, and the second season will arrive on Disney+ in 2025.

Roger’s Take: It’s never easy to recast a character after a tragic death, and with Zeus being such a major character, with a potential six seasons of the show still to make, recasting was realistically the only option.  I’ve really enjoyed seeing Courtney in his other roles, especially in “Genius”.

What do you think of this recasting? Let me know on social media!

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

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