The much-anticipated Percy Jackson and the Olympians series on Disney+ has finally hit our screens, and fans of Rick Riordan’s beloved books have been thrilled to see their favorite characters brought to life. Among the standout performances, Charlie Bushnell’s portrayal of Luke Castellan stands out as a defining moment in the series. As one of the more complex characters in the books, Luke required an actor who could skillfully navigate the character’s layers of charm, vulnerability, and internal conflict. Bushnell has undoubtedly risen to the challenge, delivering a nuanced and captivating portrayal that has left a lasting impression on both new and long-time fans alike.
Your Question | Our Answer |
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Full Name | Charlie Bushnell |
Date of Birth | November 16, 2004 |
Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
Famous Role | Luke Castellan in Percy Jackson |
Other Notable Role | Bobby Cañero-Reed in Diary of a Future President |
Height | 5’11” (180 cm) |
Hair Color | Brown |
Eye Color | Brown |
Acting Debut | Diary of a Future President (2020) |
Family Background | Comes from a family with roots in the entertainment industry |
Hobbies | Playing guitar, reading, photography |
Favorite Characters | Inspired by Anakin Skywalker (Star Wars) and Erik Killmonger (Black Panther) |
Training | Extensive stunt training for Percy Jackson |
Current Projects | Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Disney+) |
Social Media | Active on Instagram (@charliebushnell) |
Who Is Charlie Bushnell?
Before diving into Bushnell’s portrayal of Luke Castellan, it’s important to understand who the actor is and how he made his way into this high-profile role. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Charlie Bushnell hails from a family with deep roots in the entertainment industry. This background naturally steered him towards acting from an early age. Bushnell’s career kicked off with his role as Bobby Cañero-Reed in the Disney+ series Diary of a Future President. Though his career is still in its early stages, Bushnell has quickly proven that he has the depth and range to tackle more complex characters.
In Percy Jackson, Bushnell’s portrayal of Luke required him to go beyond the traditional “villain” role, exploring the nuances and complexities of a character who is motivated by loss, betrayal, and a desire for change. Bushnell’s understanding of these layers helped him bring a unique and empathetic energy to the role of Luke, which fans quickly took notice of.
Luke Castellan: A Character of Depth and Conflict

Luke Castellan is one of the most complex characters in the Percy Jackson series. Initially presented as a charismatic and trustworthy mentor figure, Luke’s journey is one of gradual disillusionment, making him both a tragic figure and an antagonist. A demigod who feels abandoned by the gods, particularly his father Hermes, Luke ultimately rebels against them, believing that the gods have failed both him and humanity.
This deep sense of betrayal and frustration makes Luke more than just a villain—he becomes a character shaped by pain and a desire for revenge. His actions, while wrong, are driven by a distorted sense of justice, making him a tragic and layered character. It is this internal conflict that makes Luke one of the most compelling figures in the Percy Jackson universe, and an actor with a deep understanding of these dynamics was essential to bringing him to life.
Bushnell’s Approach to Luke: A Unique Perspective
When Charlie Bushnell was cast as Luke, fans were eager to see how he would interpret the character. Luke is a complex role, and Bushnell’s approach was marked by a nuanced understanding of the character’s emotional struggles. Rather than portraying Luke simply as an antagonist, Bushnell chose to focus on Luke’s internal pain and search for belonging.
In interviews, Bushnell has explained that he viewed Luke not as a villain, but as someone who was deeply hurt by his experiences and who turned to extreme measures to find justice and meaning. This perspective allowed him to infuse his portrayal of Luke with empathy, making the character’s journey more relatable and tragic. Fans have praised Bushnell for capturing this vulnerability while still maintaining the necessary intensity and charisma to make Luke a compelling presence on screen.
The Audition Process: A Stressful Journey to Stardom
The audition process for Percy Jackson and the Olympians was not an easy one for Bushnell. In fact, it came at a particularly stressful time in his life. Balancing schoolwork and the pressure of auditioning for a major series, Bushnell was also preparing for important essays and tests. However, he knew that the opportunity to audition for such a high-profile role in a beloved franchise could be a career-defining moment.
