Bill Skarsgård Reveals Why He Nearly Passed on IT: Welcome to Derry

Bill Skarsgård recently opened up about his experience considering a return for IT: Welcome to Derry, revealing he was not immediately certain about reprising his memorable role. The actor, who achieved international acclaim for playing the terrifying clown Pennywise in Andy Muschietti’s successful 2017 and 2019 film adaptations, was approached to revisit the character for an HBO prequel set before the original movies. The new series, co-created by Andy Muschietti, his sister Barbara Muschietti, and writer Jason Fuchs, delves into the origins of the supernatural being and uncovers more about Derry’s dark history.

Exploring the Story of IT: Welcome to Derry

IT: Welcome to Derry is set in the early 1960s and serves as a prequel to the films, examining the ancient being’s cyclical return to the small town of Derry. The first season explores the aftermath of the entity’s arrival on Earth millions of years ago and how it ultimately assumes the identity of the clown Pennywise, following the presumed death of the original performer, Bob Gray. With new creative leadership from Jason Fuchs as showrunner alongside Brad Caleb Kane, the series began to draw viewers for its deeper look at the source material.

Skarsgård’s Concerns About Continuing the Franchise

In a recent interview with ScreenRant’s Grant Hermanns, Skarsgård discussed his doubt about reprising Pennywise for the prequel series. He explained how, despite the success of the two initial movies, he wanted to ensure the new production would not exploit the franchise just for the sake of prolonging it. Skarsgård noted he hesitated, saying he was

“more hesitant about it going into it than going out of it,”

Bill Skarsgård, Actor,
but eventually found value in the new direction after reviewing the plans and material for the show.

He remembered that his initial feeling was

“we did the two movies, and they were very successful,”

Bill Skarsgård, Actor,
and he shared his worry that

“you don’t want to milk this one out with a TV show”

Bill Skarsgård, Actor,
that might fall short compared to the films.

“the success of the previous films.”

Bill Skarsgård, Actor.
Skarsgård said that once he was shown the vision for IT: Welcome to Derry, he became convinced it was worthwhile.

New Sides of Pennywise and Creative Collaboration

Working closely with Andy Muschietti again, Skarsgård embraced the opportunity to expand the Pennywise character in fresh ways for the HBO series. He reflected,

“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.
Skarsgård said that by returning to this world, he was able to explore untapped elements of the character, allowing for deeper performances and new creative satisfaction.

How Fans and Stephen King Responded to the Series

Skepticism was not limited to Skarsgård—fans of Stephen King questioned the necessity of a prequel, especially after the mixed reception to IT: Chapter Two. However, initial concerns were eased when Andy Muschietti reassured audiences that King was involved in the project creatively, and King himself called the series “amazing” before its premiere. This endorsement led to renewed optimism among fans and critics alike.

Critics praised IT: Welcome to Derry for its ability to adapt interludes from King’s novel into a compelling, full-length series filled with well-developed characters and chilling moments. The positive reception translated to impressive ratings for HBO and HBO Max, with the season finale breaking viewership records as the most-watched episode of the series.

Season Finale and the Fate of Pennywise

The closing episode of the first season offers a mix of triumph and uncertainty, as Derry’s residents succeed in pushing back against Pennywise, but come to realize that the entity’s terror is far from over. The lingering threat sets up the show for possible future seasons, keeping the tension alive for its audience.

Challenges of Typecasting and Skarsgård’s Expanding Career

Apart from his creative hesitations, Skarsgård’s reluctance also stemmed from concerns over being typecast as a horror figure. Actors such as Jamie Lee Curtis and Christopher Lee have experienced similar paths, often asked to reprise roles that established their genre credentials. After the IT movies concluded, Skarsgård’s desire to explore new roles contributed to his deliberation over participating in IT: Welcome to Derry.

Despite this, Skarsgård continues to showcase his range as an actor. His latest project, Dead Man’s Wire, recounts the high-stakes true story of Tony Kiritsis and has gained critical acclaim, while his portrayal of Little John in the Hugh Jackman film Death of Robin Hood further demonstrates his versatility.

Looking Ahead: Opportunities and Future Seasons

Audiences have responded enthusiastically to the new direction of IT: Welcome to Derry, sparking conversations about possible future installments. Skarsgård has hinted he remains open to returning in potential future seasons, overcoming his initial reservations as the material continues to present new challenges and artistic opportunities.

The show’s creative team, including Jason Fuchs and Barbara Muschietti, has discussed ongoing ideas in interviews, and actors like Sophia Lillis (as Beverly) have returned in surprising ways, adding to the hype around its expanding universe. The series not only delves further into Bob Gray’s mysterious history and Dick Halorann’s storyline, but also suggests more connections to King’s broader literary world.

With Skarsgård’s return and Stephen King’s involvement, IT: Welcome to Derry has reinforced its place in the horror genre, winning over skeptics with layered storytelling and chilling performances. As discussion about the next season continues, fans and critics alike anticipate what is to come for Derry and the sinister presence that haunts it.