'Percy Jackson' S2 Antagonist Breaks Down 5-Hour Prosthetics Process, Shares Hidden Cameo in First Film

Aleks Paunovic isn't new to the 'Percy Jackson' universe. Yes, you read it right.

Aleks Paunovic’s connection to the 'Percy Jackson' universe goes back much further than most fans realise. The actor is joining season 2 of the Disney+ series as Polyphemus, the towering Cyclops who complicates Percy and his friends’ mission to recover the Golden Fleece in the Sea of Monsters. But longtime viewers may remember that this isn't Paunovic's first time playing a one-eyed creature in the franchise—he previously appeared as an unnamed Cyclops in the original film adaptation 15 years ago.

Aleks Paunovic on Returning to 'Percy Jackson'

Aleks Paunovic explained that returning to the world of 'Percy Jackson' felt especially meaningful because executive producer Dan Shotz personally reached out to bring him on board. The two had worked together previously on 'See,' and 'Paunovic' said the invitation made him feel appreciated as an actor. He added that the opportunity to dive into the extensive prosthetic work required for Polyphemus instantly excited him; he approached the role with the same enthusiasm as a child stepping into a candy shop.

Image Courtesy: Entertainment Weekly

The actor shared that his history with the books was limited when he first joined season 2, but he revealed that the producers initially had no idea he had appeared in the 2010 movie. He chose not to mention it until after his contract was finalised, unsure whether the reveal would jeopardise his new role. When Shotz eventually learned the truth, the showrunner was shocked—and amused—calling Paunovic's return a fun Easter egg for fans. The actor said he was thrilled to have a larger, more fleshed-out character this time around compared to his brief stunt-oriented appearance in the movie.

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Aleks Paunovic's Dual Appearance in 'Percy Jackson'

Aleks Paunovic believes he may be the only performer to appear in both the 'Percy Jackson' film franchise and the TV series—an unexpected but meaningful distinction. After reading the season 2 scripts, he was struck by how richly Polyphemus had been developed for the show. That depth made the demanding transformation process worth it, even though it required about five hours of prosthetics every day.

Image Courtesy: IMDb

He revealed that the full suit added roughly 40 pounds to his frame, while the headpiece alone weighed around 15 pounds. Despite the physical challenge, he credited the makeup team for their extraordinary work in bringing the character to life.

Aleks Paunovic's return marks a unique crossover within the expanding 'Percy Jackson' universe—and fans can expect an elevated, more complex version of Polyphemus when season 2 arrives.

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