There are three distinct movie adaptations of Stephen King’s iconic horror novel, “IT”: the 1990 miniseries, It (1990), the 2017 film IT, and its 2019 sequel, IT Chapter Two. These adaptations explore the terrifying tale of Pennywise the Dancing Clown and the Losers’ Club, spread across different formats and cinematic visions.
A Deep Dive into Pennywise’s Cinematic Reign
Stephen King’s “IT” is more than just a horror story; it’s a coming-of-age narrative intertwined with themes of fear, trauma, and the power of childhood friendship. Consequently, its cinematic adaptations have been highly anticipated and closely scrutinized. While often referred to collectively, it’s crucial to distinguish between these adaptations to fully appreciate their individual strengths and interpretations of the source material.
The 1990 Miniseries: It (1990)
The original It miniseries aired on ABC in 1990 and remains a fondly remembered (and often fearfully recalled) piece of television history. This two-part, approximately three-hour adaptation attempted to cover the entire novel in a single sweep. Tim Curry’s iconic portrayal of Pennywise is perhaps the most enduring legacy of this version, forever etching the terrifying clown into the collective consciousness. However, the limitations of television budgets and 1990s special effects sometimes hampered the adaptation’s attempts to fully realize King’s vision, particularly in the adult sequences.
IT (2017) and IT Chapter Two (2019): A Two-Part Cinematic Event
Director Andy Muschietti took on the daunting task of adapting “IT” for a modern cinematic audience, splitting the story into two distinct films. IT (2017) focuses solely on the Losers’ Club as children, capturing the innocence and terror of their initial encounters with Pennywise. The film benefited from a substantial budget, advanced special effects, and a strong ensemble cast, allowing for a more visually impactful and emotionally resonant experience. Bill Skarsgård’s interpretation of Pennywise brought a new, more animalistic and unsettling dimension to the character. IT Chapter Two (2019) follows the Losers’ Club as adults, returning to Derry to confront Pennywise once and for all. While not as universally praised as its predecessor, IT Chapter Two provides a definitive conclusion to the story, exploring the lasting impact of childhood trauma and the importance of memory.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About “IT” Movies
This section addresses common questions surrounding the “IT” adaptations, providing further clarity and insight.
FAQ 1: What’s the best adaptation of Stephen King’s “IT”?
This is subjective and depends on individual preferences. The 1990 miniseries is praised for Tim Curry’s performance, while the 2017 and 2019 films benefit from modern special effects and a more comprehensive exploration of the children’s story. Each adaptation has its strengths and weaknesses.
FAQ 2: Is there a definitive version of “IT” that’s most faithful to the book?
None of the adaptations are perfectly faithful to the book. The novel is incredibly complex and lengthy, making a complete adaptation challenging. The two-part film series probably covers more of the book’s plot than the miniseries, but all adaptations take liberties and streamline certain elements.
FAQ 3: Which Pennywise actor is considered the scariest?
Again, subjective. Tim Curry’s Pennywise is iconic and relied heavily on unsettling humor and manic energy. Bill Skarsgård’s Pennywise is arguably scarier due to its more animalistic and unpredictable nature. Both actors delivered memorable performances that resonated with different audiences.
FAQ 4: Are there any plans for further “IT” movies or TV shows?
There has been discussion of exploring other aspects of Derry’s history that weren’t directly covered in the existing adaptations, potentially through a prequel series. However, nothing official has been announced or greenlit at this time.
FAQ 5: What is the order in which I should watch the “IT” movies?
For the modern film series, watch IT (2017) first, followed by IT Chapter Two (2019). The 1990 miniseries can be viewed independently, as it tells the entire story in one go. There’s no “correct” order, but chronological order based on release date is a good starting point.
FAQ 6: Where can I watch the “IT” movies?
The It (1990) miniseries is often available for purchase digitally or on physical media. IT (2017) and IT Chapter Two (2019) are widely available on streaming services, for rent or purchase on digital platforms, and on Blu-ray and DVD. Availability varies by region and streaming service.
FAQ 7: Is the “IT” novel scarier than the movies?
Many readers find the novel significantly scarier than any of the film adaptations. King’s writing style allows for a deeper exploration of the characters’ fears and anxieties, creating a more psychologically disturbing experience. The book offers a more immersive and nuanced horror experience.
FAQ 8: What are the main differences between the “IT” book and the movies?
Key differences include alterations to certain characters’ backstories, the omission of some of the book’s more controversial elements (like the infamous sewer scene), and changes to the final confrontation with Pennywise. Adaptations often simplify complex plotlines and character arcs.
FAQ 9: What age rating are the “IT” movies?
The It (1990) miniseries is generally considered TV-14. IT (2017) and IT Chapter Two (2019) are rated R for horror violence and terror throughout. Parental guidance is strongly advised for all adaptations.
FAQ 10: Is “IT” just a monster movie, or does it have deeper themes?
While “IT” undoubtedly contains elements of a monster movie, it also explores deeper themes such as childhood trauma, the power of friendship, confronting one’s fears, and the loss of innocence. The narrative is richer and more complex than a simple scare-fest.
FAQ 11: How successful were the “IT” movies at the box office?
IT (2017) and IT Chapter Two (2019) were both incredibly successful at the box office, becoming two of the highest-grossing horror films of all time. Their success demonstrates the enduring appeal of Stephen King’s “IT”.
FAQ 12: Who owns the rights to Stephen King’s “IT”?
The rights to Stephen King’s “IT” have been held by various production companies over the years. Warner Bros. distributed the 2017 and 2019 films, produced by New Line Cinema, demonstrating their current stake in the franchise. Film rights can change hands over time.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of “IT”
Stephen King’s “IT” continues to terrify and captivate audiences across generations. Whether you prefer the classic miniseries or the modern cinematic adaptations, the story of Pennywise and the Losers’ Club remains a powerful testament to the enduring power of fear and the unbreakable bonds of childhood friendship. While there are three official movie adaptations, the possibility of future projects keeps the terrifying legacy of “IT” alive.