Bill Skarsgård has expressed his initial reluctance to reprise the role of Pennywise in the HBO prequel series, It: Welcome to Derry. In an interview with ScreenRant, the actor revealed he felt “hesitant” about returning to the iconic horror character, concerned that a television adaptation might not live up to the success of the two previous films.
Reflecting on his decision, Skarsgård explained, “I was more hesitant about it going into it than going out of it.” He was aware of the significant impact the films had, noting that they were “very successful.” His primary concern was about not wanting to “milk this one out with a TV show” that could potentially diminish the legacy established by the films.
Once he learned more about the show’s direction, Skarsgård’s apprehensions began to fade. He stated, “I feel that, in the end, we explored some parts of Pennywise that we hadn’t seen before or hadn’t done.” He highlighted the collaborative spirit he shares with director Andy Muschietti, emphasizing their ability to inject fresh elements into the character.
New Dimensions of Pennywise Explored
In Welcome to Derry, audiences are introduced to new aspects of Pennywise, including insights into his origins as Bob Grey and the unsettling revelation that he possesses the ability to see the future. This twist suggests that Pennywise may be targeting the parents of the Losers’ Club, a group of children destined to confront him in the future.
The series has been well-received, allowing Skarsgård to delve into a character he has come to define over the years. “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,'” Skarsgård noted. His enthusiasm for the role is evident as he shares his enjoyment of the various scenes he had the opportunity to perform.
Currently, season 2 of It: Welcome to Derry has not yet received an official confirmation. Should it proceed, the upcoming season is expected to adapt the Bradley Gang Massacre, a notable event in Derry’s history. This would set the narrative 27 years before the first season, placing it in the 1930s.
All episodes of Welcome to Derry are currently available for streaming on HBO Max. Fans of the franchise can also explore upcoming adaptations of Stephen King’s works, ensuring a steady flow of new horror content to look forward to.
