Buckle up, Percy Jackson fans—the goddess of love is getting a hilarious, boundary-pushing makeover! With Kate McKinnon stepping in as Aphrodite in Season 3, we're diving deeper into the magical world of demigods, and trust me, it's going to spark some serious debates. But before we get into the details, let's unpack how this casting could redefine what we expect from Greek mythology on screen.
Kate McKinnon has been cast in a recurring guest role for the upcoming third season of Percy Jackson and the Olympians. She'll portray Aphrodite, the iconic Greek goddess renowned for her dominion over love, beauty, and desire. According to the official description, Aphrodite possesses the enchanting ability to change her appearance based on who is looking at her—think of it as a divine filter that adapts to each beholder's perspective, making her allure uniquely personal and unpredictable. This power isn't just for show; in the story, she tests young hero Percy Jackson, played by Walker Scobell, by demanding he truly grasps the immense strength and significance of love before she'll lend a hand in his epic quest. For beginners exploring Greek myths, this adds a layer of emotional depth: love isn't just a fluffy feeling here; it's a potent force that can sway gods and mortals alike, much like how Cupid's arrows aren't literal but symbolize the unpredictable pull of romance.
McKinnon, a versatile comedic powerhouse, rose to fame as a cast member on Saturday Night Live from 2012 to 2022. For those new to the show, SNL is a long-running sketch comedy series where performers like McKinnon improvise wild, satirical takes on current events, pop culture, and celebrities—think hilarious parodies that often poke fun at Hollywood itself. During her decade-long run, she racked up an impressive 10 Emmy nominations and took home two wins, showcasing her knack for sharp wit and memorable characters. Her filmography is equally impressive, including standout roles in Bombshell (2019), where she portrayed a fierce journalist exposing scandals; Yesterday (2019), a whimsical tale of a musician in a world where the Beatles never existed; The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018), a spy comedy with high-stakes action and laughs; and the 2016 Ghostbusters reboot, bringing quirky charm to the paranormal-fighting team. More recently, she stole scenes as Weird Barbie in Greta Gerwig's blockbuster Barbie (2023), offering a satirical twist on the doll's perfect world, and as Carole Baskin in Peacock's 2022 limited series Joe vs. Carole, delivering a nuanced portrayal of the tiger enthusiast embroiled in real-life drama. Her upcoming project is Andrew Stanton's sci-fi film In the Blink of an Eye, available on Hulu, promising more of her adventurous spirit. McKinnon is represented by CAA, Artists Firsts, and the formidable legal team at Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush, Kaller, Gellman, Meigs & Fox.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians draws inspiration from Rick Riordan's beloved middle-grade book series, which blends ancient mythology with modern teen adventures. Riordan collaborated on the TV adaptation with Jonathan E. Steinberg, who co-showruns alongside Dan Shotz. The executive producers include a talented lineup: Steinberg and Shotz; Riordan and Rebecca Riordan; Craig Silverstein; Bert Salke; Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Jeremy Bell, and D.J. Goldberg from the Gotham Group; James Bobin; Jim Rowe; Albert Kim; Jason Ensler; and Sarah Watson. The main cast features Walker Scobell as the brave Percy Jackson, Leah Sava Jeffries as Annabeth Chase (the clever strategist), Aryan Simhadri as Grover Underwood (the loyal satyr), Charlie Bushnell as Luke Castellan (the conflicted demigod), Dior Goodjohn as Will Solace (the healing Apollo kid), and Daniel Diemer as Nico di Angelo (the mysterious shadow manipulator).
The series launched on Disney+ in 2023, captivating audiences with its fresh take on timeless tales. But here's where it gets controversial—some fans might argue that casting a comedian known for SNL's irreverent humor for a goddess role dilutes the book's serious mythological tone, while others could see it as a brilliant choice to inject much-needed levity into Percy's dangerous world. And this is the part most people miss: how Aphrodite's manipulative side, often overlooked in myths, could be explored through McKinnon's lens, challenging whether love's power is empowering or controlling. Season 2 is set to premiere on December 10, keeping the momentum going. Meanwhile, Season 3, adapting The Titan's Curse, is in full production in Vancouver, promising more thrilling escapades and godly showdowns.
What do you think about this casting decision? Is Kate McKinnon the perfect Aphrodite to bring wit and depth to the role, or does it clash with your vision of the goddess? Do you believe adapting myths for modern audiences should embrace comedy, or stick closer to the source material? Share your opinions in the comments—I'm eager to hear if you're excited, skeptical, or somewhere in between!
