A Reel Preview: Everything You Need to Know About IT

This weekend, the much anticipated (and perhaps dreaded) second Stephen King adaptation of 2017 arrives in theatres, when New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures releases IT. Here is a preview and everything you need to know about this supernatural horror film.

What is IT all about? – IT is based on the 1986 novel of the same name by famous author Stephen King, in which seven children are terrorized by a spectral clown named Pennywise while facing their own personal demons. The film is the first of an intended duology (that’s two films) to adapt the novel in full.

Who is behind this? – IT is directed by Andy Muschietti, who brought us the 2013 horror hit-film MAMA. The script has three credited screenwriters, with the most notable name being Cary Fukunaga, who has credits ranging from JANE EYRE (2011), BEASTS OF NO NATION (2015), and the first season of TV’s TRUE DETECTIVE.

Who are the actors? – The central role of Pennywise was originally given to actor Will Poulter, who had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts. Bill Skarsgard, son of Stellan, has stepped in. His recent notable role came earlier this year in ATOMIC BLONDE. The rest of the young cast includes Jaeden Lieberher, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Sophia Lillis, Finn Wolfhard, Wyatt Oleff, Chosen Jacobs, and Jack Dylan Grazer.

Random Facts – Cary Fukunuga was originally slated to direct the film, but stepped out due to conflicts with New Line over budget * This is the second time IT has been brought to the screen, with the first being a 1990 made-for-tv mini-series * Other actors considered for the role of Pennywise included Mark Rylance, Richard Armitage, Hugo Weaving, and Tilda Swinton * The costume of Pennywise the clown was inspired by the clothing of style of the Renaissance * The score is composed by Benjamin Wallfisch, who was co-nominated for a Golden Globe for his work on HIDDEN FIGURES * In scenes where Pennywise’s eyes look in two different directions, CGI was intended to be used, but Skarsgaard demonstrated that he could do it on his own * The directing duo of the Duffer Brothers were interested in directing IT, but were overlooked for not being established enough; they made the Neflix smash-hit STRANGER THINGS instead * The number 27 is a number that is often associated with the story; this film-version of IT will be released 27 years after the TV version *

What to expect – Looking at history first, Stephen King’s novels have proven to be all over the map of quality when they are brought to the big screen. They have ranged from absolute greatness (THE SHINING, STAND BY ME), to utter garbage (this year’s THE DARK TOWER). The long-running success of the novel, and the respect that the old TV version still holds speaks volumes of the strength of the source material, so all of this falls on the shoulders of the filmmakers. Director Andy Muschietti has proven that he can bring the scares in the past, but the real question is if he can go deeper than just making people jump out of their seats. New Line and Warner Bros. have a reputation for too much meddling in their recent history, with some success and outright strike-outs, so the recipe here can be very good or very bad. The source material itself goes into some pretty dark places, so the film has the potential to be scary, shocking, and haunting us long after the credits roll. But as we all know, potential is one thing, execution is another. IT could go either way.

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IT arrives September 8^th.