Fans were excited to see Bill Skarsgard in full makeup as Pennywise. Now, we have our first look at Skarsgard in full costume as Pennywise, via EW. The new Pennywise is darker, and dirtier, than the character originally played by Tim Curry. Frankly, it’s terrifying.
Director Andy Mushetti’s adaption of Stephen King’s ‘IT’, based on the script penned by Gary Dauberman and Chase Palmer, is said to be headed to a much darker and disturbing place than the 1990 mini series.
Producer Dan Lin recently gave Collider a few hints during the TCA Summer Presentation about the film (which you can read all about HERE). He explained several things including the film’s tone and casting Bill Skarsgard as Pennywise.
His build is really interesting. He’s really tall and lanky, and feels a little clown like in his movement. When he came in – we had a lot of different actors read, and when he came in he had a different spin on the character that got us really excited. You’ve had Heath Ledger doing almost a clown joker, you’ve seen obviously Tim Curry as a clown. We wanted someone who created a Pennywise character that would stand on its own and Bill came in and created this character that frankly freaked us out.
Talking to EW, ‘IT’ costume designer Janie Bryant explained Skarsgard’s costume and that the goal was to make Pennywise appear as if he’s been around for a very long time. ” …definitely incorporates all these otherworldly past lives, if you will. He is definitely a clown from a different time.” Bryant pulled ideas for the costume from several eras, including from the Renaissance, Victorian era and Medieval times. Bryant also said that the aim was to make Pennywise appear almost childlike. “There is almost a doll-like quality to the costume. The pants being short, the high waistline of the jacket, and the fit of the costume is a very important element. It gives the character a child-like quality.” Bryant also mentioned that Pennywise likes to hide in the shadows. “It makes him almost like a shadow,” If creepy and terrifying was their goal, they definitely accomplished it. Just look at him!
When the image is lightened and enhanced you can see a lot more of the costume’s detail.
In the story, Seven children known as The Losers’ Club come face to face with bullies and a monster that takes the shape of a demented clown known as Pennywise in Derry Maine. Jaeden Lieberher, Finn Wolfhard, Nicholas Hamilton, Jack Dylan Grazer, Wyatt Oleff, Chosen Jacobs, and Jeremy Ray Taylor will play the seven kids in the Losers’ Club.
Like some fans, I was originally skeptical of the remake, but I think many, like me, are now excited about the film, which will open in theaters nationwide on September 8, 2017.