IT: Pennywise Documentary Will Release In The US This Summer

Pennywise the clown, the titular antagonist of the horror miniseries It, will be the subject of a new documentary focusing on the character’s inception and history. Originally created by Stephen King for the book of the same name, the story has been adapted for the screen twice with the 1990 miniseries and the 2017 film and its 2019 sequel, with the role being played by Tim Curry and Bill Skarsgård, respectively. The most recent adaptation was a box office smash, with both films grossing a combined $1.1 billion and receiving positive reviews from critics.

It follows the eponymous villain, a demonic entity that emerges every 27 years to feed on the fears of children, using shapeshifting and reality-bending powers to terrify its victims. King’s original It novel is a tricky work to adapt, clocking in at over 1100 pages, employing a large ensemble of characters, and following plot threads taking place over two time periods. King claims he took inspiration for the character from what would scare children the most, with clowns being the obvious answer.

According to Deadline, Pennywise: The Story of It will cover the history of the character’s 1990 portrayal and explore the design and effects that made the character a horror icon. After touring international film festivals, the documentary will see release in the US this summer on Apple, Prime, Google, Vudu, and Screambox. Pennywise: The Story of It will be distributed by Cinedigm, and their Chief Content Officer’s Yolanda Macias’ statement on it is included below:

From red balloons to yellow rain jackets, the groundbreaking miniseries pushed boundaries and still has a lasting impact on the genre to this day. Even three decades after its release, It and the child-eating clown Pennywise scares audiences of all ages. We are excited to take horror fans on this terrifying journey back to the not so sleepy town of Derry.

The doc is going to emphasize the 1990 miniseries version of It, with a focus on its making and cultural impact, particularly when it comes to the practical effects. The doc will feature interviews with the people who worked on the miniseries, describing what went into the Tim Curry character’s creation. Pennywise: The Story of It is directed by John Campopiano and Christopher Griffiths, who have both previously made documentaries on the history of the horror genre.

It remains one of King’s most recognized and frightening stories, with its character-driven exploration of fear through supernatural elements checking all of the author’s boxes. Even with his extensive library of books and adaptations, It makes a good case for being the definitive King horror story, with its far-reaching scope and multitude of scares. Though fans will debate over which adaptation of It is superior, Pennywise: The Story Of It will help remind some fans of how great the 1990 miniseries was.

Source: Deadline

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