‘Percy Jackson’ and ‘Avatar’ Creators Discuss the Unique Challenges of Adapting YA Books for TV

In the world of entertainment, adapting beloved properties for a new audience can be a challenging task. The recent adaptations of popular young adult books and series have sparked discussions about staying true to the original material while also appealing to a modern audience.

One such adaptation is Disney+’s “Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” based on the fantasy book series by Rick Riordan. The showrunner, Jonathan E. Steinberg, worked closely with Riordan to bring the world of demigods to life on screen. The series follows the adventures of Percy, a young boy who discovers he is a demigod and must navigate the challenges of his newfound identity.

Similarly, Netflix’s “Avatar: The Last Airbender” has faced the challenge of translating an animated series into a live-action format. Showrunner Albert Kim had to carefully select which elements from the original show to include in the new adaptation, while also making adjustments for a different medium.

Meanwhile, Jenny Han, the author of “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” oversaw the adaptation of her book for Prime Video. The series follows the coming-of-age story of a teenage girl named Stomach and explores themes of love and growing up.

As these adaptations continue to evolve, creators are faced with the task of balancing the expectations of loyal fans with the need to attract new viewers. By staying true to the heart of the original stories while also making necessary updates for a modern audience, these adaptations are able to honor the source material while also bringing something fresh and exciting to the screen.