Bill Skarsgård, widely recognized for his chilling performance as Pennywise in the IT franchise, initially hesitated to reprise his iconic role in the new series IT: Welcome to Derry. Despite the project’s announcement under the direction of franchise veteran Andy Muschietti, Skarsgård was reluctant to rejoin the horror saga but later changed his mind after gaining a clearer understanding of the show’s direction. The actor’s reflections highlight both his cautious approach and passion for exploring new facets of Pennywise in this continuation.
Skarsgård’s Reluctance and Ultimate Decision to Reprise Pennywise
IT: Welcome to Derry, set in 1962 as a prequel to the original films, delves into the early feeding cycle of the malevolent clown and reveals the ancient origins of IT’s presence on Earth. When approached to return as Pennywise, Skarsgård initially declined, concerned that the series might not match the success and quality of the previous films and wary of overextending the franchise’s popularity.
He shared his thoughts on the hesitation, noting apprehension about “milking” the story’s success and skepticism about the project living up to expectations. However, after reviewing the material and the creative plan, he became convinced and embraced the opportunity. Skarsgård explained,
“I feel that, in the end, we explored some parts of Pennywise that we hadn’t seen before or hadn’t done. Andy and I always have fun together, and I think that we did those aspects of it. Even with Pennywise’s performance, there was like, ‘Okay, here’s a juicy scene, and you see something else from Pennywise, or more of him.’ I had fun with those scenes, for sure.” — Bill Skarsgård, Actor
This reflection underscores the actor’s enthusiasm for expanding Pennywise’s character and working closely with director Andy Muschietti to bring fresh elements to the role.
Reception and Impact of IT: Welcome to Derry
The series retains much of the original horror premise involving a group of children facing bizarre and terrifying events that lead back to Pennywise. It has been praised for its intense and graphic portrayal of blood and violence, making it a standout addition to its streaming platform. With an 81 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it attracted a significant audience, solidifying its place as a successful expansion of the IT universe.
However, not all feedback was entirely positive. Emma Kiely of Collider noted that the series is likely to appeal most strongly to devoted fans of Stephen King’s work, particularly because of its inclusion of the Bower Gang and examination of the Indigenous origins linked to the titular creature. Kiely remarked,
“IT: Welcome to Derry should satisfy die-hard King fans who have been yearning for an extended universe, with references to the Bower Gang and a focus on the Indigenous origins of the titular entity. As a horror show, however, it pales in comparison to what Muschietti was able to do with his movie adaptations. Perhaps if I were less of a fan of the films or the book that started it all, I would have had a better time with this, but that same, deep-rooted horror never fully took hold.” — Emma Kiely, Reviewer
This critique highlights the challenges the show faced in living up to the cinematic impact that previous IT installments achieved.
Main Cast and Setting of the Series
IT: Welcome to Derry features a cast including Taylour Paige, portraying Charlotte Hanlon, and Jovan Adepo as Leroy Hanlon, among others. The story unfolds primarily in the fictional town of Derry on Earth, centering around a group of children who encounter horrifying events leading up to Pennywise’s deadly influence. The series continues to explore the dark history and terrifying mythology built around these events and characters.
What This Means for the IT Franchise
The return of Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise in IT: Welcome to Derry represents a meaningful addition to the franchise, offering fans new insights into the enigmatic figure while maintaining the eerie and violent tone that defines the IT narrative. Skarsgård’s initial hesitation followed by his eventual commitment illustrates the care taken to preserve the character’s integrity and to expand the story without diminishing its impact. Given the series’ broad viewership and generally positive reception, it may pave the way for further expansions within the franchise’s universe, deepening the horror legacy crafted by director Andy Muschietti and the creative team.
IT: Welcome to Derry is currently streaming on HBO Max, inviting both longtime fans and newcomers to experience this fresh chapter.
