Rick Riordan celebrates 20 years of Percy Jackson and reveals why he’s never watched the movies based on his books.

Two decades after The Lightning Thief first introduced readers to Percy Jackson, author Rick Riordan admits he’s never actually watched the blockbuster movies inspired by his work. As the beloved book series hits its 20th anniversary on June 28, 2025, Riordan is looking back at the journey that took him from struggling writer to the architect of a mythological universe.

“When I was writing The Lightning Thief, I knew it was all or nothing,” Riordan shares. The beginning was rocky, his first book event in San Francisco drew just one young reader. But by the second book, The Sea of Monsters, momentum picked up, and by book three, he was confident Percy had a future.

Now, 20 years and 17 books later, the Percy Jackson & the Olympians saga has become a cultural touchstone. Beyond the books, it’s sparked a Broadway musical, a new Disney+ adaptation, and a massive fan base. Riordan credits the lasting power of Greek mythology, which he says continues to resonate because it explores timeless human experiences - love, revenge, friendship, and identity.

Still, there’s one part of Percy’s legacy he hasn’t embraced: the original movie adaptations. “I never watched them,” Riordan admits. “I based my opinions on the scripts. I’m thankful they introduced more readers to the books but they’re a different experience.”

A long-time advocate for representation, Riordan has woven themes of inclusivity and identity throughout the series. From neurodivergent demigods to LGBTQ+ characters, he strives to create space for all readers. “If you came to Camp Half-Blood,” he says, “you’d find people who share your background and experiences.”

With Percy’s world still expanding, Riordan’s vision remains clear: every reader deserves to see themselves as the hero.