Once 2017’s glimpse into the humble lives of Derry’s residents proved to be a box office juggernaut, it only made sense that studios scramble to get the next adaptation of a story penned by Stephen King up on the big screen, chief among which will be IT: Chapter Two. After all, why not keep that ball rolling with the omniscient clown that started the current craze?
Of course, we knew that the next installment was an absolute certainty, but we still appreciate reassurance along the way. And as you may have heard, key pieces of the puzzle are already falling into place, what with Andy Muschietti returning to direct, the kids from the first flick coming back in some capacity, along with the likes of Andy Bean and James Ransone having signed up to play some of their adult counterparts. Now, we can add one more to the roster, that being Jay Ryan (Mary Kills People, Beauty and the Beast).
Set to play the grownup version Ben Hanscom previously introduced to us by child star Jeremy Ray Taylor, I’m personally intrigued to see if the character’s love for the New Kids on Block will carry over into adulthood. Then again, it’s entirely possible his room is now adorned with Slayer posters. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
From what we understand, the Muschietti-directed sequel will pick up twenty-seven years after the first film left off, when the Losers Club returns to the small town of Derry, Maine to defeat the evil clown Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård) for good.
Set to begin production in Toronto this coming July, we should receive some further casting news soon, as there are still a few roles left to be filled. In the meantime, though, be sure to head on down to the comments section and let us know what you think of the roster for It: Chapter Two so far.