The Evolution of Clarisse La Rue in Season 2
The first season of Disney+'s Percy Jackson and the Olympians introduced audiences to the world of Camp Half-Blood through the eyes of its titular hero, but it also established the social hierarchy of the demigods. At the top of that food chain—or at least, the most physically imposing link—was Clarisse La Rue. Portrayed by Dior Goodjohn, Clarisse served primarily as a foil to Walker Scobell's Percy, embodying the archetype of the school bully with a mythological twist. However, as the series transitions into adapting Rick Riordan's second novel, The Sea of Monsters, the narrative scope is widening, and Clarisse is stepping into the spotlight.
In a recent interview, Goodjohn revealed that the upcoming season will peel back the layers of the daughter of war. While the character remains tough, the script allows for a deeper exploration of her internal struggles, particularly her crippling self-doubt and her desperate need for validation. This aligns perfectly with the source material, where Clarisse is not merely an antagonist but the actual "hero" chosen by the Oracle to lead the quest for the Golden Fleece.
This shift from secondary antagonist to a deuteragonist with her own hero's journey is crucial for the longevity of the series, setting up Clarisse's vital role in future adaptations like The Last Olympian.
The character work they are doing with Clarisse in season 2 sounds incredible. Giving her depth this early makes her eventual role in the final war so much more impactful. Goodjohn is going to steal the show.
The Burden of War: Exploring the Ares Dynamic
One of the most compelling aspects of the Percy Jackson universe is its unflinching look at the dysfunctional relationships between gods and their children. Season 1 gave viewers a glimpse of this through Luke Castellan and Hermes, but Season 2 is set to dissect the volatile dynamic between Clarisse and Ares. Played by WWE superstar Adam Copeland, Ares is a figure of intimidation and aggression, traits that he has passed down to his daughter—along with a healthy dose of trauma.
Goodjohn describes the on-screen relationship as resembling that of an "overly aggressive sports dad" and his child. This comparison grounds the mythological elements in a very real, relatable human struggle. Clarisse is not just fighting monsters; she is fighting for the approval of a father who views affection as a weakness. This context reframes her bullying behavior in the first season not as inherent malice, but as a survival mechanism learned from the god of war himself.
The scenes described by Goodjohn, particularly a tense meeting before her departure, highlight that Clarisse's leadership style is evolving. She is unlearning the toxic individualism taught by Ares and discovering that true loyalty comes from mutual respect rather than fear. This development suggests that the show is committed to fleshing out the "abusive parent-child relationship" that defines so many of the demigods' lives, adding a layer of psychological tragedy to the high-adventure proceedings.
Into the Sea of Monsters: The Ironclad Sequence
While character drama drives the emotional core of the show, Percy Jackson is still a blockbuster fantasy series, and Season 2 promises to ramp up the spectacle. A major focal point of the upcoming season is the journey into the Sea of Monsters aboard a Civil War-era ironclad ship (known in the books as the CSS Birmingham). Goodjohn teased an "epic" action sequence involving this vessel that sounds like a significant upgrade in production scale from the first season.
The sequence involves Clarisse, Percy (Scobell), Annabeth (Leah Sava Jeffries), and Tyson (Daniel Diemer) navigating the ship between the twin terrors of Scylla and Charybdis. In Greek mythology, and Riordan's lore, Scylla is a multi-headed monster that snatches sailors from their decks, while Charybdis is a sentient whirlpool that swallows ships whole. The production team reportedly built a massive physical set for the ironclad, utilizing practical water effects to simulate the stormy conditions.
Goodjohn highlighted a specific moment where Clarisse takes control of a giant gun on the bow of the ship, spinning and shooting while Percy manipulates the ocean currents.
This description points to a level of cinematic action that fans have been clamoring for. The collaboration between Percy's hydrokinesis and Clarisse's martial prowess is a significant beat. In the books, their relationship is defined by a grudging truce; seeing them fight back-to-back against overwhelming odds visually cements the idea that despite their rivalry, they are both powerful heroes capable of working together when survival is on the line.
Hearing about practical sets for the CSS Birmingham is a huge relief. The Volume was okay in season 1, but real water and physical ships are going to make the Sea of Monsters look distinct and gritty.
Leadership and the Undead Crew
Perhaps the most significant deviation—or rather, expansion—from the source material discussed by Goodjohn involves Clarisse's interaction with the ship's crew. In the lore, the ironclad is manned by undead Confederate soldiers who are bound to serve Ares. In the books, they are largely obedient automatons. However, the show appears to be giving them more agency, forcing Clarisse to adapt her leadership style to motivate them.
Goodjohn explains that Clarisse initially tries to command them with the same aggression her father uses, but she fails. The turning point comes when she realizes she must appeal to their desire for honor and redemption. By promising to deliver them to Elysium—the Greek underworld's paradise reserved for heroes—she secures their loyalty. This is a massive character beat for Clarisse.
Elysium is not easily granted in this universe. By making this promise, Clarisse is taking on a spiritual burden and showing a deep understanding of what motivates warriors. It marks the transition from a commander who pushes her troops from behind to a leader who stands in the dirt with them. This "lead from the front" mentality is what eventually earns her the respect of the entire camp, and seeing the genesis of it here adds tremendous weight to her arc.
The Physiology of a Quest: Stunts and Stamina
The physical demands of portraying a daughter of Ares cannot be overstated. Goodjohn noted the intensity of the filming process, particularly the wet and chaotic conditions of the ship sequence. The commitment to practical effects implies that the actors were subjected to wind and rain machines to sell the reality of the storm. For a character like Clarisse, whose primary attribute is physical dominance, the stunt work is an extension of her acting.
The mention of Clarisse pivoting to attack Charybdis is also a fascinating tactical detail. In the classic dilemma, sailors usually choose to brave Scylla (sacrificing a few to save the many) rather than risk the total destruction of Charybdis. Clarisse's decision to engage the whirlpool head-on speaks to her aggressive, high-risk nature. It is a choice that mirrors Ares' philosophy—attack the biggest threat with maximum force—but the chaotic result will likely force her to rely on Percy and Annabeth to salvage the situation.
Why Clarisse Matters to the Franchise Future
Elevating Clarisse in The Sea of Monsters is a strategic move by the showrunners. In the book series, Clarisse drifts in and out of the narrative until the final book, where she plays a pivotal role in the Battle of Manhattan. By deepening the audience's investment in her character now, the show is laying the groundwork for that payoff.
Furthermore, the introduction of Tyson (Percy's Cyclops half-brother) adds another layer of friction. In the books, Clarisse is notoriously cruel to Tyson. The show has the opportunity to nuance this bigotry, perhaps tying it into her desire to please Ares, who despises "weakness." Watching her eventually come to respect Tyson will be another major step in her redemption.
Ultimately, Season 2 seems intent on proving that Clarisse is more than just a bully; she is a victim of impossible expectations trying to carve out her own definition of heroism.
With a Golden Globe-nominated production team and a cast that is aging into their roles with impressive maturity, Percy Jackson and the Olympians is positioning itself to be a long-running staple for Disney+. The care being put into secondary characters like Clarisse La Rue is a promising sign that the adaptation respects the depth of Rick Riordan's world. As the premiere approaches, fans can look forward to seeing the daughter of war finally get the screen time—and the development—she deserves.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2 is currently in production.