", '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. 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. This page was last changed on 26 October 2022, at 04:22. Gender and race. Two-thirds of the main trio would no longer be white like they had once been in the books. Its either something we recognize and try to work on, or its something we deny. She is a Black girl playing someone who was described in the books as white. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Riordan saidhis goal with casting was to find performers who could "inhabit and bring to life the personalities of these characters" regardless of what they looked like. 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. Racism/colorism isnt something we have or dont have. Leah is exactly the way I imagined Annabeth in the books: smart, strong and courageous, a true daughter of Athena who has zero patience for the foolishness of a certain Seaweed Brain, Rick shared on his website. Leah Sava Jeffries has an exciting new role she will be playing Annabeth Chase in the upcoming Percy Jackson and the Olympians series! Whatever else you take from this post, we should be able to agree that bullying and harassing a child online is inexcusably wrong. Rick Riordan, writer and author of the popular fantasy novel Percy Jackson, is speaking out against critics angered by the casting of Leah Jeffries. Percy Jackson Author Shuts Down Backlash to Casting Black Actress as Annabeth Chase: Friends, That Is Racism We should be able to agree that bullying and Meet the 'Percy Jackson' Series' Annabeth Chase! Along the way, he gains two main friends, Annabeth, daughter of Athena, and Grover, his satyr protector. Warm messages continued to pour in, including one from a Twitter user who commented, A REMINDER THAT NO HATE FOR WALKER SCOBELL, LEAH SAVA JEFFRIES, AND ARYAN SIMHADRI ARE ALLOWED. Jenna Ortega Starring in New Movie with The Weeknd, Cady Heron's Mom Has Been Cast for 'Mean Girls' Movie Musical. But following last weeks announcement that actress Leah Sava Jeffries was cast as the series deuteragonist and love interest Annabeth Chase, (@camphalfblood) May 10, 2022. She also is playing the (10-year-old spoiler alert!) You are judging her appropriateness for this role solely and exclusively on how she looks. While Walker does not have Percys signature Black hair, Riordan assured everyone that he embodied Percy the best. We all do. You feel I must have been coerced, brainwashed, bribed, threatened, whatever, or I as a white male author never would have chosen a Black actor for the part of this canonically white girl. The Old Kids Wont Talk to Him, Make New Ones: Report Claims Gary Owen Is Having Twins with New Girlfriend, Fans Bring Up His Strained Relationship with Older Children, She Did Doing What Tami Roman Did: Malaysia Pargo Fans Support Her Departure from Basketball Wives Over Jennifer Williams Hurtful Comment, Kandi Its Angela Davis: Fans Call Out Kandi Burruss After She Tagged the Wrong Angela In IG Post About Legendary Women of Impact. By submitting your email, you agree to our, Disneys Percy Jackson show casts two more main characters, Sign up for the No actor should have to bear their job. Leah Jeffries is going to be an incredible Annabeth!! The conversation turned odious enough for the creative to create a post on his website calling for the end of the harassment the young actor has faced. 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. Who Is Leah Sava Jeffries? If that doesnt speak to the Black girl experience, I dont know what does. She has also always been Black to me. Please check your email to find a confirmation email, and follow the steps to confirm your humanity. ", More:Notorious B.I.G. This is untrue. Web11 May 2022 by Valerie Complex Deadline Actress Alexandra Daddario has weighed in on the backlash against Leah Jeffries casting as Annabeth Chase in the upcoming Disney+ show The core message of Percy Jackson has always been that difference is strength. She was left defenseless by the writers and producers at the CW. Rick Riordan has strong words for fans upset with the casting of "Percy Jackson and the Olympians," an upcoming Disney+ show based on his book series of the same name. Luckily, that hasnt stopped Disney from continuing to diversify its screen projects, as evidenced by Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Thompson remarked that she had to weather the storm and just act through it. People were in her Instagram comments calling for her death. She is a Black girl playing someone who was described in the books as whitethat is racism.#LeahIsOurAnnabeth Read Ricks statement at the link below:https://t.co/DGeOzrjZuw. We took a year to do this process thoroughly and find the best of the best. 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 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. WebAnnabeth Chase is a Greek demigod, daughter of the goddess Athena and professor Frederick Chase, and the cousin of Norse demigod Magnus Chase. There is power in plurality. Contribute to this page Suggest an edit or add missing content Learn more about contributing Edit page What is it about black girls that make people so ready and willing to tear them down or put them in their place?. We publish narratives intentionally and specifically to enlighten and transform the world. Eli Lilly cuts insulin prices up to 70% amid federal pressure to lower costs of life-saving medication, Joshua Cohen's 'The Netanyahus,' more awarded 2022 Pulitzer Prizes in books, drama, music, Notorious B.I.G. The most watched K-pop music videos of the year have been revealed. They do not necessarily reflect or represent the opinions of any part of Disney, the TV show, the production team, or the Jeffries family. Leah Jeffires definitely isnt the first Black actress to be the target of racist commenters after being cast in a role that was initially written as and played by a white person. 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. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. They need to stop. We did that. IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. 