‘You’ll Float Too,’ Pennywise Could Be Returning to Derry, Maine
Residing in Bangor, Maine, author, Stephen King, is known for his horror fiction novels and the many movies based on his books. However, one of his fictional characters was absolutely horrifying to me when I was younger, Pennywise from 'IT.'
After two franchise movies, well, really three movies or two movies and a long two-part mini-series, Pennywise the Dancing Clown will be returning to Derry, Maine.
Pennywise the Dancing Clown was known to come to Derry, Maine, every 27 years to haunt and terrify children (and adults that had escaped him in the past) for their lives.
Spoiler alert, Pennywise is a trans-dimensional evil entity, not a real clown, which makes him hard to conquer. If he was a real clown, well then that probably would have made for a shorter book and movie.
Movie History
In 1990, actor Tim Curry played the iconic character Pennywise in a two-part mini-series, which was later put out as a movie that lasted a little over 3 hours in length. Tim Curry's Pennywise was absolutely horrifying, and I'm not going to lie, it took me a while to actually sit down and watch the movie.
Tim Curry definitely set the bar high for the iconic character, but the costuming and makeup took a not so friendly looking turn in the movie's remake. According to Variety, in 2017 and 2019, Pennywise returned in 'IT: Part One' and 'IT: Part Two.'
Pennywise is played by Bill Skarsgård and the character took an even darker turn. Variety states that together the new films grossed over $1.1 billion at the global box office.
Bill Skarsgård's role as Pennywise would have scared and honestly scarred me more if I was younger watching the movie.
The remakes took away the playfulness and vibrancy that a clown has however, costuming did create a more terrifying character which made for amazing films based on the book.
Pennywise is supposed to be scary and feed upon fear and the newer movies definitely did that. However, I've always wanted to know why Pennywise is a dancing clown, and I just may get my answer.
The Future of Pennywise
According to Variety, HBO Max is creating a prequel series to 'IT,' called 'Welcome to Derry.' The series is supposedly going to take place in the '60s and lead up to where the 2017 'IT: Part One' starts.
The good news is, that we may finally get the backstory of Pennywise. Why a clown? Why does he dance? Why Derry, Maine? Hopefully, we will get to know the answers to these questions.
Variety states that the director of the newer films, Andy Muschietti, is set direct the first episode and also be the executive producer of the series with Barbara Muschietti and Jason Fuchs.
It is not stated as to who would play Pennywise or if the character will be just as horrifying, but I have some high expectations if this prequel series comes out.
Why Stephen King chose Derry, Maine, to be the home to one of his most frightening characters (as well as home to some of his other writings), I will never know. However, maybe we will learn more about the fictional town of Derry if this series happens.
According to Fangoria, a writers' room has already been put together and the show is underway.
My hope is that they will think of filming it near King's home state of Maine. All I know is that if I see a red balloon floating around, I will run in the opposite direction.