When Cary Fukunaga (‘True Detective’) was still directing ‘It,‘ he had signed Will Poulter (‘Maze Runner’,’We’re the Millers’) on to play Pennywise. All that fell through when Andy Muschietti took over. It hasn’t been clear as to why Poulter left the production. There has been speculation that it could be from anything of no longer working with Fukunaga, not being happy with the direction that Muschietti wanted to take the film compared to the original vision, or something else entirely?
The reason itself is finally revealed after the movie is nearing release and not from Poulter but from Muschietti. The director was recently asked about it he revealed that he didn’t actively want or try to replace Poulter. Instead, it was the young actor’s lack of interest that caused him to depart the film:
“I was very, very intrigued by the prospect of working with Will, I always thought that he would be an amazing Pennywise. We talked a little bit about it, the idea of making the movie even though that Cary wasn’t there. Will basically expressed a feeling that he had slowly disengaged from playing that character, that was so dark and terrifying. It was a personal decision I respected, but I was eager and willing to find my own Pennywise, and that’s what we did.”
While I’m quite happy with what we’ve seen of Bill Skarsgård so far, I wasn’t thrilled with either of these two being selected initially. Of course, I can’t say I would have thought that Tim Curry would have been the best choice and we all know how he turned out. Curry has become the iconic terrifying clown, and the only good thing everyone can agree is still good about the original miniseries.
Are you sad that we didn’t end up seeing Will Poulter as Pennywise or are happy with Bill Skarsgård’s performance in the trailer? Share your thoughts below!
