Friday, February 14, 2025

IT Franchise Star Hints at Possible Return Amid Stephen King Prequel Series: ‘Never Say Never’ to IT 3!

Isaiah Mustafa, known for his role in the IT franchise, has recently discussed the possibility of returning for a third movie, coinciding with the upcoming prequel series, Welcome to Derry. This show, based on Stephen King‘s classic 1986 horror novel, will continue to explore the dark universe that has captivated audiences. Mustafa joined the cast of It: Chapter Two as the adult Mike Hanlon, following the character portrayed by Chosen Jacobs in the first film. Scheduled for release later this year, HBO’s series will maintain continuity with Andy Muschietti’s two-part adaptation, featuring Bill Skarsgård reprising his role as Pennywise.

In an interview with Screen Rant, conducted while promoting his Instacart Super Bowl advertisement, Mustafa responded to questions regarding his potential return to the IT franchise. He admitted that initially, he had not believed there would be any continuation of the story after the events of It: Chapter Two. However, he used the phrase “never say never” when discussing a possible return as Mike Hanlon in a hypothetical IT 3. His words hint at an openness to the idea, underscoring the unpredictable nature of such franchises.

Mustafa shared, “I could never say never, especially with a franchise like IT. You never know when you’ll see Mike Hanlon pop up, and that’s the truth. But I’ve never thought that there wouldn’t be anything to continue the story.” This statement reflects the ongoing interest and speculation surrounding the possibilities within King’s universe.

Interestingly, Mustafa also expressed excitement about the new series, suggesting that Welcome to Derry would serve to expand the franchise in a meaningful way. During production, he was fortunate enough to visit the set and received a tour from Muschietti, further deepening his connection to the project. He noted the importance of maintaining confidentiality, stating, “No spoilers, though. I did not sign an NDA, but I know better than to say anything about what’s coming.” His respect for the creative process reflects the collaborative spirit of filmmakers and actors involved in the IT franchise.

Considering the dramatic finale of It: Chapter Two, in which Mustafa’s character confronts and defeats Pennywise, the chances for a direct continuation appear uncertain. Even if Pennywise were to survive the climactic encounter, any return of the malevolent entity to Derry would likely not unfold until the year 2043, given the lore of IT’s 27-year killing cycle. Stephen King’s interconnected universe suggests that the evil embodied by Pennywise may transcend Derry, reaching locations such as Shawshank State Penitentiary.

Amidst this uncertainty, as Mustafa rightly states, audiences may still be surprised by the appearances of Mike Hanlon and his fellow Losers in future installments. Welcome to Derry aims to take viewers back in time, spanning three intended seasons, starting from 1962 and progressing to 1908. While the series focuses on the origins of the characters and the town’s sinister past, there remains potential for flash-forward cameo appearances from the original IT cast members.

Even if the odds are low for seeing Mustafa and his co-stars in a hypothetical IT 3, the opportunities for his character to reappear remain. Welcome to Derry could creatively incorporate characters from the films through flash-forwards, intertwining narratives that are common in King’s extensive bibliography. Notably, King’s 1994 novel, Insomnia, is set in Derry and includes Mike Hanlon following Pennywise’s demise, suggesting avenues for potential future collaborations alongside existing characters.

The IT franchise has firmly established its place in the horror genre, thriving on its roots in Stephen King’s 1986 novel. At its core, the story revolves around the town of Derry, Maine, where children known as the Losers’ Club encounter a shape-shifting entity that predominantly takes the form of Pennywise the Dancing Clown. This entity preys on the fears of its victims, re-emerging every 27 years to consume the town’s children. The franchise’s blend of psychological terror and supernatural elements has solidified its iconic status, encompassing a celebrated miniseries, two feature films, and various adaptations across different media platforms.

As fans eagerly await both the prequel series and any potential announcements regarding a new film, the world of Stephen King remains rich with possibilities. Whether it’s through Welcome to Derry, a new movie, or potential crossovers with other King works, the dark universe filled with terror and intrigue continues to thrive. The anticipation surrounding these projects, alongside statements from actors like Isaiah Mustafa, keeps the spirit of the IT franchise alive, while simultaneously reminding audiences of the gripping horrors that can await them—even when directly confronted with an ending.

RELATED ARTICLES

RELATED ARTICLES

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Most Popular