Key Points
- Season 2 finale introduced a major twist: Thalia’s return and Zeus’ punishment reveal.
- Walker Scobell says the deviation from the books “just makes sense” and sets up Season 3.
- Emotional scenes with Sally Jackson and Annabeth highlight Percy’s growth and difficult choices.
- The battle with Luke showcased Percy’s evolving combat skills and foreshadowed future conflicts.
- Season 3 is already in production, with Scobell teasing “death,” “suspension,” and “real” as themes.
A Finale That Changed the Game
Disney+’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians wrapped its second season with a finale that surprised even longtime book fans. While readers knew Thalia Grace would return, the series added a dramatic twist: Zeus turned his daughter into a tree not because she was mortally wounded, but as punishment for refusing to fight against Kronos.
For star Walker Scobell, the change felt natural. “It just makes sense,” he told TheWrap. “It ramps things up for Season 3 without breaking the story.”
Percy’s Emotional Journey
The finale gave Scobell some of his most challenging material yet. His heartfelt scene with Sally Jackson (Virginia Kull) showcased Percy’s maturity, while his rallying speech at camp reflected his growing leadership.
“I was 16 when we filmed it, but Percy’s supposed to be 13,” Scobell explained. “It was about finding little moments, not making it a full-on ‘lead into battle’ speech, but more like, ‘Guys, let’s fight this together.’”
The Brutal Battle With Luke
The climactic fight between Percy and Luke (Charlie Bushnell) was far more violent than originally scripted—thanks to Scobell’s input. “In my mind, Luke wasn’t just going to disarm Percy. He was going for the kill,” Scobell said.
The sequence highlighted Percy’s reliance on lessons learned from Luke, even as he faced him as an enemy. “Percy thinks he’s won when he disarms Luke, but Luke immediately goes for the blood. That sets up Season 3 perfectly.”
Annabeth’s Arrow and Percy’s Choice
Another pivotal moment came when Annabeth (Leah Sava Jeffries) was struck by an arrow. Percy chose to finish the quest rather than stay by her side, trusting Grover to protect her.
“It’s tricky,” Scobell admitted. “He leaves her, but in a way, he’s still fighting for her—saving the camp and bringing Thalia back.”
Honoring Zeus’ Legacy
The twist also set up a powerful dynamic between Thalia and Zeus, now played by Courtney B. Vance. Scobell praised Vance for honoring the late Lance Reddick, who originally portrayed Zeus. “He didn’t just take on the role, he carried the legacy Lance left behind,” Scobell said.
Season 3 Teasers
Looking ahead, Scobell teased three words fans should brace for in Season 3: “death,” “suspension,” and “real.” He hinted that the upcoming season won’t shy away from darker, more visceral storytelling.
“Normally, when I watch the show, I think, ‘Wow, they built this moment up.’ But filming Season 3, there was this weird sense of dread. They don’t lean away from what makes it upsetting—they let it play out.”
What Happens Next?
With Season 3 already in production, fans can expect higher stakes, darker themes, and more faithful adaptation of the books. As Scobell put it, “Season 3 is basically the book—it’s written almost perfectly for an adaptation.”
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Seasons 1 and 2 are streaming now on Disney+, with Season 3 on the way.
