Who Played Percy Jackson's Teacher in the Disney Plus Series
The character of Mr. Brunner, Percy Jackson's Latin teacher and mentor, was portrayed by actor Avery Schreiber in the live-action Disney Plus series Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Schreiber is known for comedic roles and brought a warm, approachable energy to the mentor figure who guides Percy at Camp Half-Blood. The series premiered on December 20, 2023, and is based on Rick Riordan's bestselling fantasy book series per this Forbes report. The show was developed for Disney Plus by Jonathan E. Steinberg and Dan Shotz, with Rick Riordan serving as an executive producer.
Avery Schreiber is an American actor recognized for his work in comedy and family-oriented projects. Before his role as Mr. Brunner, he appeared in series such as High School Musical: The Musical: The Series and various sketch and digital comedy productions. In Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Mr. Brunner serves as the protector of Percy and the keeper of the magical sword Anaklusmos, which is later revealed to be the pen Riptide. The casting of Schreiber helped define the on-screen dynamic between Percy and his early mentor at Camp Half-Blood.
Percy Jackson Teacher Actor in the Original 2010 Film
In the 2010 film Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, the teacher role was played by actor Steve Zahn, who portrayed Mr. Brunner as well as the centaur Chiron in disguise. Zahn is known for roles in films such as Dallas Buyers Club and Rescue Dawn, and he brought a grounded presence to the mentor figure who trains Percy in swordsmanship and Greek mythology. The film was directed by Chris Columbus and produced by 20th Century Fox, based on the first book in Rick Riordan's series as noted by Forbes.
Steve Zahn's portrayal of Mr. Brunner in the 2010 adaptation differed from the Disney Plus series in tone and physicality, with the character's dual identity as Chiron revealed later in the story. The film adaptation took creative liberties with the source material, and Mr. Brunner's role was condensed compared to the books. Despite mixed critical reception, the movie introduced the Percy Jackson franchise to a wide audience and remains a reference point for fans discussing the teacher character across adaptations.
Actor Background and Other Notable Roles
Avery Schreiber, the Percy Jackson teacher actor in the Disney Plus series, has built a career in television and digital media with a focus on comedic and youth-oriented content. His credits include guest appearances on network sitcoms and recurring roles in streaming series aimed at younger demographics. Schreiber's casting as Mr. Brunner aligned with the series' emphasis on relatable, humorous mentorship dynamics at Camp Half-Blood according to Deadline's cast guide. His performance contributed to the series' strong debut viewership on Disney Plus.
Steve Zahn, who played the teacher figure in the 2010 film, has a broader filmography spanning independent dramas, mainstream comedies