In the replies to that announcement, there were people commenting on her race and body type. On Tuesday, the author issued a lengthy statement defending the casting of Leah Jeffries as Annabeth Chase. 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. There is power in plurality. Something went wrong. 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 Of course, these people lack a basic understanding of the human body. 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. You refuse to believe her selection could have been based on merit. That should mean something. Leahs co-star, Aryan Simhadri, was not met with the same backlash, nor should he have been. 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+. Dior is not as big as Clarisse was described in the book. You have no one else to blame. 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. The response to Diors casting is colored by her being an antagonist, meanwhile, Leah is playing a hero. Everyone was talking about the show; Percy trended on Twitter all day. From the outset of casting for the Disney+ series, Rick says he made it 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. When I was 10 years old, I discovered a book series called Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The character could not be Biracial. Jeffries also received support from Percy Jackson alumni Alexandra Daddario, who formerly held the role of Chase in a previous adaptation. Please refresh the page and try again. Now.. Leah Jeffries is going to be an incredible Annabeth!!! 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). 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. What is it about black girls that make people so ready and willing to tear them down or put them in their place?. You have no one else to blame. The movie is slated for an August 2022 release. People were in her Instagram comments calling for her death. 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. 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. 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. 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. First, let me be clear I am speaking here only for myself. Along the way, he gains two main friends, Annabeth, daughter of Athena, and Grover, his satyr protector. Her casting as Annabeth Chase was announced in May 2022, along with the announcement of the casting of Aryan Simhadri as Grover Underwood. As soon as you see her on the screen, you will know what I mean. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Except not quite. She is a Black girl playing someone who was described in the books as white. We did that. 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 The relatively muted outrage can be attributed to a lack of enthusiasm surrounding the character. Following the release of Riordans statement, #LeahIsOurAnnabeth began trending on Twitter, with fans voicing their support for the young actress. The idea of blackwashing is a clear example of misogynoir. And now, at least on Disney+, she always will be. That neurodivergent kid who has failed out of six schools, for instance, may well be the son of Poseidon. This is something that other studios have failed to do, but it should not be commended. But, elements of the fandom online have been hyper critical of Jefferies' inclusion. ", "You have decided that I couldnt possibly mean what I have always said: That the true nature of the character lies in their personality. She is a Black girl playing someone who was described in the books as white. However, like clockwork, racist trolls came out of every dank corner of the Internet. and The Doobie Brothers have nothing in common - except great books out this week, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Percy Jackson and the Olympians doesnt have an official release date yet, but well be sure to let you know here on CinemaBlend. Previously Walker Scobell (The Adam Project) was cast in the lead role of Percy Jackson. In the book, Gabe is also described as fat. 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. Tessa Thompsons casting as Valkyrie, on the other hand, unleashed a hellfire of vitriol. Unlike the movie, the show will keep the characters closer to their book ages. Saying I am not racist! is simply declaring that you deny your own biases and refuse to work on them. , Leah shared on Instagram. For them, a world where a child of Athena is not white cannot exist because all of Athenas children are blonde. You will receive a verification email shortly. 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. 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. 'It is not racist to want an actor who is accurate to the books description of the character!' You would think the protest of her character would be on the basis of the colorist casting. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Author Rick Riordan has openly shared grievances with the previous adaptation, particularly when it came to aging up the characters. They do not necessarily reflect or represent the opinions of any part of Disney, the TV show, the production team, or the Jeffries family. Rick Riordan created Percy Jackson and the Olympians as a way for his son to see himself in the neurodiverse characters of the world. People feel as though they have a claim to the characters, and therefore their word is law. We all do. Leah Jeffries was announced as Annabeth and Aryan Simhadri was announced as Grover. You have decided that I couldnt possibly mean what I have always said: That the true nature of the character lies in their personality. Some of you have apparently felt offended or exasperated when your objections are called out online as racist. These three roles are interesting to note because of the reaction to the corresponding casting announcements. Here was a main character who was the correct age and he had Percy energy! Arguably, Pattons role as Iris West started the trend of race-bending originally white characters with Black actors. Its a Two-thirds of the main trio would no longer be white like they had once been in the books. 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. Please check your email to find a confirmation email, and follow the steps to confirm your humanity. But thats another article altogether.) Anyone can be a hero. The author noted, We did that, and The casting process was long, intense, massive and exhaustive.. Everyone was too old. They also cannot imagine a little Black girl playing a hero. Sign up to receive The Atlanta Black Star Newsletter in your inbox. Meanwhile, Jaffries will portray Annabeth, a brilliant strategist and a daughter of Athena. I agree with TheWrap's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy and provide my consent to receive marketing communications from them. The children of Greek gods attend a summer camp known as Camp Half-Blood, where they train and hone their abilities. Aryan Simhadri and Walker Scobell had also been cast for the new series. Rick Riordan will not stand for any racism toward or bullying of the new "Percy Jackson" cast. It's a shame such posts need to be written, but they do. You are judging her appropriateness for this role solely and exclusively on how she looks. New York, ", '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. Here's What You Can Do To Fix Them, Charlize Theron and Jisoo Wow at Diors Fall-Winter 2023 Womens Show in Paris, Mayfair Witches: Jack Huston Talks Show vs. Book Lasher in Season 1 Finale, 'Anne Rice's Mayfair Witches' Season 1 Finale Recap: The Prophecy Is All Relative, The Mysterious Benedict Society Canceled By Disney+ After 2 Seasons, Why 23 Jump Street Never Happened (Is There Still A Chance? In the series, we follow 12-year-old Percy Jackson as he stumbles into the world of Greek gods and monsters. The key differences between the two actors? This entitlement is intertwined with white supremacy. Like its so cool, Annabeth is a really inspiring character to people, she said. Thompson remarked that she had to weather the storm and just act through it. Now. They need to stop. From look I didnt want to be a half-blood, I was hooked. 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. 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. 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. You can read Rick Riordans full statement here. WebAnnabeth Chase is a Greek demigod, daughter of the goddess Athena and professor Frederick Chase, and the cousin of Norse demigod Magnus Chase. 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