Camilla Jessen
One key factor made him change his mind.
Bill Skarsgård is back as Pennywise in HBO’s new prequel Welcome to Derry — much to the delight of horror fans.
The series premiered on October 26 and expands on Stephen King’s classic 1986 novel It.
Although King is not directly involved in the show, which is produced by Andy and Barbara Muschietti, he has given it his full support. And in the November 23 episode, viewers finally got to see Bill Skarsgård’s terrifying clown return.
Skarsgård portrayed Pennywise in It (2017) and It Chapter Two (2019), earning widespread praise. But he actually came very close to turning down the chance to reprise the role in the new series.
Ready to Hang Up the Clown for Good
On the Happy Sad Confused podcast with Josh Horowitz last year, Skarsgård said he felt he was done with the role of Pennywise. At the time, he was filming Nosferatu, in which he plays Count Orlok, another iconic monster character.
“I felt like I was finished with it,” he said. “I was doing Nosferatu and thought, ‘This is the final nail in the coffin for my monster roles.’”
He also explained that Pennywise had defined him for many years.
“That was me at 26 — I’m not a young man anymore,” said the now 35-year-old Swedish actor.
A Friendship That Changed Everything
But it was his close relationship with the Muschietti siblings that ultimately convinced him to return.
“Barbara and Andy are making the series, and I love them,” Skarsgård said.
“They’re very close friends. Family, almost. I’m the godfather to their son. I love them. So… okay, let’s bring him back.”
And that’s how Pennywise was resurrected once again.
It: Welcome to Derry is now streaming on HBO Max in the U.S. and on NOW in the U.K., with new episodes released weekly.
Source: Happy Sad Confused podcast, Unilad
