“Percy Jackson” finds its new Zeus: Courtney B. Vance taking over for late Lance Reddick

"I'll be giving my brother, who left us way too soon, a heavenly hug," the actor said in a statement.

The throne on Olympus will never be empty.

Courtney B. Vance has been cast as the thunder god Zeus in season 2 of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, taking over from the late Lance Reddick, who died last year.

"I can't tell you how excited I am to join the extraordinary cast of Percy Jackson and the Olympians!" Vance said in a statement Monday. "There are few moments in an actor's career when you can honestly say that you're about to board a series that has such a devoted fan base filled with characters beloved around the world and is based on a wildly successful book series. I know that stepping into this role of Zeus will be a memorable experience and I'll be giving my brother, Lance Reddick, who left us way too soon, a heavenly hug."

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Based on the popular book series by Rick Riordan, Percy Jackson and the Olympians focuses on a group of young demigods trying to survive in a modern world full of myths, monsters, and Greek gods. Walker Scobell stars as the titular protagonist, with Leah Sava Jeffries and Aryan Simhadri as his best friends, Annabeth Chase and Grover Underwood. The Disney+ series is the second screen adaptation of the books, following the two movies that starred Logan Lerman, Alexandria Daddario, and Brandon T. Jackson.

Season 1 of the show introduced viewers to several members of the Greek pantheon. Adam Copeland plays Ares; Toby Stephens plays Percy's dad, Poseidon; Lin-Manuel Miranda plays the messenger god Hermes; and Reddick played Zeus before his death in March 2023 (shortly after production wrapped). Season 2 will add new cast members, like Andra Day as Annabeth's mom, Athena; Tamara Smart as Zeus' daughter Thalia; and Daniel Diemer as Percy's Cyclops half-brother Tyson. And, of course, Zeus will have a new face.

Related: Ian McShane misses late John Wick costar Lance Reddick 'dreadfully': 'We made a really good double act'

"The day we lost Lance Reddick, we lost an icon," co-showrunner Dan Schotz said in a statement posted to social media. "Getting to work with this fierce and gentle talent in one of his last roles as Zeus in Percy Jackson and the Olympians was truly awe-inspiring. I felt so fortunate to watch this man stand tall on Mt. Olympus, but more importantly I felt lucky to be able to call him a friend. Finding someone to step into this role going forward was not an easy task, but when icon Courtney B. Vance answered the call, we knew the Gods were listening. This legend of cinema not only wanted to honor the books, but wanted to honor Lance's legacy. We can't wait for you all to see him take the throne."

Each season of the TV series is designed to adapt one of Riordan's books. Season 1 was based on The Lightning Thief, while season 2 will be based on Sea of Monsters. It's set to premiere in 2025.