Bill Skarsgård will not play Pennywise in prequel series Welcome to Derry

I have some sad news for those hoping to see Bill Skarsgård reprise the role of Pennywise the murderous clown in HBO’s upcoming IT prequel series Welcome to Derry. Skarsgård confirmed to Jake’s Takes that there are no plans for him to return to the role.

Skarsgård killed it as Pennywise in the recent IT movies. Tim Curry is the O.G. Pennywise, but there is something about Bill Skarsgård’s portrayal that really frightens me.

“We’ll see, what they come up with, and what they do with it… I’m, as of now, not currently involved with it,” Skarsgård said about Welcome to Derry. He also had some sound advice for whoever might be taking up the mantle of Pennywise next:

"My advice would just be, do it your own, make it your own, have fun with it. What I thought was so pleasurable about that character was how incredibly abstract he was. If you start reading Stephen King’s cocaine-binged book, you just go, ‘What the hell?’ So many weird tantrums and abstractions."

If you’ve ever read one of Stephen King’s books, particularly during his “cocaine binge” era, they are so strange and bizarre. So whoever takes on the role of Pennywise next, feel free to get weird with it.

Bill Skarsgård is out for the IT prequel series Welcome to Derry

Welcome to Derry will follow Pennywise during his early days of terrorizing the town of Derry, Maine. We’ve seen what happens in the later years, but what about the beginning?

While I am bummed that Bill Skarsgård will not appear as Pennywise, it makes some sense. I’m not sure how far back in time the story will take place, but they may be looking for a younger actor. Can you imagine a young Pennywise? Is that even possible? Does he even age? Hopefully we’ll get the answers!

There is no premiere date yet for the prequel series, but don’t worry, we will update you as we learn more information in the coming days, weeks and months!

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h/t The A.V. Club