Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan

'Some of you have apparently felt offended or exasperated when your objections are called out online as racist.

Riordan said his 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. Related: Joshua Cohen's 'The Netanyahus,' more awarded 2022 Pulitzer Prizes in books, drama, music 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. You have no one else to blame,' he continued. 'We should be able to agree that bullying and harassing a child online is inexcusably wrong. 'If you have a problem with this casting, however, take it up with me. She will be a role model for new generations of girls who will see in her the kind of hero they want to be.'īut the author added not every response has been supportive. 'Leah brings so much energy and enthusiasm to this role, so much of Annabeth’s strength.

'The response to the casting of Leah has been overwhelmingly positive and joyous, as it should be,' Riordan wrote on his website. On Tuesday, the young adult novelist, 57, spoke out against backlash the show has received after Variety announced last Thursday that Leah Jeffries, a 12-year-old Black actress, will play Annabeth Chase, whom Riordan described in the books as white.

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. Watch Video: Lerman on Selena Gomez crush

Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan