Daniel Diemer, the actor bringing the lovable Cyclops Tyson to life in Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2, is a familiar face to fans of streaming hits and heartfelt dramas. Joining the series as a new series regular, Diemer steps into the role of Percy Jackson’s gentle half-brother, a character that has quickly become a fan favorite in the new season which premiered on Disney+ on December 11, 2025.
From Netflix Teen Romance to Disney+ Demigod
For many viewers, Diemer’s breakout role was in the 2020 Netflix film The Half of It. In this modern, queer retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac, Diemer played Paul Munsky, a sweet but inarticulate jock who pays the smart, introverted Ellie Chu to write love letters for him. His performance captured the character’s earnest vulnerability and garnered attention for its genuine charm.
This role established Diemer as a compelling presence in character-driven stories, a quality he now brings to the mythological world of Percy Jackson. He has described landing the part of Tyson as a “dream come true,” having been a fan of Rick Riordan’s books since he was ten years old.
Recent Appearances in Acclaimed Series
Leading up to his casting in Percy Jackson, Diemer took on more dramatic roles that showcased his range.
He recently appeared in the 2024 Hulu limited series Under the Bridge, based on the true-crime book. While details of his specific role are less documented, the series itself was a critically acclaimed project, adding to his portfolio of serious dramatic work.
He also had a role in the 2023 film Absolution, which starred Liam Neeson and was filmed in late 2022. Diemer has shared an interesting connection from that film to his current role: he wore a trident necklace in Absolution, a symbol of Poseidon that he owned long before being cast as the sea god’s son in Percy Jackson.
The Fateful Path to Playing Tyson
The casting of Daniel Diemer as Tyson came with a remarkable coincidence that feels almost destined. Diemer was officially cast on July 25, 2024, with the announcement made by author Rick Riordan at San Diego Comic-Con.
What Diemer and the producers didn’t know initially was that he already had a deep, personal connection to the show’s creative team. The series’ acting coach, Andrew McIlroy—whom executive producer Dan Shotz calls “a game changer”—turned out to be Diemer’s first and most influential acting teacher.
“My first ever acting class was with him. He’s the reason I became an actor,” Diemer told The Hollywood Reporter. “I googled acting classes in Victoria [British Columbia], and he was doing a three-day workshop… and I just fell in love with acting through that.”
McIlroy, knowing Diemer was up for the part, remained silent during the casting process until the producers were ready to make their final decision, at which point he revealed their history. For Diemer, who once studied medicine before switching to acting, the role represents a full-circle moment in his career.
Bringing a Beloved Cyclops to Life
In Season 2 of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, which adapts the second book, The Sea of Monsters, Tyson is introduced as a young Cyclops who grew up alone on the streets of New York. Described as shy, awkward, and possessing a heart “almost as big as he is,” Tyson is discovered by Percy’s mother, Sally Jackson, at a homeless shelter and brought into their home as a foster child.
His life changes when he learns that Poseidon is his father, making Percy (Walker Scobell) his half-brother. Diemer has spoken about finding a balance in his portrayal, honoring the character’s childlike innocence and lovable nature from the books while also incorporating the complexities and survival instincts of someone who grew up homeless and hunted by monsters.
“I wanted to be really honest and dedicated to the source material… but also add the complexities of somebody that grows up on the street, somebody that’s dealt with monsters for years,” Diemer explained.
His chemistry with lead actor Walker Scobell was evident from their first meeting, where they discovered they both wore nearly identical trident necklaces. Diemer joins a main cast that includes returning stars Leah Sava Jeffries as Annabeth Chase and Aryan Simhadri as Grover Underwood.
Also Read:
A New Chapter in a Rising Career
At 29 years old, Daniel Diemer is a Canadian actor from Brentwood Bay, British Columbia. His journey from a medical school path to a starring role in one of Disney+’s most popular series is a testament to his passion for the craft. With Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2 now streaming, audiences are getting to see his dedicated performance as Tyson, a character that adds significant emotional depth to Percy’s quest in the Sea of Monsters.
Also Read: ‘Heated Rivalry’ Episode 5 Becomes Highest-Rated TV Episode of 2025 on IMDb
