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Rick Riordan Defends Percy Jackson Reboot's Annabeth Chase Actor Leah Jeffries


There is little doubt that fans were delighted when the casting for the main trio in the Percy Jackson reboot was finally announced. However, there has been some resistance to the casting of the remake's Annabeth Chase, who will be played by the young black actress Leah Jeffries. Now, Rick Riordan is defending Jeffries and has written a lengthy letter in support of the young actor.

Rick Riordan shared the letter on his blog and the new post is simply titled Leah Jeffries is Annabeth Chase. The author starts off by stating that the letter reflects his own thoughts and "do not necessarily reflect or represent the opinions of any part of Disney, the TV show, the production team, or the Jeffries family."

"The response to the casting of Leah has been overwhelmingly positive and joyous, as it should be. Leah brings so much energy and enthusiasm to this role, so much of Annabeth’s strength. She will be a role model for new generations of girls who will see in her the kind of hero they want to be," Riordan wrote. He then explains that the casting was not an attempt at diversity and was about finding the best actor for the role.

"I have been clear, as the author, that I was looking for the best actors to inhabit and bring to life the personalities of these characters, and that physical appearance was secondary for me. We did that. We took a year to do this process thoroughly and find the best of the best. This trio is the best. Leah Jeffries is Annabeth Chase," Riordan wrote.

It's clear that Rick Riordan is supporting Jeffries wholeheartedly now that the young actor will play Annabeth in the series. With that in mind, we can't wait to see Jeffries in action when the first teaser for the Percy Jackson reboot is released.

Leah Jeffries will join The Adam Project star Walker Scobell, who will play the titular character. Aryan Simhardi rounds out the main trio as Grover Underwood. The Percy Jackson series has not yet been given an official release date. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

Related: Percy Jackson Reboot Just Found Its New Main Trio

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