From Redfern to Hollywood: Catriona McKenzie on Percy Jackson, The Boys, and Filmmaking with Heart
Catriona McKenzie has worked on everything, from remote deserts to massive Hollywood sets. With projects like Percy Jackson and the Olympians and The Boys, she’s become known for something rare in the industry: truly listening. Whether she’s working with Indigenous elders or top VFX teams, McKenzie leads with empathy, respect, and strong character focus.
We caught up with the talented director to talk about her work on Percy Jackson Season 2, The Boys final season, and her deep belief in the power of kindness and presence on set.
Bringing Percy Jackson’s World to Life
As a director on Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2, McKenzie had a chance to dive into one of TV’s most exciting fantasy series. She directed three episodes, including the big season finale.
“One of my episodes features the Sirens, and I was told they’re a fan-favorite,” she shares. “So, yes, no pressure!”
She also teamed up with Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), the same studio behind Star Wars and Marvel. Thanks to her earlier experience shadowing Ridley Scott on Alien: Covenant, McKenzie brought a hands-on approach to visual effects. “We used some really advanced tools,” she says. “I may even be one of the first to use ILM’s newest software on this show.”
Fans can also expect characters like Polyphemus the Cyclops and breathtaking visuals in Season 2. But what stood out most to McKenzie was the young cast.
“Walker Scobell has grown so much, he’s becoming a fantastic actor,” she says. “And Leah Sava Jeffries is incredible as Annabeth. Their energy is amazing.”
Behind the Scenes of The Boys Final Season
Switching from fantasy to brutal superhero satire, McKenzie also directed in the final season of The Boys on Prime Video.
“I can’t share too many details,” she laughs. “But this episode changes everything.”
The episode is full of action, emotion, and scenes that pushed creative limits. “My editor, Ian, told me it was his favorite scene he’s ever worked on. That says a lot.”
She credits showrunner Eric Kripke for creating a set where ideas are welcome, and kindness is the norm. “Eric knows exactly what he wants, but he’s kind and open. I’d walk over broken glass for that guy,” she says.
How Indigenous Roots Shaped Her Filmmaking
Long before Hollywood, McKenzie was in the Australian desert, filming oral histories of Aboriginal elders. These early projects taught her how to listen deeply and respectfully.
“That experience shaped me,” she explains. “It taught me to slow down and pay attention to the people and stories around me.”
That mindset now guides her on even the largest sets. Whether working on Percy Jackson or The Boys, she remains grounded in storytelling that puts character first.
She also played a key role in Redfern Now, the first Indigenous-written and directed TV series in Australia. “That show was a turning point,” she says. “We created it from our own voice, and it opened doors for many more Indigenous stories.”
Her mission continues in the U.S., with projects like Echo for Marvel and Alaska Daily, which focused on missing Indigenous women.
“Representation is everything,” she adds. “It’s about bringing more voices to the table, even when the story isn’t Indigenous. That care and awareness still matter.”
Looking Ahead: New Stories, Dream Collaborations
After years of nonstop work, McKenzie is ready for a short break. “I’m excited to explore more character-based stories,” she says. “I love genre and action, but now I want to go deeper.”
She also hints at two new projects, a film and a TV show, that reflect her experience as someone living in a new country. “They’re love letters to America,” she reveals. “There’s beauty in being new and seeing things with fresh eyes.”
When it comes to dream collaborators, McKenzie lights up. She’d love to work with actors like Frances McDormand, Pedro Pascal, Catherine O’Hara, Sarah Polley, and Paul Reiser. “I admire actors who bring truth and humor,” she says. “People who aren’t afraid to be raw.”
A Director Who Truly Listens
Catriona McKenzie isn’t just a filmmaker, she’s a listener, a leader, and a storyteller who cares. From documenting Aboriginal culture to directing hit shows for Disney+ and Amazon, she brings compassion and clarity to everything she does.
Whether it’s magical creatures or gritty superheroes, McKenzie makes stories that connect. And in a world that often rushes to speak, she reminds us why it’s powerful to stop and listen.