Showrunner Dan Shotz revealed that Reddick helped guide the choice to cast Tamara Smart as Thalia Grace, the demigod daughter of Zeus, a role Reddick originally played before his passing. The recommendation came from Reddick’s wife, Stephanie, who personally reached out after a long search for the right actor.
Shotz admitted he was unsure at first. But that changed quickly. After watching Smart’s audition tape, meeting her in person, and seeing her read with the show’s lead, the decision became clear. Shotz described Smart as “magical,” praising her depth, presence, and ability to honor Reddick with every scene.
The connection runs deeper than casting. Smart previously played Reddick’s on-screen daughter in Netflix’s Resident Evil, making the role of Thalia especially meaningful. She shared that she had watched the first season of Percy Jackson with Stephanie Reddick and never imagined she would one day join the cast herself.
When Smart landed the audition, she immediately told Stephanie she would give it everything she had. Her first day on set was emotional — Stephanie was there to support her, and Smart said it felt like she was living the moment for Lance, feeling his presence and pride.
Reddick died in March 2023 at age 60 from heart disease. Smart said working on Percy Jackson helped her process her grief, even though it was sometimes overwhelming. Many scenes, she explained, felt emotionally charged because they reminded her so strongly of Reddick.
In season two, the role of Zeus is taken over by Courtney B. Vance, and Smart described their first meeting as powerful and respectful. She recalled how Vance paused production for a moment of silence in Reddick’s honor before stepping into the role, calling it a beautiful tribute.
New episodes of Percy Jackson and the Olympians air Wednesdays on Disney+, with Smart’s performance standing as both a fresh chapter for the series and a heartfelt continuation of Lance Reddick’s legacy.
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