It, Stephen King’s magnum opus of horror, has been adapted for the screen multiple times. When focusing specifically on the theatrical movie adaptations, It comprises two parts.
The Two-Part Cinematic Journey of Pennywise
Stephen King’s It is a massive novel, chronicling the horrifying encounters of seven children, the Losers’ Club, with the shape-shifting entity known as Pennywise the Dancing Clown. Adapting such a sprawling narrative for the big screen required splitting the story into two distinct films. This allowed the filmmakers to explore both timelines – the Losers’ Club as children and their return as adults – with sufficient depth and nuance.
It: Chapter One (2017)
The first film, released in 2017 and titled It: Chapter One, focuses entirely on the Losers’ Club’s initial confrontations with Pennywise in the summer of 1989 in Derry, Maine. It establishes the characters, their individual fears, and the overarching terror that grips the town. The film culminates in the Losers’ Club confronting Pennywise in his lair beneath the sewers, seemingly defeating him, but vowing to return if he ever resurfaces.
It: Chapter Two (2019)
Released in 2019, It: Chapter Two picks up the story twenty-seven years later, as the Losers’ Club, now adults, are forced to return to Derry when Pennywise inevitably re-emerges. This film explores the lasting impact of their childhood trauma, their struggles to remember the events of 1989, and their final, definitive battle against Pennywise. The adult Losers confront their deepest fears and work together to finally destroy the evil that has plagued Derry for centuries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About It Movie Parts
Here are some common questions regarding the cinematic adaptations of Stephen King’s It:
FAQ 1: Was there an It movie made before 2017?
Yes, there was. Before the two-part movie series, there was a 1990 television miniseries It starring Tim Curry as Pennywise. While a single production, it still effectively adapted the story in two parts: the children’s story and the adults’ story, mirroring the structure of the later films.
FAQ 2: Are the two It movies considered a duology?
Yes, the 2017 and 2019 films are considered a duology. They tell one complete story spread across two distinct movies, each focusing on a different time period in the Losers’ Club’s lives.
FAQ 3: Is there a director’s cut or extended version of either It movie?
Yes, both It: Chapter One and It: Chapter Two have extended versions available on home video release. These versions include deleted scenes and extended takes that provide additional character development and expand on the story’s themes.
FAQ 4: Will there be a third It movie?
As of now, there are no confirmed plans for a third It movie featuring the same characters. However, there has been discussion about exploring Pennywise’s origins in a potential prequel series for HBO Max called Welcome to Derry. This series is set in the 1960s and will delve into the events leading up to the 1989 story.
FAQ 5: How faithful are the It movies to the book?
The movies are generally faithful to the core elements of Stephen King’s novel, including the characters, plot, and themes. However, there are some changes and omissions due to the limitations of adapting a 1,000+ page book into a manageable runtime. Some subplots and character arcs are streamlined or altered for cinematic effect.
FAQ 6: Which is scarier, It: Chapter One or It: Chapter Two?
This is subjective, but many consider It: Chapter One to be scarier due to its focus on the Losers’ Club’s childhood fears and the more visceral, jump-scare oriented horror. It: Chapter Two is more focused on psychological horror and the exploration of trauma.
FAQ 7: Are the actors the same between It: Chapter One and It: Chapter Two?
Yes and no. The actors playing the Losers’ Club as children in It: Chapter One are different from the actors playing them as adults in It: Chapter Two. However, Bill Skarsgård reprises his role as Pennywise in both films.
FAQ 8: How long are the It movies?
It: Chapter One has a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, while It: Chapter Two has a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes.
FAQ 9: Where can I watch the It movies?
The It movies are available for purchase or rental on various streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. They are also often available on DVD and Blu-ray. Availability may vary depending on your region.
FAQ 10: Are the It movies suitable for children?
No, the It movies are not suitable for children. They contain graphic violence, intense horror sequences, disturbing imagery, strong language, and mature themes. They are rated R for a reason.
FAQ 11: What is the overall critical reception to the It movies?
It: Chapter One received mostly positive reviews, praised for its performances, atmosphere, and faithfulness to the source material. It: Chapter Two received more mixed reviews, with some critics finding it less scary and more uneven than its predecessor. However, both films were commercially successful.
FAQ 12: Is it necessary to watch It: Chapter One before It: Chapter Two?
Yes, it is absolutely necessary to watch It: Chapter One before It: Chapter Two. It: Chapter Two directly continues the story from where It: Chapter One left off and assumes the audience is familiar with the characters and events of the first film. Watching It: Chapter Two without seeing It: Chapter One will result in confusion and a lack of understanding of the story.
Concluding Thoughts: It, A Cinematic Staple
The two-part film adaptation of Stephen King’s It has cemented its place as a modern horror classic. By splitting the novel into two distinct movies, the filmmakers were able to do justice to the sprawling narrative and explore the terrifying world of Pennywise and the Losers’ Club in a comprehensive and compelling way. Whether you’re a seasoned horror fan or a newcomer to the genre, the It movies offer a chilling and unforgettable cinematic experience.