Percy Jackson and the Olympians actor Aryan Simhadri details the amusing side effect of his training to become Grover Underwood. Based on the hit young adult novel series by Rick Riordan, Percy Jackson and the Olympians was adapted for the screen once before, starting with 2010's The Lightning Thief starring Logan Lerman as Percy, Alexandra Daddario as Annabeth, and Brandon T. Jackson as the satyr Grover. Though a second film was greenlit and released in 2013, the movie franchise, which garnered several complaints from fans of the source material, didn't complete the five-book series.

A live-action Percy Jackson and the Olympians Disney+ show was announced in May 2020, offering fans of the books another chance to see the series adapted in full, this time with the author of the novels very involved. The main trio were cast this year, with Walker Scobell as Percy, Leah Sava Jeffries as Annabeth, and Aryan Simhadri as Grover. Grover is an essential character to the books, serving as the demigod Percy's protector and guide to Camp Half-Blood, as well as the son of Poseidon's best friend, accompanying him on many adventures. Simhadri has been training hard to become the satyr, as evidenced by his recent comments.

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During a sit-down with Entertainment Weekly, the cast speaks about the training they have undergone to bring some exciting stunts to life, with Scobell describing a surprising way he trained for sword fighting. Simhadri talks about a much more routine aspect of his training to portray Grover, who as a satyr is half-man, half-goat. Due to his hooves, Grover sometimes uses crutches to fit in with the human world, covering up his distinctive gait. See what Simhadri has to say about imitating Grover's walk:

I learned how to walk like a goat. I do that pretty much every day on set in conjunction with the vis effects that I wear. It's gotten to the point where out in public I'll be walking on my toes like a goat. I have to consciously put my heel down on the ground when I'm walking.

Percy Jackson's Young Cast Already Seems Perfect

Percy Jackson Cast With Riordan Book Background

The amusing, real-life consequence of Simhadri's Grover training further displays how perfect the teen is for the role. Riordan has spoken often about his satisfaction with the young actors chosen to portray the trio, stating that Simhadri's sense of humor and excellent chemistry with Scobell have brought Grover to life. In addition, the author has praised Jeffries for perfectly embodying Annabeth's key characteristics of intelligence, strength, and bravery. For his part, Scobell earned the seal of approval from fans of the book series due to his character in The Adam Project, which featured plenty of sarcasm on par with Percy's signature attitude.

One of the major critiques of the film adaptations was the decision to age up the book characters and have adults play them, since the characters' ages were essential to the plot of the books. For that reason, this young trio of actors will be able to embody the novel characters more accurately, while also offering them room to grow organically over the course of the show. Based on Simhadri's comments, he is dedicated to playing Grover to the very best of his ability, a sentiment which seems to be shared by his co-stars. Additionally, with Riordan involved in the production of the series, fans of the source material can rest assured that Percy Jackson and the Olympians is in capable hands.

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Source: EW