The casting of Kate McKinnon as the goddess Aphrodite in Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 3 was influenced by an unexpected source: Amy Poehler. Showrunner Dan Shotz revealed that after hearing McKinnon speak on Amy Poehler’s podcast, Good Hang with Amy Poehler, he felt she would be perfect for the role. The podcast, which won a Golden Globe for Best Podcast in 2026, served as the inspiration for considering McKinnon in the series’ next installment.
Dan Shotz explained,
“I think she was on Amy Poehler’s podcast or something, right? And I just was hearing her voice and, obviously we’re massive fans of Kate McKinnon, but like, hearing her just talk about her life and her life experiences, and I remember calling these guys and I was like, ‘Should we see if Kate would want to do this?’ Because, she’d kind of be perfect.”
This casual discovery guided the casting process for one of Greek mythology’s most iconic deities.
Following this, the production team reached out to McKinnon, and her response was enthusiastic. Shotz added,
“We called and then her people were like, ‘She would love to be in this show.’ She loves the show. And that was it. And sometimes, it’s as simple as that where you find fans or people who just want to play an iconic role like Aphrodite.”
This genuine interest from McKinnon helped finalize her involvement before filming began for the third season.
Kate McKinnon Set to Bring Aphrodite to Life in The Titan’s Curse
McKinnon’s addition to the cast marks an exciting turn for Percy Jackson fans, as Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, is a character who highly influences demigods’ romantic lives. Her role becomes prominent in The Titan’s Curse, the third book of the Percy Jackson series, which the show is adapting in Season 3.
With McKinnon’s comedic talents and unique personality, audiences can anticipate a fresh, humorous take on the goddess’s interactions with Percy and his companions. This casting choice is set to enrich the series’ dynamic, blending mythology with quirky, contemporary humor.
Additional Major Casting: Dafne Keen Joins as Artemis
Alongside McKinnon, the showrunners confirmed the inclusion of Dafne Keen, known for her work as Laura Kinney/X-23 in Logan and Deadpool & Wolverine, in Percy Jackson Season 3. Shotz shared that the casting process for Keen also involved personal connections with the existing cast. He noted,
“It was similar with Dafne [Keen]. Like Dafne had actually known a lot of our cast. They had been on the young person circuit of Hollywood, and so, she had become friends with a lot of the cast members. So, when we reached out to her, it was just like, ‘Oh, I get to come play with my friends.’ So, she jumped right in.”
Keen will portray Artemis, the moon goddess who supports Percy and his allies in their battle against the manticore during The Titan’s Curse storyline. She leads a group called the Hunters of Artemis, a band of young women dedicated to hunting monsters and upholding Artemis’s values. This casting cements the show’s commitment to adapting key characters from Greek mythology with fresh faces who bring authenticity and enthusiasm.
Season 3 Filming Progress and Anticipation
Production on Season 3 has resumed, with the remaining episodes of The Titan’s Curse adaptation currently being filmed. Fans can expect release later this year, continuing the adventures of Percy Jackson and his encounters with gods, monsters, and prophecy. The involvement of high-profile actors like McKinnon and Keen promises a dynamic and engaging storyline.
The showrunners remain passionate about staying true to Rick Riordan’s original material while enhancing the screen adaptation with well-chosen talent. The addition of stars connected to popular culture and mythology reflects the series’ growing appeal and dedication to quality storytelling.
Why Amy Poehler Percy Jackson Casting Matters
The revelation that Amy Poehler’s podcast influenced the casting of one of the series’ standout roles highlights the power of modern media in shaping entertainment projects. Poehler, as a respected comedian and actress, directly contributed to bringing Kate McKinnon aboard, further intertwining the creative community’s influential voices within popular adaptations.
This connection underscores how personal interests and informal encounters with talent can impact casting decisions, making the final production richer and more diverse. For Percy Jackson fans, knowing this behind-the-scenes story adds an extra layer of appreciation for the series’ evolution.
With Season 3 on the horizon and key new characters introduced, the Percy Jackson adaptation continues to build momentum. The fusion of Greek myths, beloved actors, and dedicated showrunners signals exciting developments to come for viewers eager to follow the journey through Olympus and beyond.
