Since the announcement in May 2020 that Percy Jackson and the Olympians would get a TV series, fans have eagerly awaited more information on what the adaptation will look like. 

And with the COVID-19 pandemic slowing media production (or in many cases, halting it entirely), updates on the status of Percy Jackson slowed to a trickle. Series author Rick Riordan last shared major news with fans back in July when he identified the team of writers working on the series.

But we’ve got a new update for PJO fans today: The director of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians pilot has been revealed!

A recent casting call identified James Bobin as the director of the show’s first episode.

Bobin’s previous directorial work includes the feature films The Muppets (2011) and Muppets Most Wanted; Alice Through the Looking Glass; and Dora and the Lost City of Gold. He also recently directed an episode of the Disney+ series The Mysterious Benedict Society.

Riordan previously identified key qualities he was looking for in a director for Percy Jackson, including an ability to work with young actors, a connection to Disney, and a love for the Percy Jackson books. Based on Bobin’s previous body of work, it’s clear he definitely meets at least the first two qualifications. Hopefully he’s a big PJO fan too.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians is based on Riordan’s series of fantasy-adventure novels steeped in Greek mythology. 20th Century Fox previously adapted the novels into a series of feature films. But these took major departures from the novels, and overwhelmingly received negative feedback from fans. Now, Riordan has partnered with Disney+ in hopes of making a more true-to-series show for PJO fans.

The first season of Percy Jackson and the Olympians will adapt Riordan’s first novel in the series, The Lightning Thief.

Additional Percy Jackson Updates

The PJO show is actively searching to cast both Annabeth and Grover, Percy’s best friends and fellow series leads. Just like Riordan mentioned in the original announcement, the roles are listed as open-ethnicity and intended for actors who can play 12 years old.

The call also identified the planned production start date as June 2022. 

Love Percy Jackson? We’re keeping an eye out for more scoops on the series, so check back to THS for more updates.

UPDATE: Following THS breaking this story, Riordan confirmed Bobin will direct the pilot episode of Percy Jackson and the Olympians in this blog post.