Disney+‘sPercy Jackson and the Olympiansgave fans an electrifying surprise during San Diego Comic-Con 2025 with the debut of the first official image ofTimothy Simonsas Tantalus, as well as arelease date for Season 2that fans can officially look forward to this winter, and a teaser trailer for the season. Simons joining the cast for Season 2 marks the introduction of one of the book series’ more frustrating characters. Based onRick Riordan’sPercy Jackson: The Sea of Monsters, the new season promises higher stakes and darker humor, with Tantalus emerging as a key antagonist at Camp Half-Blood.
A Cursed King Comes to Camp Half-Blood
In Greek mythology, Tantalus is condemned to eternal hunger and thirst, punished by the gods for his arrogance and betrayal. The show reimagines him as the interim activities director at Camp Half-Blood, stepping in after Chiron is wrongfully dismissed for having been believed to be working with Kronos. Far from being a benevolent leader,Tantalus thrives on sowing discord, mocking the demigods, and enforcing harsh rules that endanger rather than protect the campers. Tantalus’ arrival creates a perfect storm of tension. With the camp’s magical borders failing and Thalia’s tree poisoned, the demigods need unity more than ever. Instead, Tantalus’s petty rivalries and cruel leadership alienate Percy and his friends, pushing them toward the dangerous quest to retrieve the Golden Fleece – a quest that lies at the heart of Season 2’s narrative.
Raising the Stakes for Season 2
The second season expands the world ofPercy Jackson and the Olympiansboth visually and emotionally. From large-scale practical sets, including a massive warship and elaborate jungle lairs, to the return of Camp Half-Blood’s perilous chariot races (should the series take a page from the book and enact one of Tantalus' worst decisions), the show aims to elevate every aspect of the storytelling. Tantalus plays a vital role in that evolution, serving as both comic relief and a reminder of the cruelty and corruption lurking among the gods and their chosen figures, and from the image provided of Simons in the role, he will certainly be casting a dark cloud over the camp. His leadership forces Percy and his friends to step up, driving their character growth while heightening the sense of peril.
With returning starsWalker Scobell,Leah Sava Jeffries, andAryan Simhadrijoined by new cast members likeTamara Smartas Thalia Grace andDaniel Diemeras Tyson, Season 2 is shaping up to be a faithful yet bold adaptation ofThe Sea of Monsters. Fans can expectPercy Jacksonto return to Disney+ on December 10.
