Besides the four theatrical American Pie movies, the franchise also spawned a number of spinoffs, and a few past characters returned for them. Every decade has its iconic teen-centered movies, often focusing on the ups and downs of the high school experience, the struggle with puberty and growing into adulthood, and of course the quest to become successful with one's preferred type of romantic partner. In the 1990s, the arguable king of teen movies was American Pie, which is a bit ironic, since it arrived at the tail end of the decade in 1999.
While American Pie drew a lot of its initial attention due to the amount of swearing, crass humor, and sexual content included within its running time, many moviegoers eventually came to realize that there was more under the surface. The major characters were mostly likable and easy to root for, they often had to overcome relatable young adult problems, and there was a surprising amount of heart to be found when pies weren't being made love to.
An enormous hit, making $235 million on an $11 million budget, American Pie naturally spawned a movie franchise, albeit one where few would argue the original was ever in danger of being topped. Still, the theatrical sequels at least had the benefit of most of the original American Pie cast and characters continuing to return, making fans feel comfortable and at home. The direct-to-video spinoff movies didn't generally have that luxury, although there were a few cases of characters from the main series crossing over.
Jim's Dad (Eugene Levy)
Noah Levenstein, more commonly referred to as just Jim's dad, is played by prolific comic actor Eugene Levy, and has appeared in some fashion in nearly every single American Pie spinoff released to date. He only didn't return for American Pie Presents: Girls' Rules. For those keeping score, that means Jim's dad returned for Band Camp, The Naked Mile, Beta House, and The Book of Love, nearly always in some type of authority figure role.
Chuck Sherman (Chris Owen)
Played by Chris Owen, Chuck "The Sherminator" Sherman spent the original movie falsely bragging about his prowess with the ladies, only to get found out. By American Pie 2 though, Sherman had reversed his fortunes in that department, and by American Reunion, he was a divorced father. Sherman appeared in the American Pie Presents Band Camp spinoff, working as the guidance counselor at East Great Falls High.
Matt Stifler (Tad Hilgenbrink)
Of the three original American Pie movie characters to return for the spinoffs, Matt Stifler holds the distinction of being the only one to change actors along the way. Eli Marenthal, who also voiced Hogarth in The Iron Giant in the same year, played Steve Stifler's younger brother in the first two American Pie movies. Tad Hilgenbrink took over as Matt Stifler for American Pie Presents Band Camp, the leading role in the film. In Band Camp, Matt gets sent to the titular location by guidance counselor Sherman.