Percy Jackson: Original Movie’s Star Joe Pantoliano Reflects on Working With Chris Columbus

Percy Jackson: Original Movie's Star Joe Pantoliano Reflects on Working With Chris Columbus

As a long-time fan of both Greek mythology and action movies, I have to say that the revival of Percy Jackson and the Olympians on Disney+ has been nothing short of thrilling! The new adaptation, particularly the first season, seems to have done justice to Rick Riordan’s best-selling novels by staying faithful to the source material.


In December 2023, Disney+ brings a fresh take to the Percy Jackson series with a serialized reboot of Rick Riordan’s popular books titled “Percy Jackson and the Olympians.” This new adaptation focuses on the events from “The Lightning Thief,” the first book in the Percy Jackson saga. Interestingly, this isn’t the first time “The Lightning Thief” story has been told in live-action; 20th Century Fox previously released “Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightening Thief” in 2010. Logan Lerman played the lead role as Percy, while Alexandria Daddario, Brandon T. Jackson, Pierce Brosnan, Sean Bean, Jake Abel, Steve Coogan, Rosario Dawson, and others filled out the supporting cast.

Joe Pantoliano Reflects on Percy Jackson (2010)

Percy Jackson: Original Movie's Star Joe Pantoliano Reflects on Working With Chris Columbus

In that skilled cast, Joe Pantoliano – known for his roles in “Bad Boys” – portrayed Gabe Ugliano, Percy’s step-father. Talking to ComicBook to mark the home release of “Bad Boys: Ride or Die”, Pantoliano reminisced about filming “Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief”. He shared that he felt particularly privileged to collaborate with director Chris Columbus on the project.

“Pantoliano expressed his joy, stating, ‘I was overjoyed to have the opportunity [to take part in it]’. Chris Columbus invited me to join the production. Not only did he write The Goonies, but he also directed it. This experience felt like completing a circle for me. I vividly recall having a fantastic time working with him.”

In the sequel to M3GAN, Timm Sharp has assumed the role previously held by Pantoliano. Previously, Sharp played Gabe Ugliano in four episodes of Percy Jackson’s first season on Disney+. This streaming series was a closer adaptation to The Lightning Thief than the movie, resulting in a more substantial part for Sharp’s character, Gabe.

In an interview, they shared that this production did something unique, as they enclosed me within a room filled with cameras for creating 3D images of my entire body – something I had never experienced during my tenure on this program. This was particularly for the scene where I provided the prophecy in Percy Jackson Season 1. To make it look realistic, I had to express various emotions. On that specific day, I was indeed present and executed those expressions right on set.

You’ll find Pantoliano appearing in the recently released film, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” now available for viewing at home. Meanwhile, production on “Percy Jackson” season 2 is underway and scheduled to air in 2025.

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2024-08-14 21:39