Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2 Adds Courtney B. Vance in Zeus Recast

In the world of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, gods always take new forms.

That’s now the case with the king of the Olympians, Zeus, as a new actor has joined Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2.

According to Variety‘s exclusive report, which Deadline confirms, Law & Order: Criminal Intent‘s Courtney B. Vance will fill the role of Zeus. Previously, the character was played by Lance Reddick, who passed away in 2023.

On Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2, Zeus has a bigger role to play thanks to the involvement of his daughter, Thalia Grace, played by Tamara Smart. It was previously revealed that Zeus tried to save Thalia by forming her into the tree that protects Camp Half-Blood.

Vance also made a statement regarding his casting, as well as living up to fan expectations that Reddick left.

“There are few moments in an actor’s career when you can honestly say that you’re about to board a series that has such a devoted fan base filled with characters beloved around the world and is based on a wildly successful book series,” Vance said, per Variety.

“I know that stepping into this role of Zeus will be a memorable experience and I’ll be giving my brother, Lance Reddick, who left us way too soon, a heavenly hug,” Vance added.

Additionally, Percy Jackson and the Olympians executive producer Dan Shotz also provided his own statement on Vance’s casting.

“The day we lost Lance Reddick, we lost an icon,” Shotz said. “Getting to work with this fierce and gentle talent in one of his last roles as Zeus in Percy Jackson and the Olympians was truly awe-inspiring,” Shotz shared.

“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,” Shotz finished.

Prior to Vance’s casting, Reddick played Zeus on Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 1 Episode 8, “The Prophecy Comes True”. Percy tried to confront Zeus about Kronos’ plan before Poseidon stepped in, saving Percy’s life.

Though Zeus does not make a full appearance in Rick Riordan’s second book, The Sea of Monsters, he still retains his influence.

Zeus is the one who replaces Chiron with Tantalus, who Timothy Simons will portray, as the camp’s activities director. However, he could have a bigger role to play.

Since Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2 is adapting new elements, fans could see glimpses of Thalia’s familial past. It could also potentially present a closer look at the conflict caused by the Big Three’s pact to never have children.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2 description reads as follows:

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.

—

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2 will premiere in 2025 on Disney+.

Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!