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On Tuesday, the young adult novelist, 57, spoke out against backlash the show has received after Variety announced last ThursdaythatLeah Jeffries, a 12-year-old Black actress, will play Annabeth Chase, whom Riordan described in the books as white. On January 25th, 2022, author Rick Riordan announced that his first television series was finally greenlit by Disney+ and would soon be gracing our screens. What is it about black girls that make people so ready and willing to tear them down or put them in their place?. I agree with TheWrap's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy and provide my consent to receive marketing communications from them. Many non-Black people can wrap their minds around a Black villain just not a Black good guy. You have decided that I couldnt possibly mean what I have always said: That the true nature of the character lies in their personality. An open casting call was put out where people could submit auditions regardless of race. Let us know down in the comments! You will receive a verification email shortly. In fact, it happens almost every time a traditionally white character is played by a Black actress. In the replies to that announcement, there were people commenting on her race and body type. 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. This is untrue. How The Mandalorian Wrote Out Gina Carano Is Cara Dune Still Alive? [1] References https://rickriordan.com/2022/05/the-trio-is-complete/ Others like you also viewed Annabeth Chase Percy Jackson Percy Jackson and the Olympians (TV series) Walker Scobell But, elements of the fandom online have been hyper critical of Jefferies' inclusion. I have it. Thank you for signing up to CinemaBlend. On Tuesday, the author issued a lengthy statement defending the casting of Leah Jeffries as Annabeth Chase. There is power in plurality. You have it. 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 things that distinguish us from one another are often our marks of individual greatness. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Contribute to this page Suggest an edit or add missing content Learn more about contributing Edit page Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, 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. 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. 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. Percy Jackson film vet Alexandra Daddario has weighed in. And before you resort to the old kneejerk reaction I am not racist! lets examine that statement too. Leah Jeffries is Annabeth Chase. ", "If you don't get that, if you're still upset about the casting of this marvelous trio, then it doesn't matter how many times you have read the books. Why does no one seem to care that much? If you have a problem with this casting, however, take it up with me. 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. 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. However, no one is saying the same thing about Tim Sharp. 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. 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. Its a shame such posts need to be written, but they do. With their casting announcement came waves of backlash. Shes real and fleshed out. Actor, singer, and occasional dancer. Oops. They also cannot imagine a little Black girl playing a hero. She will be a role model for new generations of girls who will see in her the kind of hero they want to be. You have no one else to blame, he said. I am so excited for the kids that are going to be cast in that and how theyll inspire a new generation of young women. 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. WebAnnabeth Chase is a Greek demigod, daughter of the goddess Athena and professor Frederick Chase, and the cousin of Norse demigod Magnus Chase. , Leah shared on Instagram. She is a Black girl playing someone who was described in the books as white. Now., After the announcement, fans of the mythological adventure called out the cast for not staying true to the book, like one Twitter user who said, I really wanted them to do everything by the book. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. 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? 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. Her story is one of constant heartbreak, but also unflinching resilience and triumphs. This is not something new. The trio had been finalized and they will soon begin filming in March. Why can we not have both brand new characters and race-bend whatever characters we want? Leah brings so much energy and enthusiasm to this role, so much of Annabeths strength. ", Later in the letter, Riordan argues, "The core message of Percy Jackson has always been that difference is strength. The author noted, We did that, and The casting process was long, intense, massive and exhaustive.. What much of this outcry boils down to is fan entitlement, anti-blackness, and misogynoir. Leah won the role of Annabeth out of ten thousand other girls. 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. YOU'VE REACHED YOUR MONTHLY ARTICLE LIMIT. Rick Riordan created Percy Jackson and the Olympians as a way for his son to see himself in the neurodiverse characters of the world. His blonde hair was a negligible non-issue that was largely brushed aside. "Watch the show or don't. You would think the protest of her character would be on the basis of the colorist casting. Now. We did that. 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. Dislikes: cilantro, the NJ Turnpike, sneaker wedges. If you have a problem with this casting, however, take it up with me. May 10, 2022 Shannen Michaelsen Last week, it was announced that Leah Sava Jeffries would portray Annabeth Chase and Aryan Simhadri would portray Grover Everyone was too old. 