Apr 6, 2009

Posted by in Discuss, Fantasy Cast | 50 comments

Fantasy Cast… Who should play Pennywise in ‘IT’ remake?

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We all remember the scary as Hell alien-monster clown Pennywise from Stephen King’s book ‘IT’ or, at least from the television mini-series adaptation. For my money, Tim Curry’s performance as Pennywise is spot on and couldn’t be more perfect.

We recently announced that a feature adaptation for the big screen will be made of the best-selling novel by Stephen King. So, has us pondering the question of who best to cast in the role of Pennywise?

Sure, many of you will likely default directly to Tim Curry, much like myself, but given the recent trends this seems highly unlikely. With that said, who then? Now we’re placing the ball in your court.   Who do you think would make an ideal Pennywise?

Also, if you’ve got ideas for future Fantasy Casts, let us know.   Our emails can be found right here!

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Some ideas that initially come to mind include:

Sid Haig – Sure, I’m relatively new to the fandom of Sid Haig and his portrayal of Captain Spaulding, but how great was he as a freaky scary clown? Of course, for this roles he’s have to clean up the appearance… oh yeah, and probably shave the beard. Not sure that’s gonna happen.

John Leguizamo – He made an awesome crazy demonic clown as one of the few good parts   from the live-action ‘Spawn’ movie. Not sure he’s really right for this role, but we know he has this type of character in him. Johnny boy can certainly turn on the eccentric/crazy switch with the flip of a switch.

Peter Stormare – The Swedish-born actor may not come to mind as someone who can portray the same outgoing manifestation of creepy that Curry gave us, but don’t right him off just yet. Stormare can still deliver a low-key “silent type” creepy that’s very effective (Fargo) and he certainly has the look to match Curry’s portrayal fairly well. He did also sort of tackle the “clown” bit in ’13 Moons’.

Alan Rickman – This British actor may not come immediately to mind, but he does have a knack for creepy character acting. The actor has become known for his role as Snape in the ‘Harry Potter’ series and even played a real-life creepy dude, Rasputin himself. He certainly wouldn’t be my first choice, but I think if he could offer a unique perspective on the role.

Willem Dafoe – Not typically considered an actor for “creepy” roles, he is still known for his off-beat, eccentric performances. Combine this with his signature facial characteristics and his creative body language and I think the Green Goblin could deliver a decent Pennywise.

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  1. OMG OMG OMG THEY ARE GOING TO ROCK THIS MOVIE!!!

  2. James karaparashos says:

    Yeah mate you are probably right and hopefully Tim Curry gets re- cast.

    • OMG! I would be so happy if tim curry got recast because it wouldnt be IT without tim curry!

    • I certainly do think that Tim Curry can simply be ‘recast’ in this role.
      But if they wanted to cast someone new entirely, then my pick would be ‘Michael Shannon’.
      He would be PERFECT in my opinion.
      If you do not know who he is, google him and you will see why he is my pick for ‘Pennywise’ if Tim Curry doesn’t step into the role again.

  3. steven smith says:

    they should get seth green to play the adult version of himself from the original movie :) and tim curry all the way!!

  4. Andy Hunter says:

    Three people that I would consider ideal for the role of pennywise are firstly Gary Oldman. Hes played a number of eccentric villains in the past, his most notable performance that makes him a suitable candidate for Pennywise was his exeptional portrayal of Dracula in Bram Stroker's Dracula. Secondly, the somewhat unknown Jackie Earle Haley (Little Children and Watchmen). Hes got a very creepy look about him and sounds the part too, plus hes currently being enlisted to play Freddie Krueger in the new Nightmare on Elm Street. And finally, Javier Bardem. If he could re-produce as terrifying a performance as he did in No Country For Old Men, he'd be a worthy candidate to fulfill the dancing shoes of Pennyise.

  5. Marilyn Manson.

  6. what about robert england to play pennywise the clown in a steven king movie

  7. I'm sorry but these suggestions suck. If you really want a successful choice, pick an unknown who does well at the auditions (creepy monologue and make up tests). Plus, we're less scared if we recognize the actor playing Pennywise. Nobody really knew Tim Curry back then (except film snobs and Rocky Horror fans).
    The only known actor that comes to mind for this role, is Willem Dafoe. Just because of his creepy voice and talented facial expressions. That or Paul Giamatti. But the smartest choice would be to pick an unknown that embodies the character. It's cheaper and much creepier since we have no clue who's under the creepy make up.

  8. Dustin Wiggins says:

    I was talking to a friend of mine about this a few months back. We came to the conclusion that Seth MacFarlane should play the infamous role of Pennywise. He would bring a lot of in depth creativity to the table. We also discussed that they should bring back Seth Green to play the 42-year-old version of Richie Tozier, where as in the original T.V. version, he played the character at age 12.
    Green is already in his thirties, I think if you throw in a few more wrinkles from the make-up department , he'll be good to go.

