Percy Jackson: Ming-Na Wen, Jennifer Beals Cast as Hera, Demeter

Variety

by Selome Hailu

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Season 3 of *Percy Jackson and the Olympians* has unveiled new casting additions, with Ming-Na Wen, Jennifer Beals, and Hubert Smielecki set to portray key Greek gods. Wen will play Hera, the queen of Olympus and wife to Zeus, known for her regal demeanor and maternal instincts, as well as her influence in family politics among the gods. Beals will take on Demeter, the goddess of agriculture and the harvest, whose strong memories of the Titan war against her father Kronos drive her actions. Smielecki will portray Apollo, the god of the sun, music, poetry, and prophecy, described as a charismatic and dazzling figure with a twin sister Artemis. Wen is best known for her role in Disney’s *Mulan* (1998) and her long stint as Melinda May in *Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.* Her recent projects include *Hacks*, *The Mandalorian*, and its spin-off *The Book of Boba Fett*. Beals is recognized for her role in *Flashdance* (1983) and her six-season run as Bette Porter in *The L Word*. She has also appeared in *The Book of Boba Fett* and the film *Luckiest Girl Alive*. Smielecki, a relative newcomer, made his mark in Netflix’s *Ransom Canyon*, where he played Randall Kirkland. These casting choices add significant depth to Season 3, which continues to explore Rick Riordan’s beloved book series. The show follows Percy Jackson (Walker Scobell), a demigod son of Poseidon, as he navigates quests with friends Annabeth Chase and Grover Underwood. The new gods will bring mythic weight to the story, furthering the high-stakes conflict against ancient evils threatening Olympus. The casting of these accomplished actors underscores the show’s commitment to authentically portraying Greek mythology while blending modern storytelling. Fans of *Percy Jackson* and entertainment enthusiasts can look forward to seeing how these divine figures shape the narrative in Season 3, adding

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Originally published on Variety on 2/19/2026