A wave of excitement has hit fans of Percy Jackson and the Olympians as Emmy-winning actress and comedian Kate McKinnon officially joins the cast for Season 3. McKinnon will portray Aphrodite, the mesmerizing Greek goddess of love and beauty, in the Disney+ fantasy adventure series based on Rick Riordan’s beloved novels.
Kate McKinnon as the Goddess of Love
In Season 3 of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, McKinnon will step into the role of Aphrodite, one of the most complex and enchanting deities in Greek mythology. According to the official description, Aphrodite has the unique ability to change her appearance depending on the beholder, embodying each person’s idea of beauty.
Her presence in the story will test young demigod Percy Jackson, played by Walker Scobell, in new and unexpected ways. The goddess will ensure that Percy fully understands the true power and meaning of love before offering him her divine help on his perilous journey.
This interpretation promises to bring humor, wisdom, and emotional depth to the character — all trademarks of McKinnon’s distinctive acting style.
McKinnon’s Stellar Career in Comedy and Beyond
Kate McKinnon has become one of Hollywood’s most versatile talents. Best known for her decade-long run on Saturday Night Live (2012–2022), she became a fan favorite thanks to her razor-sharp impressions and quirky comedic energy. Over the years, McKinnon received 10 Emmy nominations, winning two awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.
Beyond television, she’s made a strong mark on the big screen. Her filmography includes acclaimed performances in:
- “Bombshell” (2019) – A drama based on real events at Fox News, where McKinnon held her own alongside Nicole Kidman and Charlize Theron.
- “Yesterday” (2019) – A musical comedy about a world where The Beatles never existed.
- “The Spy Who Dumped Me” (2018) – An action-comedy co-starring Mila Kunis.
- “Ghostbusters” (2016) – A reboot that showcased McKinnon’s eccentric humor and boundless energy.
More recently, she gained global attention for her performance as Weird Barbie in Greta Gerwig’s record-breaking film Barbie (2023). She also starred as Carole Baskin in the Peacock limited series Joe vs. Carole (2022), proving her ability to handle dramatic and satirical roles with equal finesse.
Up next, McKinnon is set to appear in the sci-fi film “In the Blink of an Eye,” directed by Andrew Stanton and produced for Hulu. This marks yet another intriguing addition to her diverse portfolio.
Inside Percy Jackson Season 3
Season 3 of Percy Jackson and the Olympians will adapt “The Titan’s Curse”, the third book in Rick Riordan’s legendary fantasy saga. The story picks up after the thrilling events of The Sea of Monsters, with Percy and his friends embarking on a daring quest to rescue the goddess Artemis and Annabeth Chase, who are both in grave danger.
As the demigods face new monsters and darker threats, Aphrodite’s appearance will bring a surprising twist to the story — especially as she tests Percy’s understanding of love, loyalty, and emotional maturity.
The upcoming season is expected to dive deeper into the relationships among the demigods, exploring their evolving dynamics as they grow older and face increasingly personal challenges. Fans can anticipate more emotional storytelling balanced with the show’s signature humor and heart.
The Creative Team Behind the Series
The Percy Jackson series continues to be developed under the close supervision of author Rick Riordan, ensuring faithfulness to the source material. Riordan co-created the show with Jonathan E. Steinberg, who also serves as co-showrunner alongside Dan Shotz.
The impressive lineup of executive producers includes:
- Rick and Rebecca Riordan
- Jonathan E. Steinberg and Dan Shotz
- Craig Silverstein
- Bert Salke
- Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Jeremy Bell, and D.J. Goldberg (The Gotham Group)
- James Bobin, Jim Rowe, Albert Kim, Jason Ensler, and Sarah Watson
This powerhouse team has been instrumental in bringing Riordan’s vision to life with cinematic scale and emotional authenticity.
The show’s blend of mythology, adventure, and coming-of-age themes has resonated deeply with audiences around the world, establishing Percy Jackson and the Olympians as one of Disney+’s standout fantasy franchises.
Returning Cast and New Faces
Season 3 will see the return of key cast members who have captured viewers’ hearts since the show’s debut. The main cast includes:
- Walker Scobell as Percy Jackson
- Leah Sava Jeffries as Annabeth Chase
- Aryan Simhadri as Grover Underwood
- Charlie Bushnell, Dior Goodjohn, and Daniel Diemer in supporting roles
The inclusion of Kate McKinnon as Aphrodite brings a fresh energy to the ensemble. Her presence adds not only comedic charm but also emotional depth, given Aphrodite’s nuanced role as both a goddess and a guide.
From Page to Screen: A Loyal Adaptation
The Percy Jackson universe has long been cherished by fans for its mix of Greek mythology, humor, and heartfelt storytelling. With Riordan’s direct involvement in the adaptation, the TV series has successfully captured the tone of the books while modernizing certain elements for a new generation.
The show debuted on Disney+ in 2023, quickly gaining a loyal global following. After two successful seasons, Season 2 is set to premiere on December 10, with Season 3 currently filming in Vancouver.
With every season expanding the mythology and emotional stakes, McKinnon’s addition as Aphrodite promises to elevate the series even further — blending charm, wisdom, and humor in a way only she can deliver.
Conclusion: A Perfect Match of Myth and Comedy
Casting Kate McKinnon as Aphrodite is a masterstroke. Her ability to balance comedy with emotion makes her ideal for portraying a goddess whose beauty and power challenge mortals to understand the essence of love.
As Percy Jackson and the Olympians continues its journey through the pantheon of Greek myths, fans can look forward to a season filled with humor, heart, and heroism. With McKinnon joining an already stellar cast, Season 3 might just be the show’s most magical chapter yet.