The Percy Jackson series, originally a bestselling book series that captured the hearts of young readers during the mid-to-late 2000s, has made a significant impact on fantasy literature aimed at younger audiences. Its popularity led to the creation of two film adaptations, bringing the adventures of a young demigod to the big screen. As fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming reboot series “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” on Disney+, set to premiere in 2024, let’s take a moment to revisit the original Percy Jackson movies.

The Percy Jackson Film Series

To answer the question of how many Percy Jackson films there are: there are two films in the Percy Jackson series. The first, “Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief,” debuted in 2010, followed by “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters” in 2013. Both films star Logan Lerman as Percy Jackson, with Alexandra Daddario and Brandon T. Jackson supporting as Annabeth and Grover, respectively.

• Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief

In “The Lightning Thief,” Percy Jackson discovers his life is far from ordinary; he’s actually the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. This revelation comes just in time, as he finds himself accused of stealing Zeus’s master lightning bolt. To prevent a devastating war among the gods, Percy must navigate his new reality as a demigod and uncover the true thief. With the help of his friends Annabeth and Grover, Percy’s journey takes him from the mysterious Camp Half-Blood to the depths of the Underworld.

• Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters

The adventure continues in “Sea of Monsters,” where Camp Half-Blood faces a new crisis. The camp’s magical borders are failing, leaving it vulnerable to mythical foes. This time, Percy and his friends set out on a quest to the treacherous Sea of Monsters to find the legendary Golden Fleece, the only thing powerful enough to restore the camp’s protections. The stakes are higher, and the challenges are greater, but Percy’s resolve to protect his fellow demigods leads the way.

While the Percy Jackson movies did not achieve the same level of critical acclaim as some contemporary fantasy films like Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter, they found a dedicated fanbase. Young viewers, in particular, were drawn to the films’ blend of mythology and modern adventure. However, both films were noted for their divergence from the original books by Rick Riordan, which sparked considerable discussion about the importance of staying true to source material in adaptations.

Looking Forward to the Disney+ Reboot

The upcoming Disney+ series, “Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” promises to deliver a fresh perspective on Percy’s story with Rick Riordan’s direct involvement. This is an exciting prospect for fans who desire a series that aligns more closely with the original novels. The reboot will start with “The Lightning Thief” and is anticipated to cover more ground from the books, potentially setting the stage for Percy Jackson’s entire literary journey to unfold onscreen.

The Percy Jackson movies provided many with their first glimpse into Rick Riordan’s enchanting world, blending ancient Greek mythology with the modern-day struggles of a young hero. As we look forward to the Disney+ reboot, new and old fans alike have a chance to rediscover the magic of Percy Jackson’s adventures and perhaps see them realized anew in a way that stays true to their original spirit. Make sure to catch up on the two existing Percy Jackson movies to get ready for the next chapter of this epic saga on Disney+ in 2024.