The Big Picture
On December 20, Disney+ will showcase its rendition of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, providing a distinct realm along with captivating visual enhancements designed to captivate audiences of all ages.
The visual effects team strived to construct an Underworld that would not be excessively terrifying for children, opting instead to portray diverse lifestyles rather than foreboding spirits. To achieve a delicate equilibrium between fear and not being overly alarming, the minotaur's design was moderated, ensuring it exudes realism and intensifies the stakes during the battle sequences.
Disney+ will premiere the two-episode debut of Percy Jackson and the Olympians on December 20. This adaptation offers a fresh perspective on Rick Riordan's beloved middle grade fantasy series. Based on what we have seen from the trailers, first look images, and more, it is clear that the television series has successfully brought the unique world from the pages to life. Designing the series presented a significant challenge, particularly when it came to creating the visual effects of the Percy Jackson world.
At this year's New York Comic Con, visual effects supervisors Erik Henry and Jeff White sat down with Arezou Amin from our website to discuss the series. They shared insights on creating a visually captivating world. Henry mentioned that one of their approaches was how they envisioned the Underworld and its inhabitants. Instead of relying on a frightful appearance, they aimed to depict a diverse array of souls. This decision allowed them to create an Underworld that is suitable for younger audiences while still captivating the adult viewers.
Why Erik Henry and Jeff White Couldn't Make This Iconic Monster Too Scary
: One can encounter different characters in the show - a person who appears as if they were in a skiing accident, a matador, and someone who dozed off and never woke up, all dressed in their pajamas. This arrangement effectively reduces the frightening aspect while still appealing to the humor sensibilities of an older audience. This is one of the ways we tactfully strike a balance and handle the content in a positive manner.
Image via Disney+
When it came to designing the minotaur that appears early in the season, Henry revealed that they attempted a similar strategy, but with some adjustments. They realized the need to moderate certain aspects of the creature to strike the right balance. "Having those checks and balances was actually beneficial," White added. Their goal was to create a frightening monster, but they also wanted to ensure that young viewers of Percy Jackson would not be deterred from watching. To achieve this, they deconstructed the creature and made a few significant modifications, such as reducing the number of teeth, softening the cheeks, and refining the lighting. Eventually, they achieved a version of the minotaur that they were happy with. White believes it strikes the perfect balance of being "scary but not run-out-of-the-room scary," all while maintaining a sense of authenticity.
The sequence manages to strike that delicate balance perfectly. It's not like the typical fights against the CG creature where there's no sense of danger and it feels like two people unrealistically battling each other. No, with this sequence, you truly sense Walker [Scobell, Percy Jackson] fighting against this creature. He's down in the mud, fully committed to every moment. I was incredibly impressed with how he shot that sequence, so I'm really excited for him to see it.
