The Impact of Danny Virtue’s Stunt Philosophy on Elevating the Visceral Action in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series
The second season of Disney+'s Percy Jackson and the Olympians, adapting The Sea of Monsters, featured one of the series’ most ambitious and thrilling set pieces: the Camp Half-Blood chariot race. The scale and visceral reality of the sequence, which takes place early in the season, were a massive technical undertaking that was ultimately achieved through the commitment to practical effects and real horses. This decision to prioritize practical action was largely orchestrated by legendary Canadian stunt coordinator and horse-stunt specialist, Danny Virtue, whose expertise was crucial in translating the fantasy sequence to the screen.
The immediate impact of utilizing Danny Virtue and his team was the achievement of authentic, high speed action. Showrunner Dan Shotz noted that the production insisted on using real horses for the entire sequence, explicitly avoiding computer generated imagery (CGI) for the animals. This tall order required the highest level of animal and stunt training, a challenge perfectly suited to Virtue’s decades of experience in the film industry, which included working on major productions like The Twilight Saga: Eclipse and Jurassic World: Dominion. The horses were trained by Virtue’s team, allowing the young actors to perform with trained animals and making the sequence feel “more visceral and alive.”
The strategic complexity handled by Danny Virtue involved managing the immense logistical and safety demands of the scene. The chariot race, which necessitated nearly two weeks of filming, was a highly technical sequence, requiring the coordination of multiple chariots, young performers, and over 20 horses on a large set built specifically for the event. Virtue, whom the executive producer called the “chariot race architect,” was responsible for ensuring the safety of every person and animal while capturing the intense, death defying stunts required by the storyline, which involves the teams battling one another and being attacked by Stymphalian Birds.
Looking ahead, the future outlook for the show’s legacy is marked by the tribute paid to Danny Virtue following his passing in late 2025. The second episode of the season closed with a dedication card honoring him as a "true pioneer" and featured an image of a chariot and horses, directly linking his final major set piece to the series’ success. This tribute underscores the profound impact Virtue had on the stunts community and on the show itself. His commitment to practical, authentic action set a high bar for the rest of the season’s challenging sequences, ensuring the Camp Half-Blood chariot race remains a true standout for fans.