Bill Skarsgård’s Initial Reluctance To Reprise Pennywise Role In IT: Welcome to Derry

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Bill Skarsgård, famous for playing Pennywise, was initially unsure about reprising the role in the upcoming series, IT: Welcome to Derry, and he recently explained his concerns. He first became known internationally for the part in the 2017 film adaptation of Stephen King’s IT, and continued in the 2019 sequel. Before that, he’d already gained some recognition for his work on Netflix’s Hemlock Grove, but playing Pennywise truly launched his career.

Developed with collaboration between Andy and Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs, who co-runs the show with Brad Caleb Kane, IT: Welcome to Derry goes back in time to tell the story of IT’s earlier appearances in 1962. The show’s first season, which was generally well-received, revealed more about IT’s beginnings – including how it first arrived on Earth millions of years ago and how it eventually became Pennywise after seemingly killing a clown named Bob Gray.

I recently spoke with Bill Skarsgård about his new film, Dead Man’s Wire, and he surprisingly admitted he wasn’t eager to revisit Pennywise for the IT prequel, Welcome to Derry. He confessed he actually had more doubts before taking the job than he did after finishing the original IT films! It turns out, despite his initial reservations, he ended up having “a lot of fun” filming the HBO series.

Skarsgård remembered being hesitant when asked to reprise his role as Pennywise. He felt they’d already made two successful movies and didn’t want to risk diminishing that success with a TV show that didn’t measure up. However, after seeing the plans and materials for IT: Welcome to Derry, he was convinced and eager to return to the role.

I think we really delved into new sides of Pennywise with this film, showing things we hadn’t before. Working with Andy is always great, and we were able to achieve that. There were moments where we could really expand on Pennywise’s character and show a different, deeper side to him, and I especially enjoyed those scenes.

Skarsgård wasn’t alone in having doubts about the show initially. Many Stephen King fans questioned whether it even needed to be made, especially after the mixed reactions to IT: Chapter Two. However, director Muschietti assured everyone that King was actively involved and trusted their vision. Plus, King himself called the series “amazing” just weeks before it launched, which convinced many of his initially hesitant fans to give it a chance.

The show gained even more attention when IT: Welcome to Derry first aired and received mostly positive feedback from both critics and viewers. Many praised its success in expanding on the smaller stories from Stephen King’s book, creating compelling characters and genuinely frightening moments. This popularity translated into strong ratings for HBO and HBO Max, with the season finale becoming the most-watched episode of the series.

Besides concerns about overusing the story, it’s easy to see why Bill Skarsgård might have hesitated to play Pennywise again in IT: Welcome to Derry. Many horror actors get stuck playing similar roles after becoming famous for one character. Think of Jamie Lee Curtis, known as a scream queen, or Christopher Lee, often cast as a villain. Skarsgård probably wanted to explore different kinds of roles after finishing the IT films.

Despite his return as Pennywise in the upcoming IT: Welcome to Derry, Bill Skarsgård’s career is still thriving. This year, audiences will see him in Dead Man’s Wire, a well-received film based on the true story of Tony Kiritsis, and he’ll also be playing a fresh interpretation of Little John in the Hugh Jackman movie, Death of Robin Hood. He’s even indicated he’d be willing to reprise his role in future seasons of his show, suggesting he’s moved past any previous concerns about taking on the part.

Be sure to dive into our other IT: Welcome to Derry season 1 coverage with:

  • How the reveal of Pennywise and Bob Gray’s true origins created 4 new mysteries for IT: Welcome to Derry
  • The show’s expansion of Bob Gray’s backstory after IT: Chapter Two‘s initial change
  • Jason Fuchs on Sophia Lillis’ surprise return as Beverly in the IT: Welcome to Derry ending and what it means for the future
  • Jason Fuchs explaining the ending’s surprise Richie Tozier reveal and how the character is tied to the season’s biggest death
  • Barbara Muschietti on the unique origin behind IT: Welcome to Derry exploring Pennywise’s time-shifting mindset
  • Jason Fuchs on how Dick Halorann’s ending in the series sets up his Shining future
  • Jason Fuchs on Pennywise’s “birth” scene in Welcome to Derry‘s ending and its impact on the IT franchise
  • Jason Fuchs on whether any other Welcome to Derry season 1 characters can return in future seasons
  • Barbara Muschietti on why Pennywise’s death looked different than before in Welcome to Derry‘s ending
  • Barbara Muchietti’s cautious update on IT: Welcome to Derry season 2’s progress
  • Bill Skarsgård on Pennywise’s future after IT: Welcome to Derry season 1’s time travel twist

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2026-01-13 02:47