A new behind-the-scenes video shows actor Bill Skarsgård becoming Pennywise for the series IT: Welcome to Derry. The video focuses on the detailed makeup and practical effects process. The creative team also explained their choice to limit the clown’s early appearances to build suspense for viewers.
Behind the Scenes of Pennywise’s Practical Makeup
A timelapse video shared online reveals the step-by-step process of transforming Bill Skarsgård into the terrifying Pennywise. The video highlights the extensive use of practical makeup effects rather than computer-generated imagery.
The transformation involves applying the character’s signature white face paint, defining the red smile, and adding other distinctive features. This practical approach means Skarsgård’s performance on set is very close to his final scary look.
Why Pennywise is More Terrifying Without Special Effects
Another recent clip from episode eight of the series shows a split-screen comparison. One side displays Skarsgård’s performance with only the basic Pennywise makeup. The other side shows the final scene with full visual effects added.
The comparison proves that Skarsgård’s performance is genuinely frightening before any digital enhancement. His facial expressions and voice, which are entirely his own, create the core of the character’s horror.
“Skarsgård is able to just kind of…sound like that. Not to mention the fact that, aside from the SFX-applied enlarged head and hair, those creepy facial expressions are also just…Bill’s face. No edits needed there, either.”
The Strategy of Holding Back the Clown
The show’s creators talked about their deliberate decision to save Pennywise for key moments in the series. They compared their technique to classic horror films that hide their monster to increase fear and audience anticipation.
This strategy means Pennywise does not appear constantly in the early episodes. The creative team believes this makes his eventual appearances more impactful and scary.
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Bill Skarsgård’s Original Approach to the Character
In a past interview about the original films, Skarsgård discussed his process for finding the character. He described Pennywise not as a human, but as an ancient entity that enjoys taking the form of a clown.
He worked on making the clown’s movements seem unnatural, as if an otherworldly being was imperfectly controlling a human shape. This idea helped create the character’s unsettling and “glitchy” behavior.
Skarsgård also avoided reading fan reactions to early photos of his Pennywise look. He wanted to focus on developing the character without outside opinions during filming.
IT: Welcome to Derry is a prequel series to the IT films, exploring the earlier history of the town and the evil within it. The first season, which has concluded, is available for streaming. All episodes are now on HBO Max in the United States and on NOW in the United Kingdom.
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