Exploring the Cast of the Movie “IT”: A Closer Look at the Stars of Stephen King’s Iconic Horror Film

The 2017 movie adaptation of Stephen King’s IT became an instant classic, with its terrifying portrayal of Pennywise the Clown and the brave group of children who faced him. The movie was a box office success, largely due to the exceptional cast that brought the beloved characters from King’s novel to life. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the cast of IT, discussing their performances, backgrounds, and the roles that made the film such a sensation.

Introduction to the IT Cast

The cast of IT was carefully selected to ensure that the film captured the essence of Stephen King’s novel. The story follows the “Losers’ Club,” a group of kids from Derry, Maine, as they face off against an ancient, shape-shifting entity known as Pennywise the Dancing Clown. The casting of Pennywise, played by Bill Skarsgård, and the young actors who portrayed the Losers’ Club, was pivotal in the film’s success.

Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise the Dancing Clown

At the forefront of the IT cast is Swedish actor Bill Skarsgård, who delivered a chilling performance as Pennywise. Skarsgård, already known for his work in television and film, took on the challenging role of the shape-shifting clown with remarkable precision. His portrayal of Pennywise was both terrifying and captivating, with his ability to shift between menacing and playful making the character even more horrifying.

Bill Skarsgård’s performance was a major talking point upon the film’s release, with his unnerving smile, haunting voice, and eerie movements becoming iconic. Pennywise’s appearance and Skarsgård’s performance were crucial in differentiating the 2017 IT from the 1990 miniseries, where Tim Curry played the infamous clown. While Curry’s portrayal was campy and comedic, Skarsgård brought a more sinister and supernatural edge to the character, which aligned with the tone of the new adaptation.

The Losers’ Club: A Talented Young Ensemble

The IT cast also featured an ensemble of young actors who portrayed the Losers’ Club, a group of misfit kids who band together to confront Pennywise. The chemistry between these young actors was one of the movie’s greatest strengths, as they captured the fear, bravery, and camaraderie that defined the Losers’ Club in Stephen King’s novel.

1. Jaeden Martell as Bill Denbrough: Jaeden Martell, formerly Jaeden Lieberher, played the role of Bill Denbrough, the de facto leader of the Losers’ Club. Bill is haunted by the disappearance of his younger brother Georgie, a tragedy that sets the events of the movie in motion. Martell delivered a strong and emotional performance, embodying Bill’s determination to find Georgie and defeat Pennywise. Martell’s acting career has continued to grow since IT, with roles in movies like Knives Out and The Lodge.
2. Finn Wolfhard as Richie Tozier: Known for his role as Mike Wheeler in Stranger Things, Finn Wolfhard took on the role of Richie Tozier, the loudmouthed and comedic member of the Losers’ Club. Richie’s witty one-liners and humorous antics provided much-needed comic relief amidst the film’s terrifying scenes. Wolfhard’s performance showcased his versatility as a young actor, and he has continued to work in both film and television, including projects like Ghostbusters: Afterlife.
3. Sophia Lillis as Beverly Marsh: Sophia Lillis played the only female member of the Losers’ Club, Beverly Marsh. Beverly’s character deals with personal trauma, both from Pennywise and from her abusive father. Lillis delivered a heartfelt and powerful performance, capturing Beverly’s strength and vulnerability. Since her breakout role in IT, Lillis has continued to build her career, starring in projects like Sharp Objects and Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase.
4. Jeremy Ray Taylor as Ben Hanscom: Jeremy Ray Taylor portrayed Ben Hanscom, the shy and kind-hearted member of the group who has a crush on Beverly. Ben is the new kid in town and is often bullied for his weight, but he proves himself to be a vital part of the Losers’ Club. Taylor’s portrayal of Ben was endearing and relatable, and his performance earned him praise from both critics and audiences.
5. Chosen Jacobs as Mike Hanlon: Chosen Jacobs played Mike Hanlon, one of the more quiet and reserved members of the Losers’ Club. Mike’s character is deeply tied to the history of Derry, and Jacobs brought a thoughtful and introspective quality to the role. Mike’s bravery and intelligence are key to the group’s success in facing Pennywise.
6. Jack Dylan Grazer as Eddie Kaspbrak: Jack Dylan Grazer portrayed Eddie Kaspbrak, the hypochondriac of the group who is constantly worried about his health due to his overprotective mother. Grazer’s performance was both humorous and heartfelt, adding a layer of depth to Eddie’s character. Grazer has continued to rise in Hollywood, with notable roles in Shazam! and We Are Who We Are.
7. Wyatt Oleff as Stanley Uris: Wyatt Oleff took on the role of Stanley Uris, the most skeptical and logical member of the Losers’ Club. Stanley’s fear of the unknown and his reluctance to believe in Pennywise adds complexity to the group dynamic. Oleff’s performance was subtle yet impactful, and he has since worked on projects like Guardians of the Galaxy and the Netflix series I Am Not Okay With This.

The Impact of the IT Cast on the Film’s Success

The success of IT (2017) can largely be attributed to the talented cast, whose performances helped bring the story to life in a way that resonated with both fans of the book and general audiences. The chemistry between the young actors was particularly praised, with many critics noting that their believable friendships and interactions added emotional depth to the film.

Bill Skarsgård’s portrayal of Pennywise also became one of the most iconic elements of the movie, with his version of the character being compared to some of the most memorable horror villains in cinematic history. Skarsgård’s ability to make Pennywise both terrifying and compelling made the character stand out in a crowded field of horror antagonists.

Conclusion

The cast of IT played a pivotal role in the film’s massive success, with each actor bringing their character to life in a way that honored Stephen King’s original novel while adding a modern twist. From Bill Skarsgård’s chilling portrayal of Pennywise to the heartfelt performances of the young actors in the Losers’ Club, the cast’s contributions made IT one of the most successful horror films of the decade. With its blend of horror, humor, and heart, IT remains a fan favorite, and the performances of its cast will be remembered for years to come.