Skarsgård Initially Reluctant to Return as Pennywise for HBO Prequel
The Swedish actor reveals his concerns about reprising his iconic horror role in It: Welcome to Derry, fearing it might diminish the success of the original films before ultimately finding new depths in the character.
Bill Skarsgård wasn't immediately excited about stepping back into Pennywise's shoes for HBO's It: Welcome to Derry. The Swedish actor told ScreenRant he felt "more hesitant about it going into it than going out of it," though he ended up having "a lot of fun" during production.
When producers first approached him about reprising the demonic clown, Skarsgård had reservations. "We did the two movies, and they were very successful," he explained, worried that "you don't want to milk this one out with a TV show" that might pale compared to "the success of the previous films."
New Dimensions of Terror
The script changed his mind completely. "I feel that, in the end, we explored some parts of Pennywise that we hadn't seen before or hadn't done," Skarsgård said. Working with director Andy Muschietti again proved rewarding. "Andy and I always have fun together, and I think that we did those aspects of it."
The actor found particular satisfaction in scenes that revealed different facets of his character. "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."
Origins and Future Sight
Welcome to Derry delivered fresh mythology around the ancient entity. Viewers finally learned about Pennywise's human disguise as Bob Grey. The show introduced a game-changing twist: Pennywise can glimpse future events.
This supernatural foresight creates a chilling connection to the original films. The entity appears to target parents of future Losers' Club members, the children who will eventually destroy him decades later.
What's Next for Derry
HBO hasn't greenlit a second season yet. If approved, the next installment would dramatize the Bradley Gang Massacre, a violent shootout that rocked the town. The timeline would jump back another 27 years from season one, landing in the 1930s.
All episodes of Welcome to Derry are currently available on HBO Max.