Disney+ has unveiled its most intriguing casting choice yet for Percy Jackson Season 3, announcing that comedy powerhouse Kate McKinnon will embody the Greek goddess Aphrodite in the highly anticipated third installment. The Saturday Night Live veteran and Barbie star brings her distinctive comedic flair to the mythological world, promising a unique interpretation of the goddess of love and beauty that fans won’t see coming.
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Kate McKinnon Transforms into the Goddess of Love
The casting announcement, revealed on October 15, 2025, showcases Disney+’s commitment to bringing fresh energy to Percy Jackson Season 3. Kate McKinnon will take on the recurring guest role of Aphrodite, whose character description hints at complex storytelling ahead.
According to the official announcement, this version of Aphrodite “can alter her appearance depending on the beholder” and “must be sure that Percy Jackson respects the power and importance of love before she agrees to offer aid on his quest.”
Character Profile and Powers
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Character Name | Aphrodite, Goddess of Love and Beauty |
| Portrayed By | Kate McKinnon |
| Role Type | Recurring Guest Star |
| Special Abilities | Shape-shifting appearance based on viewer |
| Character Arc | Tests Percy’s understanding of love’s power |
This casting choice represents a significant departure from traditional portrayals of Greek goddesses in film and television. Kate McKinnon’s extensive background in sketch comedy, combined with her recent dramatic work in films like Barbie and Bombshell, positions her perfectly to deliver both the humor and gravitas required for Aphrodite’s complex mythological role.
Percy Jackson Season 3 Production and Timeline
Filming for Percy Jackson Season 3 commenced on August 8, 2025, in Vancouver, with production scheduled to wrap by mid-2026. The third season will adapt Rick Riordan’s novel “The Titan’s Curse,” where Aphrodite plays a crucial role in Percy’s journey. The series has already been renewed through this third season, demonstrating Disney+’s confidence in the franchise’s continued success.
Release Schedule
| Season | Based On | Premiere Date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | The Lightning Thief | December 19, 2023 | Completed |
| Season 2 | The Sea of Monsters | December 10, 2025 | Post-Production |
| Season 3 | The Titan’s Curse | Late 2026/Early 2027 | Currently Filming |
The strategic spacing between seasons allows the young cast to age naturally alongside their characters while maintaining the high production values that made the first season a critical and commercial success. Walker Scobell returns as Percy Jackson, with Leah Sava Jeffries as Annabeth Chase and Aryan Simhadri as Grover Underwood continuing their beloved portrayals.
Kate McKinnon’s Entertainment Legacy
Kate McKinnon brings an impressive resume to Percy Jackson Season 3, having established herself as one of the most versatile performers in contemporary entertainment. Her decade-long tenure on Saturday Night Live from 2012 to 2022 earned her ten Emmy nominations and two wins, making her one of the show’s most celebrated cast members with appearances in over 200 episodes.
Notable Career Highlights
Film Achievements:
- Weird Barbie in the blockbuster hit “Barbie” (2023)
- Supporting roles in “Ghostbusters” (2016), “Bombshell” (2019), and “Yesterday” (2019)
- Upcoming appearances in “The Roses” (2025) and “In the Blink of an Eye”
Television Success:
- Carole Baskin portrayal in “Joe vs. Carole” (2022)
- Guest appearances on various comedy and drama series
- Voice work in animated productions
Her ability to seamlessly blend comedy with dramatic depth makes her an ideal choice for Aphrodite, a character who requires both divine authority and relatable humanity.
Aphrodite’s Role in The Titan’s Curse
In Rick Riordan’s source material, Aphrodite serves as more than just comic relief or divine intervention. The goddess of love plays a pivotal role in testing Percy’s emotional maturity and understanding of relationships. Kate McKinnon’s interpretation will likely emphasize the character’s manipulative yet benevolent nature, as Aphrodite challenges Percy to recognize love as a powerful force rather than a weakness.
The character’s shape-shifting abilities provide Kate McKinnon with opportunities to showcase her renowned impression skills, potentially appearing as different personas to various characters throughout Percy Jackson Season 3. This mythological trait aligns perfectly with McKinnon’s strengths as a performer known for her transformative character work.
Expanding the Divine Ensemble
Kate McKinnon’s addition to Percy Jackson Season 3 continues the series’ trend of casting accomplished actors as Greek deities. The show has successfully balanced star power with narrative authenticity, bringing gravitas to mythological characters while maintaining accessibility for younger audiences.
Growing Cast for Season 3
The third season will also feature previously announced additions including:
- Atlas (casting in progress) – The primary antagonist
- Artemis – Goddess of the hunt
- Nico and Bianca di Angelo – Children of Hades (cast revealed at San Diego Comic-Con)
- Dafne Keen – In an undisclosed role
This expanded divine presence reflects the broader scope of “The Titan’s Curse,” which introduces multiple Olympian gods and explores the complex politics of the mythological world.
Series Evolution and Future Prospects
Percy Jackson Season 3 represents a crucial juncture for the Disney+ adaptation, as it ventures into more complex mythological territory while maintaining the series’ core appeal. The addition of Kate McKinnon signals the show’s confidence in balancing humor with high-stakes adventure, potentially setting the tone for future seasons.
Creator Rick Riordan’s extensive involvement in the adaptation process ensures that Kate McKinnon’s Aphrodite will remain faithful to the source material while allowing room for the actress’s creative interpretation. The series has consistently demonstrated respect for Riordan’s vision while adapting storylines for television’s visual medium.
Looking Beyond Season 3
With Rick Riordan’s expanded Camp Half-Blood Chronicles spanning multiple book series, Percy Jackson Season 3 could serve as a launching pad for an extended television universe. Kate McKinnon’s Aphrodite could potentially appear in future seasons or spin-off series, establishing her as a recurring presence in this mythological world.
The success of the first season, combined with strong fan anticipation for Kate McKinnon’s casting, positions Percy Jackson Season 3 as one of Disney+’s most promising upcoming releases. The series continues to prove that faithful adaptations of beloved books can succeed when backed by talented casts and creative teams who understand the source material’s appeal.
Read More: Gen V Season 2 Finale Countdown: Complete Release Schedule and What’s Next?
FAQs
When will Percy Jackson Season 3 with Kate McKinnon premiere?
Percy Jackson Season 3 is scheduled to premiere in late 2026 or early 2027 on Disney+. The season is currently filming in Vancouver and will wrap production by mid-2026.
What role does Kate McKinnon play in Percy Jackson Season 3?
Kate McKinnon plays Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, in a recurring guest role. Her character can alter her appearance and must test Percy’s understanding of love before offering help.
Which book is Percy Jackson Season 3 based on?
Season 3 adapts Rick Riordan’s third novel “The Titan’s Curse,” where Aphrodite plays a significant role in Percy’s quest and character development.
When does Percy Jackson Season 2 come out?
Percy Jackson Season 2, based on “The Sea of Monsters,” premieres on December 10, 2025, on Disney+ with weekly episode releases.
Will Kate McKinnon appear in future Percy Jackson seasons?
While not officially confirmed, Kate McKinnon’s recurring role as Aphrodite could potentially extend beyond Season 3, especially given the character’s importance in later books and the series’ long-term potential.
