In the meantime, you can check out the original film with your Disney+ subscription, or check out these other 2022 TV release dates to begin planning your viewing schedule. They need to stop. 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 This is something that other studios have failed to do, but it should not be commended. The character could not be Biracial. People feel as though they have a claim to the characters, and therefore their word is law. You should never judge someone by how well they fit your preconceived notions. Arguably, Pattons role as Iris West started the trend of race-bending originally white characters with Black actors. 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. Meet the 'Percy Jackson' Series' Annabeth Chase! Amandla was fourteen. Annabeth His blonde hair was a negligible non-issue that was largely brushed aside. (As a fat person myself, I am happy with this change as the way they were written in the original books was to be insulting. It was groundbreaking, yes, but calls of gingercide and intense hate were thrown at Patton. No actor should have to bear their job. ", Related:Joshua Cohen's 'The Netanyahus,' more awarded 2022 Pulitzer Prizes in books, drama, music. "Leah brings so much energy and enthusiasm to this role, so much of Annabeths strength. Instead, it was about how audiences could not imagine Rue as anything but white, despite her being Black in the book. Thompson remarked that she had to weather the storm and just act through it. You should never judge someone by how well they fit your preconceived notions. Fan entitlement is far-reaching. 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. Please check your email to find a confirmation email, and follow the steps to confirm your humanity. The core message of Percy Jackson has always been that difference is strength. 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. "If you have a problem with this casting, however, take it up with me. May 5th was D-Day. When I was 10 years old, I discovered a book series called Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan. But, elements of the fandom online have been hyper critical of Jefferies' inclusion. People could not wrap their heads around a Black figure in Norse mythology the same mythos in which Loki gives birth to a horse. Not only is the backlash just blatant misogynoir, but it also shows a complete lack of imagination on the part of these members of the audience. 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. Ten thousand other actresses of various backgrounds auditioned for Annabeth and Rick Riordan hand-picked Leah. In fact, many stans will attach themselves to any white actor who mentions they auditioned for the role instead of supporting the girl who fairly won the role. A number of fans objected to the African-American actress being cast in the role. But the author added not every response has been supportive. Watching her act with Walker and Aryan, I saw Annabeth Chase come to life. They also cannot imagine a little Black girl playing a hero. Tessa Thompsons casting as Valkyrie, on the other hand, unleashed a hellfire of vitriol. 2 min read Actress Alexandra Daddario has weighed in on the backlash against Leah Jeffries casting as Annabeth Chase in the upcoming What is it about black girls that make people so ready and willing to tear them down or put them in their place?. First, let me be clear I am speaking here only for myself. We took a year to do this process thoroughly and find the best of the best. 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 brings so much energy and enthusiasm to this role, so much of Annabeth's strength. 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. That neurodivergent kid who has failed out of six schools, for instance, may well be the son of Poseidon. ", More:Notorious B.I.G. There was a problem. The children of Greek gods attend a summer camp known as Camp Half-Blood, where they train and hone their abilities. 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. That neurodivergent kid who has failed out of six schools, for instance, may well be the son of Poseidon. Most notably, theres Candice Patton who was hired to play Iris West Allen in The Flash in 2014. You have no one else to blame. 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. The only other thing she has is her wisdom and her ambition. Whatever else you take from this post, we should be able to agree that bullying and harassing a child online is inexcusably wrong. 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. I agree with TheWrap's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy and provide my consent to receive marketing communications from them. 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. 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. That should mean something. 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. The trio had been finalized and they will soon begin filming in March. If you have a problem with this casting, however, take it up with me. Aryan Simhadri (left) and Leah Jeffries (right). Yara Shahidi Stars as Tinker Bell In New 'Peter Pan & Wendy' Trailer - Watch Here! "If you have a problem with this casting, however, take it up with me. You have no one else to blame. 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. WebAnnabeth Chase is a fictional character in Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus 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. Leah Jeffries is going to be an incredible Annabeth!!! Other notable castings include Glynn Turman as Chiron, Timm Sharp as Gabe Ugliano, and Dior Goodjohn as Clarisse La Rue. 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 refuse to believe her selection could have been based on merit. She was the daughter of Olivia Lyon, Jamals ex wife, who claimed she was his daughter, but it turned out she wasnt. "Watch the show or don't. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. Mother's Day / My First Week at the Studios. If you have a problem with this casting, however, take it up with me. 1:58. An open casting call was put out where people could submit auditions regardless of race. 'It is not racist to want an actor who is accurate to the books description of the character!' The response to Diors casting is colored by her being an antagonist, meanwhile, Leah is playing a hero. And by the way, these criticisms have come from across the political spectrum, right and left.. ", 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. 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. And by the way, these criticisms have come from across the political spectrum, right and left. 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. NY 10036. If that doesnt speak to the Black girl experience, I dont know what does. She is a Black girl playing someone who was described in the books as white. Leah Sava Jeffries has an exciting new role she will be playing Annabeth Chase in the upcoming Percy Jackson and the Olympians series! 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+. 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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. "The response to the casting of Leah has been overwhelmingly positive and joyous, as it should be. 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. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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. And before you resort to the old kneejerk reaction I am not racist! lets examine that statement too. Luckily, that hasnt stopped Disney from continuing to diversify its screen projects, as evidenced by Percy Jackson and the Olympians. 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. 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 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). They do not necessarily reflect or represent the opinions of any part of Disney, the TV show, the production team, or the Jeffries family. How The Mandalorian Wrote Out Gina Carano Is Cara Dune Still Alive? Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Contribute to Atlanta Black Star today and help us share our narratives. Friends, that is racism.. The Wise Girl has arrived!. 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. She has also always been Black to me. and The Doobie Brothers have nothing in common - except great books out this week, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. It is not racist to want an actor who is accurate to the books description of the character!, You are upset/disappointed/frustrated/angry because a Black actor has been cast to play a character who was described as white in the books. 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.. Rick Riordan will not stand for any racism toward or bullying of the new "Percy Jackson" cast. This is not unique to the Percy Jackson fandom. 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These three roles are interesting to note because of the reaction to the corresponding casting announcements. Its how we navigate the world based on what were taught and our own personal histories.. WebAlexandra Anna Daddario (born March 16, 1986) is an American actress most notable for her portrayal of Annabeth Chase in Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. Percy Jackson film vet Alexandra Daddario has weighed in. We all do. Author Rick Riordan has openly shared grievances with the previous adaptation, particularly when it came to aging up the characters. People were in her Instagram comments calling for her death. Furthermore, Annabeth did not have blonde hair or grey eyes. Heres how it works. 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. 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. Friends, that is racism. People cannot fathom that Black actresses, who auditioned for a role, were better than the white people who tried out. This contributes to the severity of the attacks on these actresses despite vocal support from the author himself. 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. ", You are judging [Leah]s appropriateness for this role solely and exclusively on how she looks. , Leah shared on Instagram. And now, at least on Disney+, she always will be. 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. Likes: fashion, books, old buildings. When reading the reactions to his casting most of the comments were about how genius Riordans casting was except for a few expected trolls. 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. 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