  9. I'm wondering Hollywood's desperate need to remake so many classics recently when they are still just right the way they are I mean WTH did they do to Nightmare on Elm Street???!!! To change Freddy's character like that and the change his image. One was bang out of order (you can no longer root for him if you wanted not with what they turned him into, it's disgusting what they made him) and the other well he just looks like an actual burns victim then a nightmare/demon.

    I dont think IT needs to be remade but it could be interesting/good if they do it right. I am liking the suggestions of Seth MacFarlane and also Seth Green to play the adult version of his former character though the man seems to be a perpetual teenager I dont think he's change much in the last 10-15 years lol.

    • iv been waitin for the remake of this for a loooong imte…thought about it often. I will fully enjoy them taking new technology to such a great book. scared teh piss outta me when i was little. Wouldnt go to the bathroom alone for a week

  10. I think Jim Carry would be an awsome pennywise he can be very morbid all ready and you need someone that can pull that off and I think he could.

    • are you an idiot? jim carrey as pennywise? have you even read the book?

      • are you gonna say that to everyone???

        • I agree jim carey all the way look at his grin and those laughs he can make. Pennywise was playful sarcastic and then in a moment would laugh or flash those teeth. Look at Carey when he played The Cable Guy. The Riddler or The Grinch. The fact is Pennywise has to be likeable enough to draw the kids in but evil enough to flash those teethe with a grin and a snappy comment. Think about it if not Tim Curry then who else is the master at that but Jim Carey

          • Why hasn’t anyone said Daniel Day Lewis? That guy really gets into his roles.

          • Daniel day lewis is not too boisterous. I really like Paul Giamatti, Javier Bardem, Peter Stormare, but a fresh face would be good also. Someone mentioned how tim curry wasn’t well known at the time except for rocky horror picture show fans which may hold true. it was made before home alone

    • I have read the book at least four times. I think Jim Carrey would do a great job because pennywise is a very animated character and Jim Carrey can pull off a very animated, and can pull of evil as well. I think he would be an excellent choice.

  11. Tim Curry one heck of actor. But, like a lot of fav 80's their getting up there.

    I think if they could the original actors who play the children in the original TV it. But have them play adult this time around would be a Awesome Idea.

    As far as actor to get to play for Penny wise, I say Jim Carrey or Gary Oldman would be a good choice or they could get two actors to play Penny wise. one for physical appears. and bring back Tim Curry for the vocals. Doing penny wise this just might bring something New famous clown . While maintaining some of the old.

  12. Jonny Depp all the way! Come on he could play any part to it’s well past his requirements.

    He played a mad hatter , a drug dealer and a pirate. Those are just a few of his wonderful roles.

  13. I don’t really have comments on the plot and other details. I’m just reporting it was pure enjoyment and suggesting it for a wonderful, uplifting, funny time!

  14. I fell in love with the idea of Peter Stormare doing the part. Best outta the list. But YES Tim Curry should rock this one more time~!

  15. Hollywood is going to totally ruin this one. You can’t match Tim Curry’s performance (hence why the Rocky Horror remake was never actually made), and let’s face it, horror movies these days kinda, well…suck. Although an R-rated “It” would most likely involve the “sex scene” and people getting limbs ripped off…they could never do the book justice with one two-hour movie. I see this one not ever being made.

  16. I think the cast should be:

    Val Kilmer as Bill Denbrough
    George Clooney as Ben Hanscom
    Julia Roberts as Beverly Marsh
    Edward Norton as Eddie Kaspbrak
    Jim Carrey as Richie Tozier
    Denzel Washington as Mike Hanlon
    Jeff Goldblum as Stan Uris

    Bill Moseley as Pennywise the Clown

    Kiefer Sutherland as Henry Bowers

    Logan Lerman as Young Bill
    Spencer Breslin as Young Ben
    Emma Watson as Young Beverly
    Jimmy Bennett as Young Eddie
    Alex Neuberger as Young Richie
    Tyler James Williams as Young Mike
    Vincent Martella as Young Stan

    Jamie Bell as Young Henry

    Jonah Bobo as Georgie

    • “Emma Watson as Young Beverly”

      The young Beverly Marsh is meant to be about 11-12. Emma Watson is 21 now. Similarly the young Henry Bowers is about 13 whereas Jamie Bell is nearly 25.

    • Except for the Oceans 11, 12, and 13 movies, I don’t think you’ll got a crazy great all star cast, bud.

  17. Pennywise…Tim Curry/Gary Oldman/Johnny Depp/Benicio del Toro
    Bill…Mark Walberg
    Ben…Colin Farrel
    Beverly…Jennifer Connely
    Richie…Seth Green/Jim Carrey
    Eddie…Edward Norton/Christian Bale
    Mike…Denzel Washington
    Stan…Jeff Goldiumm

  18. As a Brit, Tim Curry was the only reason I watched IT, the over-the-top but creepy performance could only be done now by one Brit, Russell Brand.

