It: Welcome to Derry premieres October 26 with Bill Skarsgård reprising Pennywise despite initial hesitance

Bill Skarsgård returns as Pennywise in the upcoming Stephen King TV series It: Welcome to Derry, set over two decades before the events of the 2017 film. Initially hesitant to reprise the dark role due to the mental toll and his prior intense portrayals, Skarsgård was convinced by the show's exploration of Pennywise's backstory as Bob Gray, which added fresh depth to the character. The series, co-created and produced by Andy and Barbara Muschietti, intentionally delays Pennywise's appearances to build tension in a manner similar to the 'Jaws effect,' with the monster manifesting in multiple forms before revealing its clown persona. Each episode is designed to deliver impactful scares through new incarnations and fears that stand on their own while maintaining the high standard set by the films. The show promises to satisfy fans with Pennywise's eventual impactful appearances, airing its premiere on October 26 on HBO. Skarsgård's return marks a continuation of his commitment to complex, dark characters, bridging his roles in It with his more recent intense film roles.