Bill Skarsgård is recognized as one of the biggest highlights of IT: Chapter One and its sequel, IT: Chapter Two. The two films are based on Stephen King’s original horror epic IT and Bill Skarsgård plays the titular role, aka Pennywise, in each entry. A HBO Max prequel series to the films, titled Welcome to Derry, is also in development. But now Bill Skarsgård reveals he’s yet to be attached to Welcome to Derry.
Of course, many fans assumed that Skarsgård would be a guaranteed part of the show. After all, his iteration of Pennywise has become just as iconic as Tim Curry’s take did in the 1990s. Furthermore, the upcoming HBO Max series will also be directly tied to the two IT feature films. It only makes sense, then, to bring back Skarsgård. But it looks like it depends on how the show’s development moves forward.
Bill Skarsgård shared as much while speaking with Jake’s Takes:
“We’ll see what they come up with and what they do with it,” he begins. “I’m not currently involved in it.”
He also shared some advice for any actor that might take the role after him:
“If someone else gets to [play Pennywise], my advice is to make it your own. Have fun with it. What I thought was so pleasurable about that character was how incredibly abstract he was. The book is really a gift that way.”
With that said, it’s entirely possible for Bill Skarsgård to return as Pennywise for the show. Welcome to Derry is currently being written, and as such, it’s in a very early development phase. They might only approach Skarsgård to sign on when the show is closer to shooting.
The first episode of the series is being written by Jason Fuchs (IT: Chapter Two) based on a story he wrote alongside IT: Chapter One and IT: Chapter Two director Andy Muschietti and his sister/producing partner, Barbara Muschietti. Andy Muschietti will also return to direct the first episode of the series and multiple others.
Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for additional updates on Welcome to Derry and whether or not Bill Skarsgård joins the cast.