Percy Jackson and the Olympians officially premiered on Disney+ on December 20. But despite its initial success, receiving positive reviews and reactions, it isn’t shy from controversy. One of the series’ lead stars, Leah Jeffries, revealed how her casting as Annabeth Chase was met with a backlash from some of the franchise’s toxic fans, comparing her to the character’s original star, Alexandra Daddario.
Leah Jeffries Talks About Character Backlash in Percy Jackson and the Olympians
Leah Jeffries is a victim of racist trolls after they felt upset that a Black actor was cast to play a character who was described as a blonde, white girl in Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians, on which the series is based.
Originally, Alexandra Daddario played the role of Annabeth Chase in Fox’s film adaptation of Percy Jackson.
But despite the backlash, the 14-year-old chose not to retaliate or entertain the toxic fans. Instead, she used it as an inspiration.
“I listen to people say things and try to tear me down,” Jefferies told Variety.
Amid everyone’s words that she isn’t their Annabeth and can’t play the role like how Daddario did, she promises to show everyone who she is and how she will portray the character the best she can.
“They’re right. I’m not her, and I cannot play like her. But I’m going to show you who I am and how I’m going to play it,” she explained. “I’m not trying to be like anyone else. I want to be myself, and I want to make sure that other girls understand that, too.”
Rick Riordan Defends Leah Jeffries’ Casting in Percy Jackson and the Olympians
Thankfully, Leah Jeffries has found an ally in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians author, Rick Riordan. The creator defended the young actress’ casting and published an open letter on his blog in May 2022 to address the backlash.
“Leah brings so much energy and enthusiasm to this role, so much of Annabeth’s strength,” he wrote. “She will be a role model for new generations of girls who will see in her the kind of hero they want to be.”
Riordan asked anyone who found an issue in this casting to take it up with him, as they had no one else to blame but him. He also stressed that bullying and harassing a child online is “inexcusably wrong.”
So, though Jeffries is a strong child, and they have talked about the potential reactions to her casting and the pressure it’s about to bring, the negative comments she has been receiving are “out of line.”
“They need to stop,” he continued. “Now.”
He also told Variety that Jeffries had impressed her from the very moment he met her, seeing her as a leader, though also vulnerable.
So, it isn’t important to him even if she doesn’t look like Annabeth in the book. He even sees it as a chance to broaden the cast when it comes to representation.
Black artists are often victimized by racist trolls and backlash every time they’re cast to play a white role. Leah Jeffries isn’t the first victim, and many may still follow. Thankfully, despite her young age, the Beast star understands the assignment and wants to focus on what she does. Hopefully, everyone can be as open-minded as her and understand the importance of having representation today.