Bill Skarsgård has returned to his iconic role as Pennywise the Clown in the new It adaptation, Welcome to Derry, thrilling horror enthusiasts once more.
This prequel, taken from Stephen King’s 1986 horror classic, premiered on October 26 on HBO Max, with new episodes being released each week.
Though Stephen King isn’t directly participating in the new TV series, which is produced by Andy and Barbara Muschietti, he has expressed his support. In the latest episode aired on November 23, viewers finally witnessed Skarsgård reappear as the infamous clown.
The announcement about a prequel series for King’s It, exploring the years leading up to the events of his renowned novel, was made in 2023.
Skarsgård also gained praise for his portrayal of Pennywise in the 2017 film It and its sequel in 2019, It Chapter Two.
Despite the successful past, the 35-year-old actor initially hesitated to reprise his role in the prequel series and considered declining the chance to return, contemplating ending his association with Pennywise the Dancing Clown.
During an appearance on Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast last year, in connection with the horror-mystery film he starred in alongside Lily-Rose Depp, Nosferatu, Skarsgård shared his reasons for reconsidering the role.
Discussing his indecision about revisiting Pennywise, the Swedish actor explained, “I felt like I was done with it, in a way. It was also because I was shooting this [Nosferatu], I was doing [Count] Orlok, and, to me, it felt like, ‘This is the nail in the coffin of my monster roles’.
“Pun intended.”
Skarsgård further elaborated, “So I did feel I was kind of over it and wanted to do different things. The Pennywise thing as well, I’ve been quite defined by it. Like, that’s 26-year-old me, I’m not still a young man.”
Ultimately, it was Skarsgård’s strong bond with the Muschietti siblings, the creative duo behind It, that convinced him to return.
“Barbara and Andy, the Muschettis, are doing it and I love them,” he stated.
“They’re very close friends. Family, even. I’m the godfather of his son. I love them,” he added. “So, alright, let’s bring him back.”
And there you have it!
It: Welcome to Derry is currently streaming on HBO Max in the US and NOW in the UK, with new episodes being released weekly.