Pennywise Actor Talks Getting the Clown Suit Back on for ‘Welcome to Derry’

by

As a cinephile who has been through the rollercoaster of horror movies and their remakes, I must say that Bill Skarsgård’s portrayal of Pennywise in the recent adaptations of Stephen King’s ‘It’ is nothing short of chilling. Having grown up with Tim Curry’s iconic performance, it was a daunting task to step into those oversized shoes, but Skarsgård did an excellent job of making the character his own.

By the year 2017, Bill Skarsgård had already established a reputation in Hollywood, thanks to his roles in films like It and Its Chapter Two. Now, he’s all set to reprise his chilling role as Pennywise in the TV spin-off of the franchise, titled It: Welcome to Derry. This series is scheduled to premiere exclusively on HBO and Max around 2025. Skarsgård has hinted at the return of one of Stephen King’s iconic antagonists with this exciting comeback.

According to Games Radar’s report, the actor shared with SFX magazine his plans to revisit Derry and animate the monster once more. Donning the Pennywise costume isn’t a novelty for this young actor known for his chilling grin, but he describes the experience as “odd”.

Returning felt odd, as it was Andy and Barbara Muschietti who were overseeing the production again, and I have a deep affection for them. The majority of the crew were familiar faces from the films, which made it an unusual sensation to be reunited with this group of people that we had collectively shaped something with.

It seems effortless for me to connect with Pennywise. Re-immersing myself in his presence felt instantaneous, like hearing a familiar tune that immediately triggers a response. He’s well-defined yet seemingly dormant, ready to be awakened at the slightest provocation.

As a devoted cinephile, I’ve delved into uncharted territories within the realm of cinema, focusing on an intriguing aspect that remains veiled. I can hardly wait for fellow film enthusiasts to share in my excitement!

As a movie enthusiast, I’m excitedly anticipating stepping back in time with “Welcome to Derry” – a prequel to the contemporary “It” films masterfully directed by Andy Muschietti. This intriguing series promises to transport us to the 1960s, where Pennywise is already a chilling urban myth in Derry, and it’s revealed that this terrifying creature indulges in gruesome human feasts every 27 years.

The upcoming show features Alexander Skarsgård alongside Jovan Adepo, James Remar, Taylour Paige, Stephen Rider, Madeleine Stowe, Chris Chalk, and others in key roles. The showrunners are Barbara and Andy Muschietti, with Jason Fuchs also contributing. At this point, only a few details have been revealed, but the series is planned to comprise nine episodes.

Which Pennywise is the Best Pennywise?

Stephen King’s 1986 novel, while showing its age, delves into themes that remain relevant over time. The characters are intricately crafted, allowing subsequent screen adaptations to introduce changes while preserving the essence of the original characters. This holds true for Pennywise the Dancing Clown, the main adversary in both adaptations of the story.

Tim Curry’s portrayal of Pennywise in the 1990 miniseries left an indelible impression on us all, undeniably turning clowns into objects of fear. Clowns were already unsettling, but after Curry brought Pennywise to life, it was clear that there was something far more sinister lurking beneath the oversized grins and makeup. It was a performance that was difficult to surpass.

Alexander Skarsgård’s performance is strong and well-received, as evidenced by Stephen King fans since his debut in the sewer, just moments before biting into George Denbrough’s arm. The character is over-the-top evil and Muschietti wisely showcases him before resorting to CGI. Comparing him to Curry is not only unwarranted but also unjust. While the original Pennywise was a masterful horror performance, the new one is an amplification of chilling nightmares inspired by Curry. However, both versions have their place in your nightmares.

Read More

2024-12-07 22:33