Bill Skarsgård, known worldwide for portraying Pennywise, recently spoke about why he considered not coming back to the character in the much-anticipated series IT: Welcome to Derry. His comments have sparked interest among fans of the IT franchise, as they offer a rare glimpse into the deliberations behind his Bill Skarsgård Pennywise return.
Initial Doubts Over Revisiting Pennywise
Having made a significant name for himself in the horror world, particularly through his chilling work as Pennywise, Bill Skarsgård became an international figure thanks to the IT films. As news broke that franchise director Andy Muschietti was developing IT: Welcome to Derry, fans immediately hoped for Skarsgård’s return. But Skarsgård revealed that he was hesitant when approached about reprising the role, expressing concerns over whether a new project could compare to the prior films’ impact and popularity.
He worried about stretching the franchise too far and questioned whether a television extension could maintain the high standards set by the previous movies. Skarsgård was quoted referencing these apprehensions about matching
“the success of the previous films.”
What Won Skarsgård Over
These initial doubts were eventually dispelled as Skarsgård learned more about what IT: Welcome to Derry aimed to achieve. The series, designed as a prequel set in 1962, explores the origins of Pennywise and dives deeper into the ancient entity’s arrival on Earth, taking the narrative far beyond the scope of the films. Skarsgård highlighted that understanding the creative vision and having the opportunity to develop the character further was essential in convincing him to return.
He shared,
“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
The Series Success and Audience Response
Set in the haunted town of Derry, the series keeps familiar elements such as the mysterious events around children and Pennywise’s terrifying involvement in various deaths. Critics have noted that the series doesn’t hold back on terrifying and gory sequences, which has contributed to its popularity. IT: Welcome to Derry has earned an 81 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes and drew impressive viewership numbers for its streaming network.
Still, reactions are mixed among devoted Stephen King readers and those attached to the cinematic adaptations. Collider’s Emma Kiely shared her thoughts:
“IT: Welcome to Derry should satisfy die-hard King fans who have been yearning for an extended universe, with references to the Bower Gang and a focus on the Indigenous origins of the titular entity. As a horror show, however, it pales in comparison to what Muschietti was able to do with his movie adaptations. Perhaps if I were less of a fan of the films or the book that started it all, I would have had a better time with this, but that same, deep-rooted horror never fully took hold.”
— Emma Kiely, Critic
Expanding the Cast and Story
The cast features talent like Taylour Paige as Charlotte Hanlon and Jovan Adepo as Leroy Hanlon, helping bring new perspectives and fresh dynamics to the storyline. The show delves into the mythology surrounding the town and its evil, incorporating both familiar faces and original characters to sustain audience engagement and develop the horror universe further.
Director Andy Muschietti’s involvement has reassured many, as his vision shaped the tone and intensity that fans associate with the franchise. The storylines around children’s experiences, the eerie location of Derry, and elements such as the Bower Gang and Indigenous legends deepen the world established in earlier adaptations, offering both nostalgia and new discoveries.
Pennywise’s Lasting Impact and What Lies Ahead
IT: Welcome to Derry is now streaming on HBO Max, with episodes continuing to draw high viewership and spark discussion within the horror community. Bill Skarsgård’s return as Pennywise, alongside the expanded story, keeps the franchise in the spotlight, promising further exploration of its chilling themes. As audience reactions come in and the series unfolds, the collaboration between Skarsgård and Andy Muschietti will be closely watched by fans and critics alike.
