Bill Skarsgård revealed that he was initially unsure about returning to his role as Pennywise in the HBO prequel series It: Welcome to Derry. The actor admitted that he felt
“more hesitant about it going into it than going out of it,”
but ultimately found the experience enjoyable while filming the show. His hesitation stemmed from concerns about revisiting the character after the success of the original two films.
Concerns Over Extending Pennywise’s Story Beyond the Films
When the opportunity to reprise Pennywise was first presented to Skarsgård, he reflected on the success of the previous movies. He explained,
“we did the two movies, and they were very successful,”
which led him to worry,
“you don’t want to milk this one out with a TV show”
that might fall short of the films’ achievements. This cautious stance reflected his desire to maintain the character’s impact without diminishing its legacy.
How the Show’s Concept Changed Skarsgård’s Mind
Skarsgård’s reservations were eased after reviewing the show’s plan, which convinced him to return. He stated,
“I feel that, in the end, we explored some parts of Pennywise that we hadn’t seen before or hadn’t done.”
Working closely with director Andy Muschietti, he appreciated exploring fresh facets of Pennywise’s character. Skarsgård elaborated,
“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.”
New Insights into Pennywise’s Origins and Abilities
It: Welcome to Derry introduced audiences to a previously unseen side of Pennywise, including revelations about his past identity, Bob Grey. The series also unveiled a unique twist: Pennywise’s capacity to foresee future events. This ability could explain his focus on the parents of the Losers’ Club children, suggesting he may be targeting them ahead of the eventual threat they pose.
Prospects for the Series’ Future and Season 2
Although a second season of It: Welcome to Derry has not been officially announced, plans for its storyline have emerged. Season 2 would center on the Bradley Gang Massacre, a notorious shootout in Derry, and would be set 27 years before season 1, placing events in the 1930s. This direction could offer additional depth to the show’s historical context and further develop the Pennywise mythology.
Streaming Availability and What’s Next for Fans
All episodes of It: Welcome to Derry are currently available for streaming on HBO Max. Fans interested in continuing their Stephen King journey can explore upcoming movies and series adaptations. The show’s exploration of Pennywise in new contexts highlights the ongoing fascination with the character and the horror universe he inhabits.
