Walker Scobell, the teenage lead of Disney+’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians, has decided to skip his high school prom following a series of death threats directed at him and those around him. The 17-year-old actor made the announcement in an Instagram Story on Sunday, citing safety concerns for potential dates and their families.
Scobell stars as Percy Jackson, the sharp-tongued son of Poseidon, in the popular live-action fantasy series. As the titular demigod, he navigates a double life as an ordinary middle-schooler who suddenly learns he is part of a hidden world of Greek gods and mythical creatures. Percy’s journey begins when he is accused of stealing Zeus’s master lightning bolt, forcing him to embark on a dangerous quest across the United States alongside his friends to prevent an all-out war among the Olympians. Scobell’s portrayal brings a perfect mix of humor, vulnerability, and youthful determination to the role, helping the show connect with both longtime fans of the books and new audiences discovering the story for the first time.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians draws directly from Rick Riordan’s best-selling fantasy series of young adult novels. The books blend modern American settings with classical Greek mythology, following Percy as he trains at Camp Half-Blood and faces escalating threats from ancient powers. The Disney+ adaptation has carefully recreated key moments from the source material, including thrilling action sequences, clever problem-solving, and heartfelt explorations of identity and belonging. Scobell leads a strong young cast that includes Leah Sava Jeffries as the intelligent daughter of Athena, Annabeth Chase, and Aryan Simhadri as the loyal satyr Grover Underwood. Together they capture the spirit of found family and teamwork that defines the franchise.
Scobell’s Instagram Story explained his choice not to attend prom. “Just to let everyone know, I will not be attending prom. Please stop sending death threats to EVERY teenage girl who could remotely be associated with me based on their proximity to where I live,” he posted. The message highlighted how the threats had extended beyond him to target any girl who might live near him or have any loose connection that could be twisted into a rumor.
He continued in the same post: “It’s not fair to them or to their families. Maybe also just stop sending death threats in general. That’s just not cool. Kinda weird I have to say this.” The statement reflected frustration with the situation while urging fans to recognize the real-world harm caused by such behavior.
Several hours later, the official Disney+ UK social media account shared a post centered on the theme of friendship within the Percy Jackson series. The timing and content appeared to serve as an indirect response to the troubling events, shifting focus back to the positive messages embedded in the show.
The caption stated: “Friendship is stronger than any prophecy,” while featuring scenes where Percy notes, “We take care of each other” and “When you talk about stuff, it gets less scary.” The post used uplifting clips to emphasize support, communication, and looking out for one another.
With Season 2 recently concluded, attention now turns to the upcoming third season of Percy Jackson and the Olympians. The new season will adapt the third book in Riordan’s series, The Titan’s Curse.
Scobell first gained widespread attention with his breakout role in The Adam Project before stepping into the iconic Percy Jackson character. At 17, he continues to manage the unique pressures of early fame while trying to experience normal teenage milestones. His decision to forgo prom illustrates the difficult balance young stars often face between public adoration and personal privacy. The incident also sheds light on broader conversations about online conduct and the responsibilities that come with being part of a passionate fandom. Despite the setback, the Percy Jackson franchise remains a bright spot for family entertainment.