The audition itself was a pivotal moment for Bushnell. One of the scenes he had to perform was from the third episode, where Luke gives Percy the cursed shoes—an emotionally charged moment that allowed Bushnell to show both Luke’s warmth and underlying tension. His performance in the audition captured the attention of the show’s creators, leading to a series of callbacks and, eventually, the role of Luke Castellan.
After a nerve-wracking wait, Bushnell received the call confirming that he had been cast. The excitement and sense of relief he felt were overwhelming, marking the beginning of his journey in the world of Percy Jackson.
Research and Collaboration: Preparing for the Role

To truly embody Luke, Bushnell immersed himself in extensive research. He delved into both Greek mythology and the character’s backstory as outlined in the Percy Jackson books. This helped him gain a deeper understanding of Luke’s motivations, allowing him to approach the character with greater nuance.
Additionally, Bushnell worked closely with the show’s acting coach, Andrew McIlroy, who guided him through the intricacies of Luke’s psyche. Bushnell found inspiration in other iconic characters with similar motivations, such as Anakin Skywalker from Star Wars and Erik Killmonger from Black Panther. These characters, like Luke, are driven by a desire for change, and their journeys offered valuable insights for Bushnell in creating a multi-dimensional portrayal of Luke.
The Physical and Emotional Demands of the Role
Playing Luke Castellan wasn’t just a mental challenge—it also required significant physical preparation. With numerous action scenes in the Percy Jackson series, Bushnell underwent rigorous stunt training to prepare for the physically demanding role. The final confrontation between Luke and Percy required extensive rehearsal and coordination, ensuring that Bushnell could bring intensity and authenticity to the action sequences.
Despite the physical demands, Bushnell’s true challenge lay in capturing the duality of Luke’s character. His performance needed to convey Luke’s initial warmth and charm, while also revealing the darker, more bitter side of him that emerged as the character’s journey progressed. Bushnell’s ability to strike this balance has been praised by both critics and fans alike, making his portrayal one of the standout performances in the series.
Fan Reception: A New Generation of Luke Fans
Charlie Bushnell’s portrayal of Luke Castellan has resonated deeply with fans of Percy Jackson and has introduced the character to a new generation. While Luke has always been a complex character in the books, Bushnell’s performance has added a layer of empathy, making him relatable and human despite his eventual descent into antagonism. Many fans have expressed that they can’t help but feel sympathy for Luke, even as they recognize the flaws in his decisions.
This empathy for Luke has sparked a wider conversation among fans about the nature of villainy, morality, and the blurred lines between hero and antagonist. Bushnell’s portrayal has elevated the character, providing a fresh perspective on a familiar face from the Percy Jackson universe.
What’s Next for Charlie Bushnell?
With the success of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Charlie Bushnell’s career is on an upward trajectory. His portrayal of Luke Castellan has already earned him a dedicated fanbase, and many are eager to see how his character develops in future seasons of the series. Beyond Percy Jackson, Bushnell is also working on other projects, and it’s clear that he is an actor to watch in the coming years.
As his career continues to grow, Bushnell’s unique ability to tackle complex, multi-faceted characters ensures that his future is bright. Whether portraying heroes, antiheroes, or villains, his versatility and depth promise many more unforgettable performances in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Charlie Bushnell? Charlie Bushnell is an American actor best known for his role as Luke Castellan in Percy Jackson and the Olympians. He has also appeared in Diary of a Future President as Bobby Cañero-Reed.
2. What is Luke Castellan’s character like? Luke Castellan is a demigod who becomes one of the most complex characters in the Percy Jackson series. Initially portrayed as a mentor, he eventually becomes an antagonist driven by betrayal and a desire for justice.
3. How did Charlie Bushnell prepare for the role of Luke? Bushnell immersed himself in both Greek mythology and Luke’s backstory. He also worked with an acting coach and drew inspiration from characters like Anakin Skywalker and Erik Killmonger.
4. What challenges did Bushnell face in playing Luke? Bushnell faced the challenge of portraying the duality of Luke’s character—his outward charm and inner turmoil. He also underwent extensive stunt training to prepare for the action sequences in the series.
5. What’s next for Charlie Bushnell? With the success of Percy Jackson, Bushnell’s career is poised for growth. Fans can look forward to seeing more of him in future seasons of the show, as well as in other upcoming projects.
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