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", 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. She revealed in an Instagram live session that she was even driven to delete her TikTok account after receiving such hateful messages. The Chris Columbus-directed film was greeted with a lukewarm reception from critics and even worse reactions from devout fans of the series. She is a Black girl playing someone who was described in the books as white. Heres how it works. Not even 24 hours after the worst of the attacks had begun, Riordan published a blog post where he called the trolling what it was, racist, and demanded that it stopped. You refuse to believe me, the guy who wrote the books and created these characters, when I say that these actors are perfect for the roles because of the talent they bring and the way they used their auditions to expand, improve and electrify the lines they were given. They said that Clarisse was white and built. In comparison to Elba, the backlash against Thompson was more violent and consistent. You can keep up with Leah Sava Jeffries by following her on Instagram @leahsavajeffries! SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY NEWSLETTER, FIRST TAKE, Percy Jackson Disney+ Series Sets The Adam Project Breakout Walker Scobell in Lead Role, Alexandra Daddario Talks Percy Jackson Disney+ Series and the Chances of Her Return (Video). Author Rick Riordan, who wrote the original Percy Jackson novels, released a statement on his website defending the young actress. I, for one, am excited for Leah Jeffries to bring life to one of my favorite characters, and I am carving her name into the Emmys right now. You either are not aware, or have dismissed, Leahs years of hard work honing her craft, her talent, her tenacity, her focus, her screen presence. ", Related:Joshua Cohen's 'The Netanyahus,' more awarded 2022 Pulitzer Prizes in books, drama, music. IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. From the outset of casting for the Disney+ series, Rick says he made it 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 Alexandra Daddario Supports Percy Jackson Series Casting Of Annabeth Role As Leah Jeffries Speaks Out About Online Bullying, Hoda Kotb Absent From Today Due To Family Health Matter, Savannah Guthrie Still Out After Positive Covid Test, Hoda Kotb's Today Absence Due to 'Family Health Matter', iPhone GIFs Not Working? But thats another article altogether.) Arguably, Pattons role as Iris West started the trend of race-bending originally white characters with Black actors. Let's examine that statement. Leah brings so much energy and enthusiasm to this role, so much of Annabeths strength. Another critique Ive seen about the Annabeth casting has been why race-bend one character when we can create new Black characters? I counter with this question: why must they be mutually exclusive? She should not have to be strong in the face of blatant misogynoir by people who want to put her in her place or dim her shine. 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. By Aaron Perine The Percy Jackson backlash is similar to what Halle Bailey experienced when she was cast as Ariel in the live-action The Little Mermaid. From look I didnt want to be a half-blood, I was hooked. She was the daughter of Olivia Lyon, Jamals ex wife, who claimed she was his daughter, but it turned out she wasnt. 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. They need to stop. 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+. Jacob Elordi, Will Poulter & Sasha Calle Will Star In New Book to Movie Adaptation. ", "You have decided that I couldnt possibly mean what I have always said: That the true nature of the character lies in their personality. 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. Actress Alexandra Daddario took to social media to share her support for Leah Jeffries. Riordan made a point to clarify that he was not instructed by Disney or anyone else on who he should pick to play the beloved half-bloods. 'But I am not racist,'you say. Saying I am not racist! is simply declaring that you deny your own biases and refuse to work on them. The films were considered flops after disappointing performances at the box office and poor critical reception (which was why we didnt see more of them), but they've attained a fandom nonetheless. They also cannot imagine a little Black girl playing a hero. You either are not aware, or have dismissed, Leahs years of hard work honing her craft, her talent, her tenacity, her focus, her screen presence, Riordan wrote. Lets Go!! Mother's Day / My First Week at the Studios. Finally, the Percy Jackson series was going to be gifted a second chance with Rick Riordan at the helm. 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. She does not have superpowers like her closest friends. Her story is about how she feels ignored, underestimated, and abandoned. Leah brings so much energy and enthusiasm to this role, so much of Annabeth's strength. 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. Fan entitlement is far-reaching. "Leah brings so much energy and enthusiasm to this role, so much of Annabeths strength. In the books, Rue was a dark-skinned Black girl, and Amandla is light-skinned. WebAnnabeth Chase is a fictional character in Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus series. WebLeah Sava Jeffries (born September 25, 2009) is an actress who will portray Annabeth Chase in the Disney+ adaptation of Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Thu, 05 May 2022 at 6:56 pm Tweet Who Is Leah Sava Jeffries? That's your call. The fact of the matter is that people should not be harassing Leah Jeffries and getting her TikTok removed because they feel a disconnect between her and a fictional book character. 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 You have no one else to blame, he said. Likes: fashion, books, old buildings. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy. Please enter a valid email and try again. Leah Jeffries is going to be an incredible Annabeth!!! You will receive a verification email shortly. Of course, these people lack a basic understanding of the human body. You have no one else to blame. Author Rick Riordan has openly shared grievances with the previous adaptation, particularly when it came to aging up the characters. Alexandra For every role, please submit qualified performers without regard to disability, gender, race and ethnicity, age, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by law. The character could not be Biracial. Now. When Anna Diop was cast as Starfire in the DC show Titans, people could not fathom it. This trio is the best. last updated May 12, 2022 Percy Jackson film vet Alexandra Daddario has weighed in. Everyone was too old. That should mean something. Leah won the role of Annabeth out of ten thousand other girls. However, no one is saying the same thing about Tim Sharp. We did that. On Tuesday, the author issued a lengthy statement defending the casting of Leah Jeffries as Annabeth Chase. Nevertheless, when Idris Elba was cast as Heimdall in Thor, a similarly undervalued character, the backlash was horrific. (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. Friends, that is racism.. In the replies to that announcement, there were people commenting on her race and body type. You didn't learn anything from them," the creator notes. NY 10036. Its a shame such posts need to be written, but they do. At times, her character gets into situations that are not pretty. May 10, 2022 Shannen Michaelsen Last week, it was announced that Leah Sava Jeffries would portray Annabeth Chase and Aryan Simhadri would portray Grover 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. May 5th was D-Day. You should never judge someone by how well they fit your preconceived notions. What much of this outcry boils down to is fan entitlement, anti-blackness, and misogynoir. Thousand other Girls First Week at the helm evidenced by Percy Jackson film Alexandra! Starring in new tab ) DC show Titans, people could not fathom it diversify its screen projects as! Recognize and try to work on, or its something we recognize and try to work on or! 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