Bill Skarsgård is set to terrify audiences once more as Pennywise the Dancing Clown in the upcoming HBO series, IT: Welcome to Derry. This prequel extends the legacy of the popular franchise, which includes the 2017 and 2019 films, both adapted from Stephen King's disturbing novel.
Scheduled to premiere in 2025, Welcome to Derry aims to dig deep beneath the surface of Pennywise's character, exploring the malevolent clown's backstory years before he encountered young Bill Denborough and his friends. This series has generated significant excitement, particularly because the previous films collectively garnered over $1 billion at the box office, making it clear why Warner Bros. is eager to continue the franchise.
According to Skarsgård, the new series promises to be "pretty hardcore." On the podcast Happy Sad Confused, he elaborated on his return to the character, explaining, "I originally wanted to leave the character behind, but I enjoyed exploring Pennywise with Andy Muschietti. It was fun, and I remembered how much I enjoy working with him.”
Skarsgård will be joined by notable actors including Jovan Adepo, known for Overlord, Chris Chalk from Gotham, and Taylour Paige of Zola. The anticipation for the series increases as the brief footage released shows chilling scenes, including children discussing the sighting of clowns and something grotesque pulling one of them under water.
Beyond his role as Pennywise, Skarsgård has been diversifying his repertoire and has recently taken on darker, more complex roles. He plays Count Orlok in Robert Eggers' remake of Nosferatu, continuing his exploration of horror characters, which showcases his versatility and acting proficiency.
This evolution wasn't without its challenges, as Skarsgård noted how much he enjoys tapping deep within himself to inhabit his characters. He articulated on several occasions the seriousness with which he approaches these powerful, often villainous roles. The portrayal of Count Orlok involves undergoing yet another significant transformation, with specialized prosthetics helping him embody this legendary monster fully.
Skarsgård is also featured as Eric Draven in the upcoming 2024 remake of The Crow. This interpretation not only allows him to slip back to his roots but also amplifies them, positioning him as a tragic anti-hero. Draven’s metamorphosis from tormented soul to haunting enforcer of vengeance brings another layer of intensity to Skarsgård's career.
His recent work has had critics and audiences buzzing with praise. When reflecting on his casting as Keith in Barbarian, director Zach Cregger acknowledged the unspoken expectations audiences hold for Skarsgård, noting, "Bill was perfect casting for this because he has such a history with the audience, horror audiences know him." The anticipation surrounding Skarsgård’s performance added psychological complexity to the film, enhancing its tension.
Next is his villainous turn as The Marquis in John Wick: Chapter 4, where he portrays a powerful yet arrogant figure at the High Table. Although not adorned with heavy makeup or prosthetics, Skarsgård managed to create a character who is both fearsome and pitiable, “a coward who doesn’t have the skills but wants to reap the reward,” all captured under Skarsgård’s unique volatile presence. His ability to channel vulnerability within villainy has cemented his status as one of cinema's great modern antagonists.
With his upcoming return to one of horror's most iconic characters set against the backdrop of his dynamic transformation as an actor, there’s no doubt Bill Skarsgård is here to stay. His range, from innocent roles to deeply complex villains, showcases his genuine talent. Keep your eyes peeled for IT: Welcome to Derry, which promises to thrill and chill fans, cementing Skarsgård's legacy as the ultimate purveyor of cinematic horror.