The casting of Sava Jeffries, 12, who appeared on Empire as the daughter of Raven-Symoné and Jussie Smollett, was announced on May 5. She plays Annabeth, “a true daughter of Athena with a gift for strategy and a curious mind,” according to Disney+. 

Riordan was firm in his stance that the young actress is exactly the right choice for the role—and it wasn’t a decision made lightly. 

“I have been clear, as the author, that I was looking for the best actors to inhabit and bring to life the personalities of these characters, and that physical appearance was secondary for me,” he wrote. “We did that. We took a year to do this process thoroughly and find the best of the best. This trio is the best. Leah Jeffries is Annabeth Chase.”