Emmy-winning actress Kate McKinnon is officially cast as Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, for Disney+‘s “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” Season 3, an adaptation of Rick Riordan‘s acclaimed novel “The Titan’s Curse.” Her addition, alongside new cast members Dafne Keen (Artemis), Saara Chaudry (Zoë Nightshade), and the highly anticipated Levi Chrisopulos (Nico di Angelo) and Olive Abercrombie (Bianca di Angelo), promises to bring beloved characters and a pivotal storyline to life, with production currently underway in Vancouver.
The divine roster for Disney+‘s hit series “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” is expanding with an exciting new addition. Emmy-winning actress Kate McKinnon, known for her versatile comedic and dramatic roles, has been cast as Aphrodite, the enigmatic Greek goddess of love and beauty, for the upcoming Season 3. This announcement has ignited considerable enthusiasm within the fan community, eager to see how McKinnon brings one of Olympus’s most influential figures to the screen.
The series, based on Rick Riordan‘s bestselling novels, has captivated audiences with its faithful adaptation of the beloved mythological world. As Season 3 gears up to tackle the events of “The Titan’s Curse,” McKinnon’s casting marks a significant step in populating Percy Jackson’s universe with its iconic gods and demigods.
Aphrodite’s Arrival: Kate McKinnon’s Role and the Goddess of Love
Kate McKinnon will portray Aphrodite in a recurring guest star capacity, a role that perfectly leverages her unique screen presence. In the world of Percy Jackson, Aphrodite is not merely a deity of romance; she is a powerful force who can alter her appearance depending on who is looking at her. Her interaction with Percy Jackson (Walker Scobell) is crucial, as she “must be sure that Percy Jackson (Walker Scobell) respects the power and importance of love before she agrees to offer aid on his quest,” as confirmed by an official character description, a detail also reported by Variety.
McKinnon’s career boasts an impressive range, from her ten-year tenure on “Saturday Night Live” (2012-2022), where she earned ten Emmy nominations and two wins, to her memorable role as Strange Barbie in the blockbuster film “Barbie” (2023). Her ability to blend humor with genuine emotional depth makes her an ideal choice to embody the multifaceted goddess.
Delving into ‘The Titan’s Curse’: What Season 3 Holds
Season 3 of “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” is set to adapt Rick Riordan’s third book, “The Titan’s Curse.” This pivotal installment in the series sees Percy and his friends embark on a desperate quest that is darker and more urgent than their previous adventures. The central mystery revolves around the disappearance of the goddess Artemis, who is believed to have been kidnapped.
The stakes are incredibly high, as Percy, Annabeth, and Grover must find Artemis before the winter solstice. Her influence on the Olympian Council is crucial for an important vote on the impending war with the Titans. Adding to the urgency, they must also uncover the truth behind a rare and incredibly powerful monster that Artemis was hunting just before she vanished—a creature rumored to be capable of destroying Olympus forever. Fans have long anticipated this storyline, which introduces many beloved elements from Riordan’s original work.
New Faces in Camp Half-Blood: Introducing Key Characters
Beyond Kate McKinnon’s Aphrodite, Season 3 brings several other critical characters from “The Titan’s Curse” to life. These castings are particularly exciting for long-time readers of Riordan’s books:
- Dafne Keen (known for “Deadpool & Wolverine”) joins as Artemis, the goddess of the moon and the hunt, and twin sister to Apollo. Her disappearance drives a significant portion of the season’s plot.
- Saara Chaudry (from “The Mysterious Benedict Society”) is cast as Zoë Nightshade, Artemis’s loyal and formidable lieutenant, and the first immortal Hunter. Her character is a fan favorite for her strength and complex backstory.
- Levi Chrisopulos takes on the role of Nico di Angelo, one of the “Hades’s lost children” that fans have eagerly awaited.
- Olive Abercrombie portrays Bianca di Angelo, Nico’s older sister. The di Angelo siblings are pivotal figures, introduced as demigods who spent years trapped in the Lotus Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, shielded from time’s passage. Their arrival at Camp Half-Blood, escorted by Percy and Annabeth, marks a significant turning point in the series, as highlighted by Entertainment Weekly.
Returning Heroes and Gods: The Expanding Cast of Olympians
The core trio — Walker Scobell as Percy Jackson, Leah Sava Jeffries as Annabeth Chase, and Aryan Simhadri as Grover Underwood — will return to lead the quest. Their chemistry has been a cornerstone of the series’ success, bringing the beloved characters to life for a new generation of fans.
The series also boasts a strong ensemble of gods and mortal figures. Returning cast members from previous seasons include:
- Virginia Kull as Sally Jackson, Percy’s mother.
- Glynn Turman as Chiron, the activities director at Camp Half-Blood.
- Jason Mantzoukas as the god Dionysus.
- Toby Stephens as Poseidon, Percy’s father.
- Lin-Manuel Miranda as Hermes.
- Courtney B. Vance, who joined in Season 2 to replace the late Lance Reddick, as Zeus.
Before Season 3 takes center stage, fans can look forward to “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” Season 2, which adapts “Sea of Monsters,” premiering on Disney+ on December 10th. This season will see Percy and his friends embark on a mission to find the legendary Golden Fleece to save Camp Half-Blood.
Behind the Scenes: Production in Vancouver and Iconic Locations
Production for “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” Season 3 is officially underway in Vancouver, British Columbia. Filming commenced in early August 2025, with scheduled dates from August 7, 2025, to March 13, 2026. The working title for the season is “Mink Golden.”
The show utilizes various impressive locations across B.C. for its mythological world. Much of the filming takes place on the state-of-the-art Volume Stage at Mammoth Studios in Burnaby. Key exterior locations include the immersive Camp Half-Blood sets in Langley/Aldergrove, coastal scenes at Minaty Bay near Squamish, and scenic backdrops at Spanish Banks in Vancouver. For Season 2, the crew even built huge grandstands for a chariot race and a quarter-mile track at their main Camp Half-Blood set, demonstrating the production’s commitment to bringing Riordan’s world to life on an epic scale.
The Enduring Legacy of Percy Jackson
With Kate McKinnon and a host of other talented actors joining the cast, “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” Season 3 is set to deliver another unforgettable chapter in the demigod saga. The series continues to honor Rick Riordan’s vision, providing fans with a faithful and exciting adaptation that delves deeper into the complex world of Greek mythology. As the stories unfold, the enduring legacy of Percy Jackson and his friends continues to inspire and entertain a global audience, reaffirming its place as a cornerstone of modern fantasy.
