Bill Skarsgård initially felt unsure about returning as Pennywise for the HBO prequel series It: Welcome to Derry. The actor was cautious about revisiting the character after the success of the two original movies but eventually embraced the opportunity. His hesitation stemmed from concerns about the TV show living up to the earlier film adaptations while expanding the story in a meaningful way.
Factors Influencing Skarsgård’s Decision
In a conversation with ScreenRant, Skarsgård explained that he was
“more hesitant about it going into it than going out of it,”
referring to taking on Pennywise again. He reflected on the achievements of the previous films, saying,
“we did the two movies, and they were very successful,”
which made him worry that
“you don’t want to milk this one out with a TV show”
that might not match the success of the films.
New Dimensions Explored in the Prequel Series
Despite initial doubts, Skarsgård was convinced after reviewing the show’s concept. He expressed enthusiasm for delving into unexplored facets of Pennywise, noting,
“I feel that, in the end, we explored some parts of Pennywise that we hadn’t seen before or hadn’t done,”
and praised director Andy Muschietti’s involvement, adding,
“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.”
The Prequel’s Unique Insights into Pennywise’s Character
It: Welcome to Derry reveals fresh elements of Pennywise’s backstory, including his origins as Bob Gray. The show also introduces a new twist: Pennywise appears to possess the ability to foresee the future, potentially targeting the parents of the Losers’ Club children who will eventually defeat him. This deeper exploration adds complexity to the horror icon’s character beyond the films.
Potential Continuation and Series Setting
While a second season of It: Welcome to Derry has not been officially announced, plans indicate it could cover the Bradley Gang Massacre, a significant event in Derry’s history. Set 27 years prior to the first season, this continuation would take place in the 1930s, further expanding the timeline and context around Pennywise’s terror.
Availability and Audience Engagement
All episodes of Welcome to Derry are currently available to stream on HBO Max. The series has attracted attention for its fresh approach to Stephen King’s universe, and fans interested in related content can explore additional Stephen King adaptations and popular HBO Max shows for more horror and suspense entertainment.
