Courtney B. Vance replaces Lance Reddick as Zeus in Percy Jackson and the Olympians season 2

Courtney B. Vance has been cast as Zeus in Percy Jackson and the Olympians, replacing Lance Reddick, who passed away at 60 shortly after filming for Season 1 concluded. Reddick's portrayal of Zeus, the Greek god of the sky, was central to the first season’s storyline, where he accuses Percy Jackson (played by Walker Scobell) of stealing his lightning bolt, setting off a nationwide adventure to prevent a war among the gods. Vance’s casting for the role of Zeus comes as the show transitions into Season 2, which will adapt The Sea of Monsters, the second book in Rick Riordan’s popular series.

Vance is widely recognized for his roles in films such as The Hunt for Red October, The Preacher's Wife, and The Adventures of Huck Finn. On television, he starred in Law & Order: Criminal Intent and won acclaim for his performance as Johnnie Cochran in The People vs. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story. He is also known for his Broadway work, earning a Tony Award for his performance in Lucky Guy.

Season 2 of Percy Jackson will explore Percy’s return to Camp Half-Blood, where his friendship with Annabeth (Leah Sava Jeffries) faces new challenges, and Percy discovers he has a cyclops brother named Tyson. The season will also introduce new characters, including Andra Day as Athena and Daniel Diemer as Tyson.

Vance expressed his excitement about joining the series, describing it as a rare opportunity to work on a project with such a dedicated fanbase. He also paid tribute to the late Reddick, acknowledging the impact of his legacy and stating that stepping into Zeus’s role would be a meaningful experience.