The second episode of Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2 includes a quiet but powerful tribute to a real-world legend. At the end of the episode “Demon Pigeons Attack,” a simple title card appears before the credits roll. It reads, “In Loving Memory of a true pioneer, Danny Virtue,” alongside a silhouette of a chariot pulled by two horses. The tribute honors the legendary stunt coordinator whose expertise with horses was vital to creating one of the episode’s most exciting scenes: the Camp Half-Blood chariot race.
The tribute card was shown to audiences when the episode was released on December 10, 2024, on Disney+ and Hulu. For many viewers, the name Danny Virtue was new, but his work behind the scenes on major films and shows has been enjoyed by millions.
Who Was Danny Virtue?
Danny Virtue was a highly respected stunt coordinator and horse specialist from Canada. He passed away on September 4, 2024, at the age of 75. During a career spanning decades, he worked on over a thousand film and television projects. His IMDb page lists major titles where he contributed as a stunt coordinator, second unit director, or animal wrangler, including:
- The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
- War for the Planet of the Apes
- Jurassic World: Dominion
- The Last of Us (TV series)
- Smallville
- The Christmas Chronicles
Virtue was known as a “horse whisperer” and was considered one of the best horse trainers and stunt wranglers in the business, especially in British Columbia. He owned and operated the 200-acre Virtue Studio Ranch, which served as a base for his work and his charitable foundation.
The Architect of the Chariot Race
For Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Virtue’s specific role was as the architect of the chariot race sequence in Season 2, Episode 2. Executive producer Dan Shotz explained that when the production decided to tackle the complex scene involving horses, young actors, and makeshift chariots, reaching out to Virtue was their first call.
“Danny Virtue was essentially the chariot race architect… He is one of probably the most famous stunt horse whisperers/wranglers in British Columbia, and really one of the most famous in the business,” Shotz told TV Insider.
Virtue was responsible for designing the practical stunt work. He brought in over 20 horses, some from the famous Calgary Stampede, and helped build real stables on set. His team also trained the young cast. Actress Dior Goodjohn, who plays Clarisse La Rue, shared that the cast visited Virtue’s ranch for training before filming began.
“We got to go to Danny Virtue’s Ranch… we all learned how to horseback ride and mount bareback, and it was really, really cool,” Goodjohn said.
A Final Viewing and a Lasting Legacy
Tragically, Danny Virtue died from cancer before the season aired. However, Dan Shotz was able to visit him in the hospital with a special gift: a look at the finished chariot race scene.
“Right before he passed, I visited him in the hospital, and I got to show him the chariot race. He got to see his final set piece that he really helped create,” Shotz said.
Beyond his film work, Virtue was known for his philanthropic efforts. In 2000, he founded the Danny Virtue Foundation, a nonprofit that provided therapeutic experiences with horses for young people. Colleagues remembered him as a generous mentor and a pioneer in the stunt community.
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Praise from Hollywood Co-Stars
Following his passing, several actors who worked with Virtue shared their memories. Pedro Pascal, who worked with him on The Last of Us Season 2, called him a “legend”.
“I consider myself incredibly lucky to have worked with him and to witness his brilliant relationship to horses,” Pascal said in a behind-the-scenes feature.
He later posted a thank you on social media, noting Virtue taught him to ride for his role. Bella Ramsey, Pascal’s co-star, also praised Virtue for his support and encouragement on set.
In a recorded interview clip shared after his death, Virtue himself reflected on how he hoped to be remembered, focusing on personal connection over professional accolades.
“The movies and all, that was just my work. And I tried my hardest to do good. But basically, I just want people to remember me as a good friend. That’s it. No big deal,” Virtue said.
How to Watch the Tribute
The tribute to Danny Virtue appears at the very end of Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2, Episode 2, titled “Demon Pigeons Attack.” The episode is available to stream globally on Disney+. In the United States, it is also available on Hulu as part of a Disney bundle.
New episodes of Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2 are released weekly on Disney+.
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