Percy Jackson Composer Bear McCreary Channels John Williams

The second season of Percy Jackson and the Olympians concludes tomorrow on Disney+, and the show's composer is revealing the profound influence behind its orchestral sound. Bear McCreary, known for his work on Battlestar Galactica, Outlander, and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., has drawn inspiration from one of cinema's most celebrated composers.

McCreary's approach to scoring the fantasy series deliberately channels the musical language of John Williams, the legendary composer behind Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Jaws. This creative decision reflects a conscious choice to honor tradition over innovation, creating music that feels both timeless and accessible to new audiences.

When asked about his creative process, McCreary explicitly rejected the notion of innovation. Traditional orchestral composition formed the foundation of his work on the series, mirroring Williams' approach from five decades ago.

"Innovative is not what I was going for. I'm writing in this sort of traditional John Williams kind of style. John Williams wrote Star Wars when he was 44 and he was not trying to innovate. He was trying to reference what he grew up with."

McCreary explained that Williams' original intent was to share the music he and George Lucas loved as children with contemporary audiences. The composer drew a direct parallel to his own creative mission for Percy Jackson.

"When I am writing music that is big and orchestral, I'm writing the music of my childhood so that kids who are tuning into Percy Jackson at age between 5 and 10 who don't know Indiana Jones musically - they aren't as familiar with these sounds as we are."

McCreary's extensive scoring experience includes the Prime Video series Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, which provided context for his work on Percy Jackson. He noted that while both projects required significant thematic development, the scale differed considerably.

The composer faced a unique challenge: determining whether to incorporate authentic Greek instruments given the series' mythological roots. Ultimately, he found creative freedom in exploring these musical possibilities while maintaining his classical approach.

"There was a lot of ideating [with Percy Jackson], not as much in comparison to Rings of Power simply because of the scale of the show. In the case of Percy, I had to write fewer themes out of the gate, but that doesn't mean there was less pressure on each theme to carry its weight."

Despite the epic cinematic roots, McCreary ensured the score resonated with contemporary viewers through modern sonic elements woven into the orchestral fabric.

The composer identified three central character themes that anchor the series' musical identity, each representing a classic narrative archetype. Percy Jackson receives the traditional hero's theme, establishing his journey as the central protagonist.

Grover is accompanied by what McCreary describes as the "classic comedic sidekick character theme," providing levity and warmth to the ensemble. Annabeth receives a more nuanced treatment - a "lyrical potential love interest down the line" theme that hints at future narrative developments.

"The trifecta of the three main character themes - Percy, Grover, and Annabeth - are all delightful in a way. It's delightful for me to get to play around with those tropes."

This approach allows McCreary to honor established musical storytelling conventions while serving the modern narrative of contemporary kids discovering their mythological heritage.

The Percy Jackson and the Olympians score represents a deliberate bridge between cinematic eras. McCreary's work demonstrates how traditional orchestral music can remain relevant when presented to new generations through contemporary storytelling.

By consciously avoiding innovation for its own sake, McCreary created a soundtrack that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The music serves the narrative's modern sensibilities while grounding them in the rich tradition of film scoring established by masters like John Williams.

This musical philosophy extends beyond the series itself, offering a template for how creative professionals can honor their influences while creating work that resonates with today's audiences. The result is a score that feels simultaneously familiar and new.

Bear McCreary's approach to Percy Jackson and the Olympians demonstrates the enduring power of John Williams' musical legacy. By channeling the "big and orchestral" sound that defined cinema's golden age, McCreary has created a soundtrack that bridges generations of listeners.

The series continues streaming on Disney+, offering audiences the opportunity to experience this musical journey alongside the visual storytelling. McCreary's work stands as a testament to the idea that sometimes the most effective creative choices involve honoring tradition rather than seeking novelty.