For every “Harry Potter” or “Twilight,” there’s a “The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising” or “The Golden Compass” – failed attempts to launch a franchise based on a young adult novel series.
One such failed attempt was 20th Century Fox’s adaptation of the “Percy Jackson” books. Rick Riordan penned the five books and companion works about a seventeen-year-old who discovers he’s the son of the Greek God Poseidon.
In 2010 a film adaptation was released starring Logan Lerman that was a critical dud, but performed well enough to deliver a sequel in 2013. That sequel failed both critically and financially.
More recently has come word that the property is going to be adapted again, and this time be far more loyal to the books, in the form of a TV series for the Disney+ streaming service.
With the series on the way and with Fox having been swallowed by Disney, Riordan is now getting blunt about his feelings of dissatisfaction with the previous movies. A fan recently pointed out to him that the film’s Lotus Casino scene had been altered in its inclusion on Disney+ and he responded:
“I don’t know, but clearly it’s a mistake. They should censor the entire thing. Just two hours of blank screen… To you guys, it’s a couple hours entertainment. To me, it’s my life’s work going through a meat grinder when I pleaded with them not to do it. So yeah. But it’s fine. All fine. We’re gonna fix it soon.”
Riordan adds that he’s never seen the movies, but doesn’t blame the actors for its problems:
“I still have not seen the movies, and don’t plan on ever doing so. I judge them from having read the scripts, because I care most about the story. I certainly have nothing against the very talented actors. Not their fault. I’m just sorry they got dragged into that mess.”
While none of those who’ve worked on the films have responded, Lerman did respond to the news of the TV series adaptation saying: “Excited to see this! Hope it gets the adaptation the books deserve.”
Source: Vulture
