Percy Jackson and the Olympians returned to Disney Plus after a near two-year wait to kick off its second season. The series is based on Rick Riordan's acclaimed novel series and it has received positive reviews from fans and critics, all of whom were anticipating the new episodes.
The show returned with a two-episode premiere that set the season's new storyline in motion. However, the second of the two episodes closed out with a touching tribute to Danny Virtue, who sadly passed away earlier this year, reading: "In Loving Memory of a true pioneer. Danny Virtue." The dedication also features a chariot and two horses underneath it.
A legendary stuntman, producer, director, and philanthropist, Danny Virtue passed away on September 4 at the age of 75. Throughout his career he worked on a wide variety of productions, some of which were filmed at his own Virtue Studio Ranch. He was also a well-renowned horse trainer and worked on the chariot race in Percy Jackson season 2.
An ambitious stunt, the chariot race saw Percy, his half-brother Tyson, Annabeth, and other characters compete in order to win the right to go on a Quest - with those three in particular hoping to travel to the Sea of Monsters to save Grover, find the Golden Fleece, and ultimately save Camp Half-Blood. With high production values and incredible, practical action, the moment was nothing short of phenomenal and a true standout throughout the show's whole run thus far.
Percy Jackson showrunner Dan Shotz paid tribute to Virtue earlier this year, calling him "a game-changing philanthropist", "a dear friend", and "the best horse trainer in the world", commending him for both his work in the series and the person that he was in real life.
Stunts Canada's In Memoriam tribute also acknowledges the towering legacy that Virtue leaves behind, from his well-documented stunts work to the charity work he was involved in too, adding that the Virtue Ranch provided "a sanctuary for children and animals through the Virtue Foundation, which for over two decades offered hope, joy and excitement".
Throughout the course of his career, Virtue worked as stunt coordinator on many iconic titles, including big-budget movies like The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, Monster Trucks, multiple Planet of the Apes movies, and Jurassic World: Dominion. He also co-created the series Neon Rider.
As well as Percy Jackson, he had recently worked on the second season of HBO juggernaut series The Last of Us, with star Pedro Pascal saying at the time that he considered himself incredibly lucky to have worked with him.
"Danny Virtue is a legend and I consider myself incredibly lucky to have worked with him and to witness his brilliant relationship to horses."
Pascal's The Last of Us co-star Bella Ramsey also praised Virtue for constantly rooting for the actors of the show to do well and his overall commitment to ensuring that they succeeded.
Needless to say that Danny Virtue has made a profound impact on all who have worked with him, and you don't have to look far to see a multitude of tributes and kind words about the legendary stunt coordinator. From his commitment to the horses he worked with to the charity work he did when not on set, it's very clear that he made the lives of those around him that much better. And that is a legacy that everyone who knew him can clearly attest to.
On behalf of us at Bam Smack Pow, we send our condolences to Danny Virtue's loved ones, as well as everyone who ever worked with him. May he Rest In Peace.