Actress Leah Jeffries was once forged to play Annabeth Chase within the Disney+ adaptation of Rick Riordan’s liked novels. Within the books, Chase is described as White, and a few enthusiasts have criticized the casting of Jeffries for now not visually aligning with the books.
“You’re judging her appropriateness for this position only and solely on how she seems to be. She is a Black lady enjoying any individual who was once described within the books as white,” he wrote. “Pals, this is racism.”
Because the casting announcement was once printed closing week, Riordan stated Jeffries has been at the receiving finish of racist bullying and different on-line harassment. In his publish, Riordan referred to as those feedback “out of line” and demanded they prevent. Nonetheless, many of the reaction to the casting announcement has been certain, he stated.
“Leah brings such a lot power and exuberance to this position, such a lot of Annabeth’s power. She will likely be a job fashion for brand new generations of women who will see in her the type of hero they need to be,” he wrote.
“Percy Jackson and the Olympians” is a middle-grade collection of novels first revealed in 2005, which follows a neurodivergent kid who reveals out he’s the son of Poseidon, the Greek god. Disney launched two films based totally off the collection — “Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief” in 2010 and “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters” in 2013. A premiere date for the Disney+ collection has but to be introduced.
