Percy Jackson is one of the most beloved fantasy series, captivating fans with its thrilling adventures, Greek mythology, and compelling characters. One of the most intriguing figures in the series is Luke Castellan, the son of Hermes, who plays a major role in Percy’s journey. But who plays Luke in Percy Jackson? Over the years, two actors have portrayed Luke—Jake Abel in Percy Jackson & The Olympians movies (2010–2013) and Charlie Bushnell in the 2023 Percy Jackson and the Olympians Disney+ series. Let’s dive into the details about these actors, their roles, and how fans reacted to their performances.
Who Plays Luke in Percy Jackson? Here’s the Answer!
If you’re wondering who plays Luke Castellan in Percy Jackson, the answer depends on which adaptation you’re referring to. In the Percy Jackson & The Olympians movies (The Lightning Thief and Sea of Monsters), Luke was portrayed by Jake Abel. However, in the new 2023 Percy Jackson and the Olympians Disney+ series, the role of Luke Castellan is played by Charlie Bushnell.
Both actors brought their own interpretation to the role. Jake Abel’s version was older and more menacing, while Charlie Bushnell’s portrayal stays truer to the book, making Luke more charismatic and complex. Let’s take a deeper look at the character of Luke Castellan and the actors who played him.
Who Is Luke Castellan in Percy Jackson?
Luke Castellan is a demigod and the son of Hermes and May Castellan. He starts as a friend and mentor to Percy Jackson at Camp Half-Blood but later becomes a major antagonist. Frustrated with the gods for abandoning their children, Luke allies himself with Kronos, the Titan king, in a quest to overthrow Mount Olympus.
Luke is a complicated character—he is not purely evil, but his resentment towards the gods drives him to make dangerous choices. He feels betrayed by his father, Hermes, and believes the Olympians neglect their demigod children. While he serves as an antagonist in much of the series, his character arc is one of redemption. In the final book, The Last Olympian, Luke ultimately sacrifices himself to defeat Kronos and save Olympus.
Who Is Jake Abel? (Luke from the Percy Jackson Movies)
Jake Abel played Luke Castellan in Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010) and Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters (2013). Born on November 18, 1987, in Canton, Ohio, Jake Abel is an American actor known for his work in various films and TV shows.
His portrayal of Luke was quite different from the books. In the movies, Luke is presented as an outright villain rather than a complex, conflicted character. The films also aged up the characters, making Luke appear much older than he is in the books, which led to some criticism from fans. Despite this, Jake Abel’s performance was praised for bringing a menacing presence to the role.
Jake Abel’s Other Movies & Shows
Aside from Percy Jackson, Jake Abel has appeared in several notable movies and TV series, including:
- Supernatural (as Adam Milligan)
- The Host (2013)
- Love & Mercy (2014)
- I Am Number Four (2011)
- Grey’s Anatomy (guest role)
His versatility as an actor has allowed him to take on both heroic and villainous roles, making him a well-rounded performer in Hollywood.
Why Did Fans Have Mixed Reactions?
While Jake Abel’s performance was solid, many fans of the Percy Jackson books were unhappy with the way his character was written in the movies. The main complaints were:
- Luke was too old compared to his book counterpart.
- His motivations were simplified, making him a stereotypical villain rather than a tragic anti-hero.
- The movies deviated heavily from the books, frustrating fans who wanted a faithful adaptation.
Despite these criticisms, Jake Abel remains a favorite among some fans who appreciated his menacing take on Luke Castellan.
Who Is Charlie Bushnell? (Luke in the Percy Jackson Series 2023)
Charlie Bushnell is the actor playing Luke Castellan in the 2023 Percy Jackson and the Olympians Disney+ series. He was born on June 16, 2004, in Los Angeles, California, and is a rising star in the entertainment industry. Before Percy Jackson, he was best known for his role as Bobby Cañero-Reed in Diary of a Future President.
Charlie’s version of Luke is closer to the books, portraying the character as a charming and friendly mentor to Percy before gradually revealing his darker side. His portrayal aims to highlight Luke’s complexity, making him more than just a villain.
Where Have You Seen Charlie Bushnell Before?
Charlie Bushnell is still an up-and-coming actor, but he has gained attention for his work in:
- Diary of a Future President (2020–2021) – Played Bobby Cañero-Reed.
- Percy Jackson and the Olympians (2023) – Portrays Luke Castellan.
With his role in Percy Jackson, Charlie is expected to become even more popular in the entertainment industry.
Why Was Charlie Bushnell Chosen as Luke?
The casting directors of the Disney+ series wanted an actor who could capture both the charisma and depth of Luke Castellan. Charlie Bushnell fit the role perfectly because:
- He matches the age of the character better than Jake Abel did in the movies.
- He has natural charm and likability, making Luke’s eventual betrayal more shocking.
- His acting skills allow him to showcase Luke’s internal struggles, making the character more complex.
Fans are excited to see how Charlie brings Luke to life in a way that stays true to Rick Riordan’s books.
How Is the New Percy Jackson Series Different from the Movies?
The 2023 Percy Jackson and the Olympians series is a complete reboot and a more faithful adaptation of Rick Riordan’s books. Some key differences include:
- More accurate casting – The actors better match the ages and descriptions from the books.
- Stronger storytelling – The show follows the books closely, unlike the movies, which made major changes.
- Rick Riordan’s involvement – The original author is closely involved in the series, ensuring it stays true to his vision.
The new series has received positive reviews, and fans are hopeful that it will finally do justice to the beloved book series.
Thoughts: Who Plays Luke in Percy Jackson?
Both Jake Abel and Charlie Bushnell have played Luke Castellan, but their portrayals are quite different. Jake Abel’s version was more villainous and aged up, while Charlie Bushnell’s performance is expected to be more accurate to the books. With the new Disney+ series aiming for a faithful adaptation, Charlie’s portrayal of Luke is generating excitement among fans.
The Bottom Line
Luke Castellan is one of the most fascinating characters in the Percy Jackson series, and two talented actors have taken on the role—Jake Abel in the movies and Charlie Bushnell in the Disney+ series. While the films received criticism for changing Luke’s character, the new series promises a more accurate portrayal. Whether you’re a longtime Percy Jackson fan or a newcomer, Charlie Bushnell’s take on Luke Castellan is definitely worth watching.
