‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ tells a rather decent origin story of a demigod.

“Percy Jackson and the Olympians” launches with the intensity of a minotaur in full charge, but soon shifts into a more measured pace, echoing a ‘Harry Potter’ vibe with a twist on demigods instead of wizards. The Disney+ series is enjoyable overall, though it doesn’t quite achieve extraordinary success. It provides a fresh take on the coming-of-age genre, proving to be quite engaging.

Following its movie adaptations in 2010 and 2013, the series benefits from the involvement of Rick Riordan, the original book series author, as an executive producer, along with Jonathan E. Steinberg of “The Old Man” fame. This collaboration ensures a close adherence to the original books, though it occasionally seems overly devoted to the “chosen one” narrative central to the story.

The protagonist, Percy (played by Walker Scobell from “The Adam Project”), narrates his journey. As a 12-year-old, he grapples with typical challenges like poor grades and bullying, only to have his life turned upside down when he learns he’s a demigod, the son of a Greek god. This revelation brings unique powers, monstrous threats, and admission to a special school for similarly gifted individuals.

Walker Scobell effectively portrays Percy’s initial bewilderment and subsequent determination. In the first few episodes available for review, he embarks on a quest with companions Grover (Aryan Simhadri) and Annabeth (Leah Sava Jeffries), meeting a variety of characters and creatures along the way, including appearances by Glynn Turman, Megan Mullally, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Lance Reddick.

The series creatively plays with its premise and includes clever details, such as the entrance to Hades being located in Los Angeles – humorously nodding to the real-life chaos of the Santa Monica Freeway. However, the series’ momentum slows after the initial episode, which might temper excitement for future episodes.

The arrival of “Percy Jackson” on Disney+ is somewhat circuitous, originating from its movie adaptations produced by 20th Century Fox. The shift occurred when the studio, which is also the publisher of the “Percy Jackson” books, became part of Disney’s entertainment portfolio in 2019. Despite this roundabout journey, the series finds a fitting home on Disney+, aligning well with Disney’s penchant for youth-oriented fantasy, yet it stands out with a more sophisticated setting and the rich mythology of Greek gods, a step up from typical Disney Channel offerings.

While it may not be a monumental offering from the pantheon, incorporating tales of the offspring of Mt. Olympus certainly enriches Disney+’s lineup. It’s a strong addition, albeit one that perhaps doesn’t quite ignite the full potential of its magical and mythological elements.

“Percy Jackson and the Olympians” is set to premiere on Disney+ on December 20.