Cast members from the film “Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lighting Thief” were in the Detroit area recently to promote the film and have a roundtable discussion with several media outlets.
Logan Lerman (Percy Jackson), Alexandra Daddario (Annabeth Chase), Jake Abel (Luke), and Detroit native Brandon T. Jackson (Grover Underwood) sat in the film that opens in theaters Feb. 12.
“Percy Jackson” is based on the New York Times #1 best-selling series written by Rick Riordan. The film centers on Percy, son of the Greek god Poseidon, who is suspected of stealing Zeus’ lightning bolt. As Percy and his friends go on a quest to find the true thief, the gods of Mount Olympus and various monsters jump out of Percy’s Greek mythology books and into reality.
While on his cross-country journey, Percy and friends find themselves battling angry monsters like Medusa in an attempt to find the lightning bolt and save Percy's mother.
Not giving up any significant details about the outcome of the film, the cast revealed that filming was very physical and strenuous at times. They also said it was rewarding when it came to working with veteran actors like Sean Bean, Uma Thurman and Pierce Bronson.
Lerman, 18, said that flying was his favorite part of filming, although it took a lot of practice - especially for the fight scenes with Abel.
Abel, 22, also said that flying was the highlight of filming even though his body took a beating. Daddario noticed how much time the two had to spend to film the flying scenes.
“The wire work was particularly rough on me,” she said. “It bruises your arms and it is really physically difficult.”
The cast said that working with director Chris Columbus was an unbelievable and great experience.
“He collaborates with you,” Jackson said.
With all of the special effects, the actors did portions of the filming in front of green screens.
“You’re going in there to just kind of lose yourself in the scene and have a good time,” Lerman said. “Just play around and throw ideas back and forth.”
Daddario had the chance to throw ideas back and forth with Thurman and also learn from the veteran actress.
“She is an amazing person and really talented, she was so intense as Medusa, it sort of creates an environment you can sort of get lost in,” Daddario said.
Daddario said the privilege of working with such veterans creates role models and great teachers.
With all the special effects and fight scenes, there is still an underlying message for those facing challenges.
“You can be strong despite your weaknesses,” Daddario said. “You can battle obstacles and get through them and you can find your strengths.”
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