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Bill Skarsgård, known for his chilling portrayal of Pennywise the Dancing Clown inITandIT Chapter Two, has been a standout figure in horror films. His portrayal of the sinister clown left an unforgettable mark on audiences and made him a key part of theITfranchise’s success. However, despite the immense popularity of his role, Skarsgård wasn’t immediately eager to return to the character.
In fact, he almost walked away from playing Pennywise again for the upcomingIT: Welcome to Derry series.But just when it seemed like Pennywise was behind him, something changed. What made him reconsider returning to the role? It turns out, there were a few factors that drew him back.
Why did Bill Skarsgård almost turn down playing Pennywise again?
Bill Skarsgård, the actor who made Pennywise a household name inITand its sequel, opened up about his initial reluctance to return as the infamous clown forIT: Welcome to Derry.Despite the success of his portrayal, the actor explained that he didn’t want to revisit the role, citing his role as Count Orlok inNosferatuas a big reason.
In a recent interview viaJosh Horowitz,Skarsgård shared how his experience playing Pennywise had made him feel somewhat“done”with such roles. He added:
I felt like I was done with it in a way,” he said. “It was also because I was shooting Orlok, and to me, it just felt like, ‘Okay, this is the nail in the coffin on my monster roles.
The actor explained that after the intense experience of playing Pennywise, it felt like the right time to move on. He added,“Pennywise is such an iconic character that I’ve been quite defined by it.”The actor continued:
I just… I just like, alright, that’s 26-year-old me, silly young man. I get it. What more can I do with it? It did a lot for me, I got a lot out of it, but what’s the point of doing it again?
Skarsgård admits that at the time, he wasn’t sure what new territory he could explore with the character. However, things took a turn whenITdirectors Barbara and Andy Muschietti reached out to him. In the same conversation, he also talked about the deep personal connection he has with the couple, calling them“family.”This relationship convinced him to reconsider his stance.
Now, Skarsgård is not just reprising his role as Pennywise, but he’s also taken on the role of executive producer forIT: Welcome to Derry.Reflecting on his experience, he shared,“It was fun. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.”He also recounted how quickly he could access the Pennywise persona, even when he was just preparing for a test.
“There’s 5,000 real rats”: Bill Skarsgård’s ‘Nosferatu’ Pulled Off Craziest Stunt With an Army of Rats, A Very Expected Thing Happened Next
Bill Skarsgård’s return to Pennywise wasn’t easy at first, but his connection with the Muschiettis and the chance to explore the character further ultimately led him back to the iconic clown. Now as both actor and producer, Skarsgård is looking forward to the new challenges and opportunities the role presents.
Bill Skarsgård shares how his transformation inNosferatuwas a whole new challenge
Bill Skarsgård is back in the spotlight with a completely different, yet equally chilling role. This time, he’s taking on the iconic character of Count Orlok in Robert Eggers’ highly anticipated remake ofNosferatu. However, despite his success with Pennywise, the actor admits he had some reservations about stepping into the shoes of the eerie vampire.
In an interview withEntertainment Weekly,Skarsgård shared that the dramatic transformation into Orlok wasn’t an easy process for him. He confessed that he didn’t truly feel like the character until every piece of the costume was fully in place. He described his first experience seeing himself in full makeup and costume as a shocking moment, one that made him feel more unrecognizable than even his Pennywise look. He added:
I never felt like the character until I had everything on. So, full makeup and full costume. I remember our second camera test that we did. There’s no audio, there’s no voice recording. It’s just the camera, a lot of candles, and me sitting in a chair. Especially when it’s on film, you’re able to actually hear the camera rolling, but you see that little red light and then it’s go time.
He continued:
We had done a bunch of rehearsals before that, but that was the first time where I felt the cameras were alive, and I [could] start becoming this thing. So, you’re terrified because it’s something that you can’t really control. Either this will come alive, or it won’t. I can’t force it. It needs to be there.
Skarsgård’s initial concerns stemmed from the heavy prosthetics and makeup, which made him question whether he could still deliver a strong performance. Before everything was applied, he even compared his look to the Grinch or a goblin, leaving him dissatisfied. However, once the full transformation was complete, he was satisfied with the results.
“I was so incredibly nervous”: Bill Skarsgård Will Never Forget “So many hateful opinions” on Pennywise Casting
He would even record himself on his phone to experiment with different lighting and facial expressions, ensuring he was able to bring the character to life.
Sakshi Singh
Articles Published :1434
Sakshi Singh has written over 1,300 entertainment articles, mostly about Netflix shows and reality TV. She’s spent the last two years covering everything from surprise engagements to shocking eliminations and previously wrote for Essentially Sports in their Netflix Junkie division. A self-proclaimed reality TV addict, Sakshi has watched all 48 seasons of Survivor and never misses a new dating or competition series. She loves watching how strangers meet, fall in love, team up, or betray each other - it’s the mix of strategy and drama that keeps her hooked. When she’s not glued to a reality show, she’s usually watching a crime thriller or tracking the next big streaming hit.
