Okay, so a lot has happened along the road of a new adaptation of Stephen King’s IT. What was first going to be helmed by True Detective’s Cary Fukunaga eventually landed in the hands of Mama director Andy Muschietti. And since Fukunaga left the project, so did its Pennywise, who was going to be played by Will Poulter.
Ever since it was announced that Muschietti was getting the nod, it left us all wondering who would then be playing King’s monster. And as much as it sucked to see Fukunaga leave the project (I’m still pretty bummed about that), the true star of a new IT adaptation was always going to be the guy who got to don the red nose, and thanks to THR, we now know who it is—Hemlock Grove’s Bill Skarsgard.
Unless you actually watched Hemlock Grove, there’s a good chance you’ve never heard of this dude before, which is exactly why I think it’s a great choice. Casting a relatively unknown actor in an iconic role such as this is a smart move by New Line, and I’m excited to see his interpretation of Pennywise the Clown.
As far as the movie itself, they’re (thankfully) still holding onto a two film arc, one that follows a group of teens called the Losers Club who defeat a creature called It. Years later, the creature returns, and the club, now adults, have to band together again even though they have no memory of the first battle.
What do you think of the casting choice of Skarsgard? Are you glad they’re going with an unknown actor for such an iconic role? Is it too risky? Let me know!
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I actually DID watch “Hemlock Grove”, lol, and really enjoyed it – was entertaining as hell. And I liked Bill. I thought he did a good job, and he was thoroughly creepy, so I think he could pull off Pennywise. He seems a little young for it (I dunno, the clown just seems like he should be, like, 40 or so, lol) but otherwise, I can see it.
I knew someone out there watched that show! I’m glad to hear that he’s quite talented and has that creepy factor to him. He is young for the role but I’m pretty sure that’s the direction New Line has been wanting to go even since Fukunaga was attached to it. Should be interesting!
I watched Hemlock Grove and thought it was cool as hell! Bill will do a fine job as Pennywise.
Glad to hear that! I need to watch this show I think!
I’m almost done with Season 3 and I’m going to be sorry to see it end.
I watched Hemlock Grove, so I know who he is. He’s not bad, he just isn’t as talented as the rest of his family. However, that could have been the dismal writing of the show, so I am interested to see where it goes from here, for all we know the material of the show smothered him. That being said, I didn’t think he was bad in HG. I am of the opinion that sometimes casting a relatively unknown actor is a safer bet than a big name. Just saying.
100% with you on that, Zoe. I love that they’ve gone with a mostly unknown actor—I think it allows a more open-minded approach to the performance because we really have no idea what this guy can do with such a character. Should be interesting to say the least!
I watched Hemlock Grove, and I thought he was fantastic! He can do dark very very well, so I am excited to see what he can bring to this iconic character.
It seems as though everyone is pretty excited about him taking on Pennywise, which is certainly a welcome surprise!