The thunderous throne of Olympus finds a new ruler as Courtney B. Vance steps into the role of Zeus in Percy Jackson and the Olympians.

**Warning: Spoilers for the Season 2 finale of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, now available on Disney+**

Following the tragic death of Lance Reddick in early 2023, just before the debut of the Disney+ adaptation of Rick Riordan’s beloved series, it was announced in November 2024 that Vance would assume the mantle of Zeus for the show’s second season. The cast also welcomed Tamara Smart, who previously portrayed Reddick’s character’s daughter in Netflix’s Resident Evil, as Zeus’s demigod offspring, Thalia Grace.

Throughout Season 2, Smart has appeared in various flashbacks, while Vance makes his inaugural appearance in the newly released finale. Reddick first portrayed Zeus in a brief scene during Season 1’s conclusion, where Percy (played by Walker Scobell) successfully returned the stolen lightning bolt to Olympus to prevent a divine conflict.

In the second season, Zeus is seen in a pivotal flashback involving his daughter Thalia Grace. The scene reveals Zeus using his powers to transform Thalia into a tree. Originally, the residents of Camp Half-Blood believed this act was to save Thalia as she valiantly defended Luke (Charlie Bushnell), Annabeth (Leah Sava Jeffries), and Grover (Aryan Simhadri) from attacking furies. However, the truth unfolds as Zeus intervenes to eliminate the furies and personally speaks to Thalia, expressing his need for her in the looming battle for Olympus. When Thalia refuses to be used as a tool by the gods, defying her father’s demands, Zeus decides to strike her down. 

It’s a major departure from the book, but one that Vance said he was more than happy to take on as a fan of the groundwork that Reddick had laid for the character.

“Lance was a dear friend, and I’d rather he be here instead of me,” Vance told USA TODAY in a recent interview. “But I’m grateful to be able to step into his shoes to serve as Zeus.”

Additionally, during a Season 2 finale press conference DECIDER attended on Tuesday, cast and crew members shared what it was like welcoming the Grotesquerie actor, who went out of his way to show love to the late Reddick. For them, it’s a great honor to welcome him to set, something Vance feels as well, ostensibly.

“I remember at the end of the day when he went home, he sent an email like a really sweet email to everyone, just talking about how grateful he was to be a part of the show and how much it meant for him, following inthe steps of Lance Reddick,” Simhadri shared.

“Courtney was so respectful, like Aryan said, talking about the way he spoke to the crew — we took a moment of silence to honor Lance on the day that Courtney shot. And then even at the premiere for this season, Lance’s wife, Stephanie Reddick, and Courtney had a really nice moment,” executive producer Dan Shotz explained.

He added, “It’s been very hard because we miss him so terribly, but I think Courtney’s just been such a gentleman and so kind and how he’s handled this, and really honored Lance.”

The entire second season of Percy Jackson and the Olympians is now streaming on Disney+.

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