Stephen Rider: How a Lost Role Led to His Biggest Break Yet

HBO's It: Welcome to Derry has defied expectations for a prequel, carving out its own identity separate from the blockbuster films. While Pennywise lurks in the background, the series focuses on the human drama unfolding in the cursed town in 1962. At the center of a dark mystery is Stephen Rider’s character, Hank Grogan, a family man and theater projectionist who is wrongly accused of a crime. The show's massive debut as one of HBO's most-watched premieres has been an incredible experience for the cast. “It’s overwhelming,” Rider admitted to Far Out. “To be a part of an HBO show that people really enjoy is a dream come true for me.”

A Fateful Return to Derry

For Rider, landing the role in Derry felt like destiny. He had previously auditioned for the part of the adult Mike Hanlon in It Chapter Two, a role that ultimately went to Isaiah Mustafa. When the opportunity for the prequel series came around, he felt a sense of “unfinished business.” His prior experience with director Andy Muschietti gave him a unique edge. “I felt like I had an authority, because I knew something that, probably, a lot of people auditioning didn’t know,” he explained. The connection paid off.

After losing the film role, Muschietti had sent him a kind email hoping they would work together in the future. Rider took it to heart. When the new series was announced, he was determined. “I’m going, ‘This is mine’. I knew it was mine, as a matter of fact,” he proclaimed. Everything aligned perfectly, and Muschietti welcomed him to the project, acknowledging their shared history. “I think it was definitely destined,” Rider said.

Building a Character from the Ground Up

Playing Hank involved more than just learning lines; it required a deep dive into the historical and cultural context of 1962. Rider focused on the human element amidst the supernatural chaos. “My job is to make sure that I do my part right,” he stated. “My goal was to enliven and to reveal Hank, and to reveal the relationship between Hank and his family.” He also brought his own life experience to the set, suggesting details for the Grogan family home to make it feel more authentic.

He felt the production team, while talented, could benefit from his perspective. “They’re also not Black people from the States,” he offered. “That’s not their world; that’s my world.” He suggested adding culturally specific items like images of Martin Luther King and Jesus, things he grew up with. “I have a lot of history on what goes into or the types of homes... that typically make people’s homes, or made my home more alive.”

Lessons from a Legend

Rider’s career began under the guidance of a Hollywood icon. His first film role was in 2007’s The Great Debaters, directed by Denzel Washington. He calls Washington his “GOAT,” crediting the star with giving him foundational advice that shaped his path. After an early audition, Washington told him, “You have something, but you need to go to school and get your tools, because once you have your tools, people can’t take them away from you.”

Rider took the advice, went to school, and later landed the part in Washington's film. The mentorship continued, with Washington encouraging him to stay dedicated to his craft. “He’s always been in my corner ever since; that’s my ride or die,” Rider shared. “I don’t believe I would have a career if it wasn’t for him, not even a question.”

An Unshakeable Vision for the Future

From early TV roles on shows like NCIS: Los Angeles to playing Blake Tower in Netflix’s Daredevil, Rider has steadily built his career. Through it all, he maintains a powerful and focused mindset, refusing to get bogged down by industry changes or challenges. “I think that if you’re focused on problems, you’ll probably continue to get more problems,” he said. “You can’t worry about what you don’t have. I’m focused on what I do have.”

This self-belief fuels his ambition. Rider doesn’t just have a dream role; he has a dream scenario. “It would be me starring in a film, a prestige film, that ends up becoming an Academy Award winner, in which I win an Academy Award,” he declared. With his sights set on the industry's highest honor, Rider is determined to forge his own unique path. “I’m not trying to replicate anybody else’s career. I think mine’s good enough.”