IT: WELCOME TO DERRY Will Feature A Hardcore Pennywise

Published: Dec 31 2024

Five years have elapsed since the thrilling release of "It Chapter Two," and we are now being drawn back into the eerie world of Pennywise. In 2025, HBO will present us with a television series titled "It: Welcome to Derry," inspired by Stephen King's beloved novel. This show will witness Bill Skarsgård reprising his iconic role as Pennywise, a character he has previously brought to life in the "It" films. While much about the series remains shrouded in mystery, Skarsgård has assured us that it will not hold back any punches. In fact, it promises to be a harrowing and uncompromising experience.

IT: WELCOME TO DERRY Will Feature A Hardcore Pennywise 1

During a recent appearance on the "Happy Sad Confused" podcast to promote his new film "Nosferatu," which enjoyed a successful weekend at the box office, Skarsgård was asked by host Josh Horowitz if "Welcome to Derry" would match the terrifying intensity of the films. The actor's response was candid: "It's pretty hardcore, man," he said. Horowitz then joked, "It's not the G-rated Pennywise," to which Skarsgård replied, "No, that would be a definite no."

For quite some time, it was uncertain whether Skarsgård would return to the series. There were whispers that he might not reprise his role at all. However, in May of this year, it was finally confirmed that he would indeed be back as Pennywise for the show. So, what caused his initial hesitation? The actor revealed that he was eager to put the "monster" phase of his career behind him. "In a way, I felt like I was done with it," he explained. "Plus, I was shooting 'Nosferatu,' portraying Orlok. To me, it felt like the final nail in the coffin for my monster roles. Pun intended. I had grown tired of being defined by Pennywise, and I wanted to explore new avenues."

It was Andy and Barbara Muschietti, the director and producer of the "It" films, whom Skarsgård considers "like family," who persuaded him to return. To sweeten the deal, Skarsgård also serves as an executive producer, giving him a stake in the show beyond his on-screen presence. Speaking further, he revealed that he enjoyed his return to this universe more than he initially anticipated. "It was fun. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would, and there were parts where we got to explore unseen facets of old Pennywise. That was exciting. I remembered how much I enjoy working with Andy, and we do have a great deal of fun together. I think there are some amazing elements in the show that we haven't seen yet, and I'm eager for audiences to watch and enjoy."

The new cast for the series is led by Taylour Paige (known for "Zola" and "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom"), Jovan Adepo ("Babylon" and "Watchmen"), Chris Chalk ("Perry Mason" and "Godzilla vs. Kong"), and James Remar ("Creepshow" and "Oppenheimer"). As for the storyline, HBO is remaining tight-lipped, but the brief synopsis for the show reads: "Set in the world of Stephen King's 'It' universe, 'It: Welcome to Derry' expands the vision established by filmmaker Andy Muschietti in the feature films 'It' and 'It Chapter Two.'"

"It: Welcome to Derry" is scheduled to premiere sometime in 2025 on HBO and Max, promising to deliver a chilling and unforgettable experience.

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