Bill Skarsgård recently opened up about his initial reluctance to reprise his iconic role as Pennywise in the HBO prequel series, It: Welcome to Derry. In an interview with ScreenRant, Skarsgård revealed that he was “more hesitant about it going into it than going out of it.” His concerns stemmed from a desire not to “milk” the success of the previous IT films, which achieved significant acclaim.
When the possibility of returning to the character was first discussed, Skarsgård reflected on the success of the two films, expressing doubt that a television show could live up to their legacy. He stated, “We did the two movies, and they were very successful,” leading to his apprehension about a new project. Despite these initial feelings, he found renewed enthusiasm once he learned more about the direction of the series.
In his conversation, Skarsgård noted, “I feel that, in the end, we explored some parts of Pennywise that we hadn’t seen before or hadn’t done.” He emphasized the creative collaboration between himself and director Andy Muschietti, highlighting that their dynamic allowed them to delve deeper into the character. The series offers new insights into Pennywise, including his origins as Bob Grey and the revelation of his ability to foresee events, including the future of the Losers’ Club’s parents.
The first season of It: Welcome to Derry has garnered attention for its fresh perspective on the beloved horror character. While season 2 has yet to be officially confirmed, there are plans to adapt the Bradley Gang Massacre, a notorious shootout in Derry set in the 1930s, 27 years before the events of the first season.
As of now, all episodes of It: Welcome to Derry are available for streaming on HBO Max. Fans interested in the broader universe of Stephen King adaptations can explore upcoming projects and recommendations in our guide to the best shows on HBO Max. Skarsgård’s journey back to Pennywise highlights both the challenges and joys of revisiting a character that has left a lasting mark on the horror genre.