The multi-talented Rosario Dawson forms part of a star-studded supporting cast in the thrilling new action adventure, “Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief” as Greek goddess Persephone.


Based on the best selling and highly praised novel by Rick Riordan, the movie sets off when Zeus’ master lightning bolt was stolen and is convinced that Percy Jackson (played by newcomer Logan Lerman) is the thief. Percy, being the son of Poseidon, god of the sea is then summoned by the gods to a perilous quest to prove his innocence. He must retrieve the master bolt from the god of the underworld, where Persephone is trapped in a loveless marriage with Hades.

Following is a q&a with Dawson who brings delicious humor along with an enticing, sexy allure to her portrayal of the Greek goddess Persephone.


Q: How do you envision your character, Persephone?

A: “Persephone is the goddess of springtime as well as being Queen of the Underworld. I originally thought of her in old Greek robes and flowers but in the end I really liked the modern interpretation of Persephone with chipped nail polish and lace. It is interesting to think of her in a loveless marriage with Hades (who abducted her) and what that must have felt like for her. She is violent and aggressive and it’s fascinating because she also has innocence and sweetness and childlike qualities when she’s not being completely bitter. So she is not one-dimensional.”

Q: Are you familiar with the books?

A: “I’m on already on book three now, I am reading the whole series. There is a lot of banter between my character and my husband (Hades) since he is madly in love with me and I can’t stand him. The story is fascinating to me and it’s been really fun remembering everything I learned about the myths and the different gods & goddesses and the trouble that they got into all the time.”

Q: What did you find interesting about the Percy Jackson stories?

A: “I find it interesting that we have nine year olds with cell phones and kids are becoming mature at a younger age and the correlation with the increasing number of kids getting diagnosed with conditions like ADD (attention deficit disorder). So here is Percy Jackson who has been told he is dyslexic because his brain is actually hardwired for Greek, so he can’t cope with the English language. I think it is a shame that today’s kids have these words and diagnoses thrown at them and are told there is something wrong with them. Instead, in this story, Percy learns that disabilities can be seen as something positive, actually an advantage.”
Q: So you see the film as inspiring?

A: “I do. I think it’s empowering for a kid to think he or she can be clever enough to ‘fool a god.’ That’s actually what makes it fun. It’s not just the sword fighting; it’s not just the costumes; it’s the idea that we’re investing in kids to be our leaders and perhaps even save the day. These kids are our heroes. I think it will be fun for adults too because there’s definitely enough mayhem to raise an eyebrow or two.”

Q: How do you think your upbringing contributed to your career?

A: “Well I’m a New Yorker. I grew up in a squat in the Lower Eastside. My parents moved into an abandoned building when I was six. I think tenacity runs in my family. My dad worked in construction and was an electrician and my mom learned how to do plumbing and electrical work, because my dad was in the building trade. I grew up with the idea that if you want something done, you do it yourself and you can do anything that you want to do.”


Rosario Dawson was discovered and starred in the 1995 controversial cult hit “Kids” when she was 16. Dawson has gone on to become one of the most accomplished actresses of her generation. Her career began with appearances in small independent films such as “Light It Up,” “Down To You” and “Josie and The Pussycats.” She starred opposite Will Smith in 2001’s “Men In Black II,” followed by “Sin City.” There was a critically acclaimed role in the 2005 film adaptation of the Broadway play “Rent.” Her other roles include "Clerks II,” “Grindhouse,” “Eagle Eye” and “Seven Pounds.” Her upcoming films include “The Zookeeper” and “Unstoppable.”

“Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief” opens February 12 in theaters from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros