The It cast brought Stephen King’s terrifying story to life in the 2017 horror film. Directed by Andy Muschietti, the movie is the first part of a two-film adaptation of King’s 1986 novel. It follows a group of seven kids, known as The Losers’ Club, who face their biggest fears while being haunted by Pennywise the Dancing Clown.
The cast includes Jaeden Lieberher as Bill, Sophia Lillis as Beverly, Finn Wolfhard as Richie, Jack Dylan Grazer as Eddie, Wyatt Oleff as Stan, Chosen Jacobs as Mike, and Jeremy Ray Taylor as Ben. Bill Skarsgård delivers a chilling performance as Pennywise.
Filmed in Toronto, the movie was inspired by 1980s classics like The Goonies and Stand by Me. With a haunting score by Benjamin Wallfisch, It became a massive success, making the It cast unforgettable in horror history.
Cast and characters
Bill Skarsgard as Pennywise
Bill Skarsgård plays Pennywise, the terrifying clown in It. You might know him from Hemlock Grove or Allegiant. But his role as Pennywise is his scariest yet.
Before Skarsgård, Will Poulter was set to play the clown but dropped out due to scheduling issues. Other actors, like Ben Mendelsohn and Tilda Swinton, were also considered.
Skarsgård described Pennywise as more than a clown. He called him a shape-shifting creature who enjoys hunting children. His version of Pennywise is fresh and different from Tim Curry’s 1990 portrayal. Skarsgård focused on making the character child-like but deeply disturbing.
His creepy smile and eerie voice brought Pennywise to life, making him one of the most frightening horror villains ever.
Jaeden Lieberher as Bill Denbrough
Jaeden Lieberher plays Bill Denbrough, the brave leader of The Losers Club. You might know him from St. Vincent or Masters of Sex. Bill’s story is personal—his younger brother, Georgie, goes missing. This loss drives Bill to fight Pennywise with his friends.
Despite his stutter, Bill never gives up. He is strong, loyal, and always does the right thing. Lieberher prepared for the role by studying stuttering patterns and watching The King’s Speech. Director Andy Muschietti described Bill as a “ghost” in his home, as his parents struggle with Georgie’s death.
Lieberher’s performance captures Bill’s pain and courage. He brings heart to the story and makes you root for The Losers Club every step of the way.
Jeremy Ray Taylor as Ben Hanscom
Jeremy Ray Taylor plays Ben Hanscom, the smart and kind member of The Losers Club. You might remember him as “Bully” in Ant-Man. In It, Ben is a shy, overweight boy with a big heart. He has a secret crush on Beverly and loves to read.
Ben is also the historian of the group. He researches Derry’s dark past and shares creepy facts with his friends. Despite being bullied at school, Ben stays brave and loyal.
Director Andy Muschietti described Ben as someone who knows despair but keeps fighting. Taylor’s performance makes you connect with Ben’s kindness and courage. His journey from a quiet outsider to a true hero is one you won’t forget.
Jack Dylan Grazer as Eddie Kaspbrak
Jack Dylan Grazer plays Eddie Kaspbrak, the anxious but loyal friend. You may know him from TV movies, but It is his biggest role. Eddie is a sickly boy who relies on his friends for strength. He worries a lot, but deep down, he’s braver than he thinks.
Grazer shared how real friendships with the cast made emotional scenes stronger. He recalled a touching moment where they all comforted Stanley during a breakdown. His bond with Bill Skarsgård, who plays Pennywise, also stood out. Grazer enjoyed filming intense scenes with him.
He loved working with director Andy Muschietti, who used storyboards to guide them. Grazer also found inspiration from classic 1980s films. His energetic performance brings Eddie’s humor and heart to life.
Sophia Lillis as Beverly Marsh
Sophia Lillis plays Beverly Marsh, the only girl in The Losers’ Club. Beverly is a tough, flame-haired tomboy with a troubled home life. She faces abuse from her alcoholic father but finds comfort in her friends. Despite her hardships, she remains strong and loyal to the group.
Lillis described Beverly as someone who hides her feelings. She tries to stay distant but holds onto her friends tightly. For her, The Losers’ Club is the only real family she has.
Director Andy Muschietti wanted the fear to feel real. He didn’t let the young actors see Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise until their scenes. This added to the genuine terror on screen. Lillis’ powerful performance makes Beverly a brave and unforgettable character.
Finn Wolfhard as Richie Tozier
Finn Wolfhard plays Richie Tozier, the funny and loud member of The Losers’ Club. Richie is Bill’s best friend, known for his big mouth and quick jokes. His sharp tongue often gets him into trouble, but he always stands by his friends.
Wolfhard first auditioned for Richie in 2015 and stayed in the role through different directors. He said Richie didn’t change much from the book to the movie. The film adds modern humor that fits today’s audience.
Director Andy Muschietti described Richie as the group’s clown. His jokes hide the fact that he feels neglected at home. Wolfhard also shared that the cast became real-life friends during filming, which helped their bond feel natural on screen.
Wyatt Oleff as Stan Uris
Wyatt Oleff plays Stan Uris, the serious and logical member of The Losers’ Club. Stan is the son of a rabbi and is preparing for his bar mitzvah. He struggles with the pressure from his father and the responsibility he feels.
Stan is the last to believe in Pennywise because it doesn’t fit his reality. He tries to keep things organized but feels everything falling apart. Oleff said his first scene was a long bar mitzvah speech, which took hours to film.
Director Andy Muschietti changed Stan’s background to highlight his sense of duty. Despite his doubts, Stan relies on his friends for support. Oleff described Stan as having obsessive traits, which add to his need for order.
Chosen Jacobs as Michael “Mike” Hanlon
Chosen Jacobs plays Mike Hanlon, a kind and quiet boy. He lives on a farm with his grandfather on the edge of Derry. Mike feels like an outsider because he is one of the only black kids in town.
He grows up isolated but finds true friendship with The Losers’ Club. Mike values his friends deeply because they accept him as he is. Jacobs said Mike is the kind of friend everyone wants. He is loyal, kind, and always supportive.
Mike’s experiences with racism make him stronger and more caring. Jacobs loved playing Mike because of his kindness and depth. He said filming It was the best summer of his life and that the movie is more than just horror—it’s about friendship.
Nicholas Hamilton as Henry Bowers
Nicholas Hamilton plays Henry Bowers, a cruel and violent bully. He leads the Bowers Gang and loves to terrorize The Losers’ Club. But there is more to Henry than just being mean.
Hamilton said Henry’s anger comes from his abusive father. He feels pressure to be tough and live up to his father’s harsh expectations. This makes Henry a complicated and layered character.
To prepare, Hamilton studied the 1990 version of Henry. He even got advice from the original actor on how to play a psychopath. Hamilton said playing Henry’s dark side was both creepy and fun.
He believes Henry is more than a typical bully. His character shows fear, anger, and vulnerability, making him unique and interesting.
Jackson Robert Scott as Georgie Denbrough
Jackson Robert Scott plays Georgie Denbrough, a sweet and playful boy. Georgie is the younger brother of Bill Denbrough. His kindness and curiosity make him easy to love.
One rainy day, Georgie loses his paper boat in a drain. There, he meets Pennywise, the terrifying clown. This meeting leads to Georgie’s tragic death. His disappearance haunts Bill and starts the summer’s chilling events.
Scott’s performance captures Georgie’s innocence and warmth. His scenes with Pennywise are some of the movie’s most unforgettable moments.
Despite his young age, Scott brings deep emotion to the role. His work as Georgie adds heart and sadness to the story. His character’s fate drives The Losers’ Club to face their greatest fears.
Additional cast
- Owen Teague as Patrick Hockstetter
- Owen Teague plays Patrick Hockstetter, a disturbed and cruel psychopath. He is known for keeping a fridge full of animals he kills, adding a chilling layer to his character.
- Logan Thompson as Victor “Vic” Criss
- Logan Thompson portrays Victor “Vic” Criss, Henry Bowers’ closest friend. Despite being part of the Bowers Gang, Vic is more reserved and often questions Henry’s violent actions.
- Jake Sim as Reginald “Belch” Huggins
- Jake Sim takes on the role of Reginald “Belch” Huggins, the strongest and clumsiest member of the gang. His loyalty to Henry makes him a dangerous force in Derry.
- Javier Botet as The Leper
- Javier Botet plays The Leper, a terrifying and decayed figure. This grotesque creation haunts Eddie Kaspbrak under the porch at 29 Neibolt Street, intensifying the film’s horror.
- Tatum Lee as Judith
- Tatum Lee appears as Judith, one of Pennywise’s horrifying manifestations. Her eerie presence adds a disturbing and unforgettable element to the movie’s many chilling scenes.
- Steven Williams as Leroy Hanlon
- Steven Williams plays Leroy Hanlon, Mike Hanlon’s tough but caring grandfather. He runs the local abattoir and teaches Mike the value of hard work and resilience.
- Stephen Bogaert as Alvin Marsh
- Stephen Bogaert portrays Alvin Marsh, Beverly’s abusive father. His controlling and violent behavior adds emotional weight, showing the real-life horrors Beverly faces outside of Pennywise.
- Geoffrey Pounsett as Zack Denbrough
- Geoffrey Pounsett plays Zack Denbrough, the distant father of Bill and Georgie. Struggling with grief after Georgie’s disappearance, his sadness creates tension within the Denbrough family.
- Pip Dwyer as Sharon Denbrough
- Pip Dwyer plays Sharon Denbrough, the loving mother of Bill and Georgie. She tries to hold her family together while coping with the devastating loss of her youngest child.
- Ari Cohen as Rabbi Uris
- Ari Cohen portrays Rabbi Uris, Stanley’s strict but caring father. His expectations for Stanley to succeed in his bar mitzvah weigh heavily on his son’s young shoulders.
- Stuart Hughes as Oscar “Butch” Bowers
- Stuart Hughes plays Butch Bowers, Henry’s abusive and racist father. As a police officer, his brutal treatment of Henry fuels his son’s violent behavior toward others.
- Megan Charpentier as Greta Bowie
- Megan Charpentier plays Greta Bowie, a wealthy and arrogant classmate. She constantly bullies Beverly and the Losers’ Club, adding another layer of cruelty in their already difficult lives.
FAQs
Who played Pennywise in It?
Bill Skarsgård portrayed the terrifying clown, Pennywise.
Who are the main members of the Losers’ Club?
- Jaeden Martell as Bill Denbrough
- Sophia Lillis as Beverly Marsh
- Finn Wolfhard as Richie Tozier
- Jeremy Ray Taylor as Ben Hanscom
- Chosen Jacobs as Mike Hanlon
- Jack Dylan Grazer as Eddie Kaspbrak
- Wyatt Oleff as Stanley Uris
Who played Georgie Denbrough?
Jackson Robert Scott played Georgie, Bill’s younger brother.
Which actor played The Leper?
avier Botet portrayed The Leper, one of Pennywise’s scary forms.
What year was the first It movie released?
It was released in 2017, followed by It Chapter Two in 2019.
Conclusion
The It cast brought Stephen King’s classic horror story to life. You saw young actors like Jaeden Martell and Finn Wolfhard shine.
They played brave kids facing their deepest fears. Bill Skarsgård’s performance as Pennywise was creepy and unforgettable. Each member of the Losers’ Club added something special to the story. Their friendship and courage made the movie feel real.
In It Chapter Two, talented adult actors took over the roles. Stars like James McAvoy and Jessica Chastain showed how the Losers grew up. The mix of horror and heart made both movies powerful.
Whether you love scary movies or strong characters, It delivers both. The cast’s performances made Pennywise even scarier. You see the power of friendship against fear. The It movies remain fan favorites for their amazing cast. If you want chills and a great story, these movies are for you.
