Tamara Smart joins ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ as Thalia Grace
A new face in the Percy Jackson universe
The highly anticipated second season of Percy Jackson and the Olympians has found its Thalia Grace. Tamara Smart has been cast in the Disney+ series, taking on the role of the fierce demigod daughter of Zeus. She will join the ensemble cast that includes Walker Scobell, Leah Sava Jeffries, Aryan Simhadri, Charlie Bushnell, Dior Goodjohn, and Daniel Diemer. Additionally, Timothy Simons has been confirmed to appear as Tantalus in the upcoming season.
Diving into ‘The Sea of Monsters’
Season 2 will delve into the narrative of The Sea of Monsters, the second book in Rick Riordan’s beloved series. Production is already in full swing, with the new season expected to premiere in 2025. Fans of the series can look forward to an exciting continuation of Percy Jackson’s adventures.
The importance of Thalia Grace
Rick Riordan emphasized the significance of casting the right actor for Thalia Grace, describing her as a “powerful warrior, a fiercely loyal friend, and a demigod rebel with a very ‘punk’ / ‘rage-against-the-machine’ sensibility.” Riordan expressed his confidence in Smart’s portrayal, stating, “As soon as we saw Tamara Smart play this role, we knew we had found our daughter of Zeus. She was, no pun intended, electric. Tamara puts the ‘grace’ in Thalia Grace!”
Thalia Grace is a pivotal character in the Percy Jackson universe. She is described as the demigod daughter of Zeus who made a heroic stand to protect her friends at the edge of Camp Half-Blood. Rather than let her die, Zeus transformed her into a tree that anchors the force field protecting the camp. Thalia is known for her tough, prickly demeanor and her unwavering loyalty to her friends, coupled with a deep distrust of her father’s world.
Tamara Smart’s journey
Tamara Smart is no stranger to the screen. She recently starred in the Netflix series Resident Evil, where she played the daughter of a character portrayed by the late Lance Reddick. Reddick, who played Zeus in Season 1 of Percy Jackson, had a significant impact on Smart. She has also appeared in shows like The Worst Witch and films such as Artemis Fowl and A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting.
Reflecting on her new role, Smart shared, “I’m so grateful and excited to be joining the cast of ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians.’ It’s so close to my heart. Lance Reddick and I always spoke about working together again, so it’s that much more special and important to me to play his daughter once more as Thalia, and to keep his memory alive. I feel his presence all around me and strive to make him proud on this exciting journey.”
Behind the scenes
Percy Jackson and the Olympians was developed for television by Rick Riordan and Jonathan E. Steinberg. Both serve as executive producers alongside Dan Shotz, Rebecca Riordan, Craig Silverstein, Albert Kim, Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Bert Salke, Jeremy Bell, D.J. Goldberg, James Bobin, Jim Rowe, Jason Ensler, and Sarah Watson. The series is produced by Disney Branded Television and 20th Television.
A promising future
With the addition of Tamara Smart as Thalia Grace, the second season of Percy Jackson and the Olympians promises to be an electrifying continuation of the beloved series. Fans can look forward to seeing how Smart brings this iconic character to life and how the story unfolds in The Sea of Monsters. For those eager to catch a glimpse of what’s to come, check out the Percy Jackson and the Olympians trailer and stay tuned for more updates.
Personal reflections
As a long-time fan of the Percy Jackson series, the casting of Tamara Smart as Thalia Grace feels like a perfect fit. Her previous roles have showcased her versatility and strength as an actor, making her an excellent choice for this complex character. The anticipation for Season 2 is palpable, and it’s exciting to see how the series will continue to evolve and captivate audiences.
For those who have followed Percy Jackson’s journey from the books to the screen, this new season represents a significant milestone. The inclusion of Thalia Grace adds depth to the story, and Smart’s portrayal is sure to bring a fresh and dynamic energy to the series. As we await the premiere, it’s a great time to revisit the first season and immerse ourselves in the magical world of Camp Half-Blood once more.