It seems New Line have finally found a favoured person who they are pursuing to step into the shoes of Tim Curry and play the big role of Pennywise in their reboot of Stephen King’s It. Only, we’re not sure exactly who that actor is at this point in time as there are conflicting reports.
The news had just broken that Kirk Acevedo (Fringe, 12 Monkeys) was testing for the role of Pennywise when other news broke via Variety claiming that Bill Skarsgard (Hemlock Grove, The Divergent Series: Allegiant) is the top choice for the role. Of course, both rumours could be completely true, as producers wouldn’t want to put all their eggs into one basket until the ink has dried on the signed contract. Both actors are completely different from each other and I guess it could also depend on how they want the character to be portrayed in the end – by a younger or older person.
There have been a lot of names that have been thrown around the rumour mill when it comes to casting for this character, as previously it had been reported that Hugo Weaving was interested in the role, while for a long time Will Poulter was signed on to the film but then pulled out due to scheduling conflicts. What makes all these reports interesting is that in both cases, the two people being looked at for the role represent a contrast in age and it might tell you that perhaps they are not sure at this point exactly how they want Pennywise to be portrayed.
The film has recently had a change of directors with Andres Muschietti stepping into the director’s chair, after Cary Fukunaga pulled out at the end of last year. There is also rumours Muschietti has ordered a rewrite of the script to better fit his vision for the film, so until they sort all of that out, we are unlikely to know who will be cast until it is officially announced. The release date for the film is still set for Sept 8, 2017, so expect to hear soon about official casting details if they are to still meet that date.
Last Updated: June 6, 2016
