Bill Skarsgård’s Terrifying Audition for Pennywise

Continuing to be haunted by the spine-chilling portrayal of Pennywise in the 2017 movie It? Prepare yourself for an even more unsettling experience, as Bill Skarsgård’s initial audition is somehow worse! And what makes it all the more terrifying is that it extends beyond the mere realm of makeup.

A Worthy Successor to Tim Curry’s Legacy

Taking on the iconic role of the dancing clown from Stephen King’s novel, Skarsgård faced the challenge of following Tim Curry’s memorable performance in the 1990 miniseries. Despite the pressure, Skarsgård filled the big (clown) shoes and left an indelible mark on the character in a whole new way.

Bill Skarsgård’s Spellbinding Performance

The film’s immense success, grossing $702 million worldwide and earning an 85% Rotten Tomatoes score, is a testament to Skarsgård’s captivating performance. The popularity even led to the creation of a prequel series, Welcome to Derry, set to premiere on HBO Max in 2025, though Skarsgård will not be reprising his role.

Terrifying Depths Beyond the Makeup

The undisputed highlight of the It films is Skarsgård’s audition tape, showcasing the moment he lures Georgie to a drain, bites his arm off, and drags him to his demise. The footage reveals that the horror extends beyond the clown makeup, showcasing Skarsgård’s top-tier acting skills.

During filming, Skarsgård’s commitment to the character left a lasting impact on the young extras, some of who were genuinely terrified. Recalling the experience, he mentioned how some kids couldn’t even look at him while others were visibly shaken, with one child breaking into tears. Skarsgård reflected on the moment, realizing the intensity of the role and its impact on the young cast.

Pennywise’s Toll: The Challenges of Portraying the Clown

Skarsgård has previously shared the challenges of portraying Pennywise, describing it as the most physically and mentally exhausting character he has ever played. In an interview with the New York Times, he admitted that every aspect of the role demanded 100% of his energy, making it an exceptionally demanding experience.

As we revisit the nightmare-inducing audition tape, it becomes clear that Skarsgård’s dedication and talent turned Pennywise into an iconic horror character, leaving audiences both thrilled and terrified.