  19. Whoever has the roll should take a few pointers from Tim. He did the best he could, and managed to be pretty errie at times. Having a crazy smile and looking creepy in make-up is a plus too. There’s a couple current SNL players that I think would be interesting. Some have a very ‘clowny’ energy with the potential to deliver sinister at the same time.

  20. my new cast:
    Pennywise/It….Tim Curry/Gary Oldman/Sid Haig/Johnny Depp/Tyler Mane
    Bill….Christian Bale/Clive Owen
    Ben….Keannu Reeves/John Cusack
    Beverly….Jennifer Connely
    Richie….David Spade/Seth Green
    Eddie….Edward Norton
    Mike….Denzel Washington/Wesley Snipes/Jaimie Foxx
    Stan….Timothy Olipant
    Henry….Tyler Mane
    Audra….Kate Bekinsale
    Tom….Eric Bana

  21. Rebecca Iannone says:

    As a fan from the beginning, I have to say, I only see Tim Curry as the role of Pennywise, and only he is brilliant enough to pull it off. No one else can make a perfect scary clown like he did, his performance was flawless. However, if Tim bowed out, I could certainly see Johnny Depp in this role. He has proved effortless times how talented he is… he’s no Tim Curry, but he’d make an ok second.

    As for Mike – everyone seems to agree that Denzel washington would make that role awesome. I would say Kiefer Sutherland to play Henry, because he is horrible in his own way. Bev, I would say the orginal younger actor in the movie to play her older and Ben, I’m not sure. I couldn’t imagine anyone else but the late John Ritter playing him. I dont even want to consider it.
    I am both annoyed and slightly curious about the re-make!

  22. Anthony Bidgood says:

    I think they should have Ralph Fiennes as pennywise.With the same makeup job they used for the end of Deathly hallows they could use a lot of the harry potter cast for the adult versions of the characters.For example 1.Emma Watson as Beverly Marsh 2.Rupert Grint as Bill Denbrough Daniel Radcliff as Eddie Kasbrack.The young actors they used as these actors kids in the deathly hallows ending could be used as the younger versions of these characters.

  23. The Diligent Dragon says:

    First and foremost, Paul Giamatti or David Cross as Pennywise. Not Peter Stormare or Tim Curry. Tim Curry is legendary, but give him a cameo, not a reprisal.

    Bill…….Justin Bartha
    Richie…..Jason Lee
    Eddie……Tobey Maguire
    Ben……..Mark Ruffalo
    Stan…….Ashton Kutcher (Don’t worry, he kills himself, so we won’t have to listen to much of his mouth.)
    Mike…….Terrence Howard
    Beverly….Alyson Hannigan
    Henry……John C. Reilly (He looks much older than the Lucky 7)

    I know there is a gap in ages of some of these actors, but it has been my experience that some people age better. I myself am 37 and look like I’m 27. They will work!

    Young Bill……Isaac Hempstead Wright
    Young Richie….Cameron Boyce
    Young Eddie…..Mason Cook
    Young Ben…….Robert Capron
    Young Stan……Zachary Gordon
    Young Mike……Jaden Smith
    Young Beverly…Ashley Boettcher
    Young Henry…..Jimmy Bennett

    Georgie………Connor or Owen Fielding

    I remember watching the original on TV when it aired back in 1990. I would think they would find fresh faces though.

  24. I would try to get Tim Curry back if I was casting this movie. However, the other people I would have put aside would be Mark Hamill, Paul Giamatti, Gary Oldman, or Michael Keaton. I think any of the four of them have enough talent to make the character real.
    Other characters would include:
    Mike: Shemar Moore
    Beverly: Neve Campbell
    Richie: Seth Green
    Ben: Sam Trammell
    Henry: Sean Bean
    Stan: Adrian Brody
    Eddie: Topher Grace
    Bill: Ioan Gruffudd
    I have no idea who I’d cast for the kids. I think Elle Fanning would do well as a young Beverly, but other than that, I’m at a loss.

  25. now, I’d like to say who should direct this remake… I would choose 1)Wes Craven
    2)Frank Darabont
    3)Rob Zombie
    4)Tobe Hoper

    what do you think?
    sorry for chaging the subject…

  26. Monty Katos says:

    How exactly do you do the picture mod, i cant seem to find any instructions, do you simply take it apart and place your picture on the pad and then cover it with a vinyl over sheet? PLZ HELP!!

  27. JoeDooling says:

    I would give Jackie Earle Haley a shot. A really underrated actor who seems like a really a creepy bastard even when he’s just being himself.

  28. Not one person has mentioned the only person who can actually pull off Pennywise.
    And that person is Michael Shannon. That is the end all be all Pennywise. If they don’t cast him. I won’t see it. If they cast him I know it will be my idea :)

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