The Percy Jackson films featured acclaimed supporting actors and starred teen heartthrob Logan Lerman as the titular demigod. Yet the two films in the series could hardly do justice to Rick Riordan's original novels and failed to make a mark. This year, the author delivered good news after announcing an upcoming Disney+ series that would have him actively involved in the creative directions the show would take.
Considering the rich Greek mythology of the novels and the detailed world-building, a series would perhaps be a better treatment for its source material than the medium of film.
Should Return: Logan Lerman
Logan Lerman's casting wasn't the most accurate casting for Percy Jackson as the character is supposed to be much younger. Instead of being 12 as intended, Lerman was in his late teens around the time of the first film. However, his acting was still good enough and he has proved his dramatic potential in films like The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Fury.
While obviously, he can't return as Percy, it would be fun seeing him guest star in a special role.
Shouldn't Return: Uma Thurman
Medusa much like her representation in Greek mythology as well as the novels is a frightening creature whose gaze can turn people into stone. While it was interesting to see Uma Thurman in a significant film role after a long time, her screen presence and the film's portrayal ended up making her slightly funnier than menacing.
A fresh approach and a new actress can help in capturing the terror of Medusa as well as her tragic backstory of being betrayed by Poseidon.
Should Return: Brandon T Jackson
While surely Brandon T Jackson's Grover Underwood wasn't the most novel-accurate character, he still added enough charm and wit to give an interesting twist on the satyr. Jackson's portrayal made for some funny scenes, especially in the first film. His carefree attitude perfectly complements Percy's rather uptight mannerisms.
Much like Lerman, his age would prevent him from reprising his role as Grover. But he surely can play a supporting comedic character.
Shouldn't Return: Kevin McKidd
Kevin McKidd played Percy's father Poseidon in the first film. His performance was good enough but it failed to delve deeper into his relationship with his demigod son.
This makes his role seem pretty bland and insignificant in the end. Maybe a new casting choice can help in capturing the sea god's troubled relationship with his son, and the envy that he harbors against his brother Zeus. With Logan Lerman himself wishing to play Poseidon in the upcoming series, the character might get more layered and interesting.
Should Return: Catherine Keener
More than often, Catherine Keener is in top form in her film and TV roles. The actress who's mostly known for playing disgruntled, melancholic women suited the Sally Jackson's character but the film lacked the emotional quotient to make her a memorable character.
In the first book, Percy's mother Sally is featured briefly but it's when she goes missing that Percy embarks on a life-changing quest that brings him closer to his origins. Keener reprising her role can make for some good dramatic scenes between Sally and Percy.
Shouldn't Return: Sean Bean
Sean Bean did prove to be an interesting casting choice for the role of Zeus, the god of lightning, and the chief of the Olympian gods. However, his role seemed to be a tad bit monotonous and felt uninspired.
Having seen him as Boromir in Lord of the Rings and as Ned Stark in Game of Thrones, Sean Bean would have to really get out of his comfort zone to play a fantasy character like Zeus. Furthermore, Zeus does have slightly antagonistic qualities too that might again typecast Bean, who mostly plays villainous characters.
Should Return: Steve Coogan
Hades, the god of the Underworld isn't as bad as popular cinema shows him to be. Yes, he's lord of the hellish realms but people tend to forget that he was betrayed by his brother Zeus who proudly rules the heavens above. Steve Coogan added a rock n roll touch to the character. Even if Percy's meeting with Hades was vastly changed from the book, Coogan could still add a certain charm to the god.
The British actor has already proved his prowess with deadpan humor. Having him back as Hades would be a smart decision.
Shouldn't Return: Alexandra Daddario
Alexandra Daddario went on to act in a slew of good roles following the Percy Jackson series. However, she's not very fondly remembered for her portrayal of Annabeth, Percy's ally and daughter of the goddess Athena.
More than her acting, fans were disappointed in her mannerisms being very different from the book's version of Annabeth. The romantic angle between her and Percy also felt too sudden and fast-paced.
Should Return: Pierce Brosnan
After his stint as James Bond, Pierce Brosnan has been making appearances in supporting roles here and there. His turn as Chiron felt accurate to the novel's depiction, and it seemed like a role that would suit his growing age. Unfortunately, Brosnan couldn't reprise his role in the second film in the franchise.
With the series, he could return as the centaur caretaker of Camp Half-Blood who sometimes offers wise advice to the protagonists. Chiron is an immortal brother of Zeus but unlike other gods, he doesn't desire much power or glory.
Shouldn't Return: Douglas Smith
Douglas Smith tried his best in playing Tyson, the half-brother of Percy and a Cyclops. The script however didn't do his character justice, removing certain plot elements for his backstory.
A younger actor would be needed for the role of Tyson as Douglas Smith has obviously grown more in age. The Canadian actor who often dabbles in TV shows like The Alienist and Big Little Lies, didn't have that much of a presence in his supporting role in Sea of Monsters. Hence, it wouldn't make sense for him to return.
Should Return: Ron Perlman
Ron Perlman voices the cyclops Polyphemus in The Sea of Monsters, a rather insignificant role that could have gained more attention if the narrative of the film wasn't that rushed (as it hurriedly drove the finale to Kronos).
Perlman is one of the finest voice actors in present-day, his Deathstroke in Teen Titans being a standout character. His voice evokes a sense of fear as well as deadpan humor that would go well with Polyphemus who provides for some bizarrely funny scenes in the second Percy Jackson novel.