Acting in Percy Jackson and the Olympians for Daniel Diemer is more than just another acting project; it’s something that finally comes after waiting for so long.
During an interview with Where Is The Buzz, Diemer discussed what it means for him to join the cast of Disney’s Season 2, how he deals with die-hard fans, and how this phase of Percy Jackson could be different for viewers now.
“I’ve grown up with the books,” said Diemer. “I’ve grown up with the movies. This franchise has been a part of my life ever since I was a kid. Now that I am an adult, to be a part of this world is… surreal.”
Transitioning from Fan to Franchise Player
Like many fans, Diemer was a fan of the Percy Jackson series before the Disney series. This was a blessing and a curse when he landed the role.
“The thrill of getting the job is only for a brief moment,” he confessed. “Then the nerves set in. There is an obligation to do the project justice and to respect those people who are bringing you into their world.”
This didn’t intimidate him. Instead, it brought him even more focus.
He knew the books, tone, and emotional center of the story, which put him at an advantage. He didn’t have to figure things out from scratch. He knew the character from the very beginning.
“There is so much to grasp,” he explained. “This is a real treat for an actor. This doesn’t happen often.”
Confronting the Fandom Directly
Percy Jackson has a very passionate fan base that picks up on every detail. Diemer didn’t shy away from that. He went in.
After the initial episodes of Season 2 were released, he checked social media to see how the audience reacted.
“I was interested to find out how they were reacting to it,” he explained. “I’ve been with this character for about a year and a half before knowing how it would be received.”
To date, the reaction has mainly been positive.
“People are along for the ride,” Diemer stated. “I couldn’t have asked for a better reaction. I’m proud and grateful.”
However, he remains humble, using fan support as a driving force in his continued depiction of the character.
Power Pressures the Huge Manifold
Every book comes with some risk, and Diemer knows that Percy Jackson is a different story altogether.
“If you blow it here, you blow it in front of millions,” the actor said. “And that’s scary.”
Rather than letting that fear get the better of him, he chooses to stay in the moment and trust the process. He says that the chemistry between the cast members helps a lot.
“The chemistry is real,” he stated. “We all really like each other. We are all different people, but we have the common goal of creating something great.”
This is more than just a bond on set. When they have long days of shooting, the actors often end up spending hours together in tents. Sometimes they rest, write TikTok videos, or chat.
“It depends on the day,” he laughed. “But the moments in between bring you closer.”
A World That You Can Feel
One of the things Diemer enjoyed most about Season 2 was the extent to which the world was created not only through green screens but also in real life.
“That’s a big gift,” he said. “Green screen is tough. You can do it, but it makes the job harder.”
The functional sets also help him relate better to the setting and story.”
“There’s a lot of trust involved,” he said. “You trust that what they build will match what you imagine. If it doesn’t, you can look foolish pretty quickly.”
Fortunately, this trust bore fruit.
What Does Season 2 Really Mean?
But in addition to the action, Diemer finds an emotional theme in season 2 that applies to today’s times.
“‘This show is about acceptance and curiosity,’ he said. ‘It’s about asking the right questions rather than forming opinions about people from the outset.’
He cites Tyson’s introduction as one example of this theme.
“All the characters try to do the right thing with what they’re given,” Diemer stated. “Most conflict comes from people thinking they’re right, not from people trying to be bad.”
As far as younger audience members are concerned, he believes that Season 2 is a “lesson in empathy.” As for older viewers, it’s a reminder.”
“If we find common ground, the world becomes better much faster,” he said.
Watching Everything Unfold
As the fans watch Season 2 every week, Diemer is right alongside them.
“I haven’t seen anything beyond what’s out,” he said. “I’m watching it in real time too.”
This means if you are reacting, theorizing, and posting every week, odds are that Daniel Diemer is too. “I’m so excited,” he said. “I can’t wait to see the reaction of the people.”
As far as former Percy Jackson fans are concerned, someone who is now actually living the story, the excitement is definitely justified.