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. Rick Riordan will not stand for any racism toward or bullying of the new "Percy Jackson" cast. Of course, these people lack a basic understanding of the human body. Fan entitlement is far-reaching. You didnt learn anything from them. Rick Riordan will not stand for any racism toward or bullying of the new Percy Jackson cast. Who would be Grover? Fans are already excited to see the young actress in the role, and Percy Jackson author Rick Riordan is also praising her. Here's What We Know, 5 Ways Perfect Match Restored My Faith In Netflix Dating Shows, The Good Doctor: Glassman's Big Loss Just Led To One Of Season 6's Most Heartfelt Moments, And I'm Ready For More, After LeBron James Broke His Scoring Record, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Dropped Thoughts On Why Hed Couldve Played Longer In Todays NBA, After The Bachelors Latest Breakup, Fans Are Starting To See Some Red Flags With Zach Shallcross. Uncle Rick officially welcomes them to the Percy Jackson cast. People could not wrap their heads around a Black figure in Norse mythology the same mythos in which Loki gives birth to a horse. Meet the 'Percy Jackson' Series' Annabeth Chase! Let's examine that statement. She will also be starring in the upcoming Prime Video movie Something From Tiffanys, alongside Zoey Deutch, Kendrick Sampson and Shay Mitchell. Jeffries also received support from Percy Jackson alumni Alexandra Daddario, who formerly held the role of Chase in a previous adaptation. 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THEY ARE CHILDREN GIVE THEM LOVE INSTEAD BC THEYRE THE PERFECT CASTING FOR THE PERCY JACKSON TV SHOW., A REMINDER THAT NO HATE FOR WALKER SCOBELL, LEAH SAVA JEFFRIES, AND ARYAN SIMHADRI ARE ALLOWED THEY ARE CHILDREN GIVE THEM LOVE INSTEAD BC THEY'RE THE PERFECT CASTING FOR THE PERCY JACKSON TV SHOW . ", More:Notorious B.I.G. She is not even a teenager. 2013 saw the release of a sequel that garnered an even worse reception. What did you think about his statement? This contributes to the severity of the attacks on these actresses despite vocal support from the author himself. In the film, based on the novel by Melissa Hill, a womans life is upended when an engagement ring meant for someone else leads her to the person shes meant to be with, reports Deadline. Chiron, who was a white man in the novel, is now being portrayed by a Black actor. Friends, that is racism. 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. They need to stop. 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 areoutof line. And by the way, these criticisms have come from across the political spectrum, right and left. 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. 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WebThen, on June 2, 2022, Variety and Rick Riordan announced five adult cast members joining the Percy Jackson crew. In fact, when the author himself says that you have misunderstood the character as he wrote her, then you know youre wrong. They need to stop. They need to stop. Other notable castings include Glynn Turman as Chiron, Timm Sharp as Gabe Ugliano, and Dior Goodjohn as Clarisse La Rue. ", "You have decided that I couldnt possibly mean what I have always said: That the true nature of the character lies in their personality. Dior is not as big as Clarisse was described in the book. Along the way, he gains two main friends, Annabeth, daughter of Athena, and Grover, his satyr protector. People feel as though they have a claim to the characters, and therefore their word is law. We did that. Now. All people. ", 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. You should never judge someone by how well they fit your preconceived notions. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy. Alexandra Daddario hasnt been the only Percy Jackson-related vet to support Leah Jeffries. 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A Special Thank You to @disneyplus @rickriordan this is such a wonder experience Im so excited and to all the PERCY JACKSON & ANNABETH fans!!! Tessa Thompsons casting as Valkyrie, on the other hand, unleashed a hellfire of vitriol. 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. I was quite clear a year ago, when we announced our first open casting, that we would be following Disneys company policy on nondiscrimination: We are committed to diverse, inclusive casting. While Walker does not have Percys signature Black hair, Riordan assured everyone that he embodied Percy the best. She also starred in the comedy Rel on the same network. 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. 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, he wrote. The idea of blackwashing is a clear example of misogynoir. 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. The things that distinguish us from one another are often our marks of individual greatness. 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 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. Saying I am not racist! is simply declaring that you deny your own biases and refuse to work on them. Alexandra Daddario is talking all about Disney+s upcoming Percy Jackson series, which is expected to debut sometime in 2022. First, let me be clear I am speaking here only for myself. 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When reading the reactions to his casting most of the comments were about how genius Riordans casting was except for a few expected trolls. It's going to be a fantastic, exciting ride! last updated May 12, 2022 Percy Jackson film vet Alexandra Daddario has weighed in. 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? May 5th was D-Day. Aryan Simhadri and Walker Scobell had also been cast for the new series. 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. 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