Disney+ brought Percy Jackson back as a TV series, but the actor playing the title character says some fan behavior has crossed a line — and he’s described it as “weird”.
Rick Riordan’s hugely popular books have been reintroduced to audiences in a new way, years after Logan Lerman played the demigod in the Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief film franchise.
Back in 2020, Riordan confirmed Disney+ had officially picked up the adaptation and shared the news with fans, saying: “The wait is over, demigods.
“I am thrilled to be the first to tell you that Percy Jackson and the Olympians is really, truly, and for sure coming to your screens. The smart folks at Disney+ have given us the greenlight.”
While the 2025 release has been performing well so far, with 17-year-old Walker Scobell stepping into the role of Percy, the attention surrounding the show has also brought some unsettling fallout.
In particular, Scobell has suggested that some individuals have allegedly been sending death threats to teenage girls believed to have some connection to him.
He addressed the situation on Instagram, explaining how it’s affected him and urging people to stop. The The Adam Project actor wrote on his Story: “Just to let everyone know, I will not be attending prom. Please stop sending death threats to EVERY teenage girl who could remotely be associated with me based on their proximity to where I live. It’s not fair to them or to their families. Maybe also just stop sending death threats in general. That’s just not cool. Kinda weird I have to say this.”
After he said he wouldn’t be going to prom as a result of the harassment, the discussion spread online, with many people criticizing the behavior he described.
One person said: “Imagine making this boy skip an important school event over delusional loveless people thinking they got a chance with him.”
Another wrote: “Poor Walker Scobell.. he just wants a normal prom.. but then this happens and it’s not okay…”
Someone else commented: “It’s sad that he can’t enjoy the most fun moment in his high school career because grown adults are weird.”
A fourth added: “Walker seems like a solid, level headed guy just trying to enjoy high school. Sending love and normalcy to him and all the girls getting harassed. Real fans protect peace, not destroy it.”
Not everyone, however, understood why the situation was being taken so seriously.
One X user wrote: “Bruhhh calm down who tf is you?”