Who Should Play the Grown-Up Losers in the ‘IT’ Sequel
The latest adaptation of IT hits theaters this weekend, bringing Stephen King’s horror epic back to frightening (and weirdly fun) life. But director Andy Muschietti and screenwriter Gary Dauberman have only given audiences half of the story, which takes place in the ’80s and follows a group of misfit tweens — self-described as the Losers Club — as they confront the evil entity that’s been killing kids in their town. The second half follows the Losers almost 30 years later, when they return home to destroy that evil once and for all. Before casting begins for the sequel, which won’t arrive until 2019, we came up with some ideas of our own.
In a recent MTV interview, the young stars of the film revealed which adult actors should play them in IT: Chapter Two, and while some of those names are interesting (and make sense), we thought it would be fun to add our picks to the mix.
Bill Denbrough (Jaeden Lieberher / Zach Woods)
Listen, I’m not going to pretend that this isn’t going to be a controversial choice, but look at that kid and just try to tell me he doesn’t grow up to be Zach Woods. Although audiences are more familiar with Woods’ insane comedic skills, he is more than capable of delivering a dramatic performance. Remove some of his jokey lines from Silicon Valley or the already-forgotten Christopher Guest film Mascots, and you’ll see what I mean.
Alternate: Colin Hanks, for obvious reasons.
Ben Hanscom (Jeremy Ray Taylor / Jason Segel)
In the MTV interview, Chris Pratt was Taylor’s pick to play the adult version of Ben, who grows up to be pretty hot (more like Ben HANDSOME) in the book. That makes sense because Pratt was also a chubby kid (and has famously gain and lost weight for roles). It seems unlikely that Pratt, who is now one of Marvel’s leading men, would find time for a horror sequel. But there is another actor who might be perfect for the part: Jason Segel, who has also been quite public about his weight fluctuations. Segel has an accessible personality, often plays sensitive characters — like Ben! — and delivered great dramatic performances in The End of the Tour and The Discovery.
Beverly Marsh (Sophia Lillis / Kristen Wiig)
Yes, of course the obvious choice for the grown-up version of Beverly is Amy Adams. Lillis herself would like to see Jessica Chastain in the role — which seems plausible since she appeared in IT director Andy Muschietti’s first film, Mama. But I’d like to see Kristen Wiig take on the part. While some of her recent dramatic films haven’t been that great, she’s been consistently fantastic in them, and her comedic talents would be put to good use if IT: Chapter Two has the same sense of humor as its predecessor.
Alternate: Christina Hendricks, whose post-Mad Men work has been supremely interesting and dark.
Stanley Uris (Wyatt Oleff / Hugh Dancy)
Without spoiling anything, Stanley’s part is somewhat reduced in the latter half of the story, but he also has a vital role to play in an intense, pivotal scene. That said, there’s one actor who could really nail it, and that’s Hugh Dancy. Based on his role in Hannibal (RIP), Dancy is the perfect guy to play a mentally exhausted man burdened by a traumatic past.
Alternate: Jesse Eisenberg. It seems unlikely, but given that the role would be smaller, he might view it as a glorified cameo. And he’s eccentric enough to say yes.
Mike Hanlon (Chosen Jacobs / Anthony Mackie)
Jacobs recommended Chadwick Boseman, but there’s another MCU star who could also play a great version of the older Mike: Anthony Mackie. There’s an element of restraint (that stops short of stoicism) to his performance that you can also see in Jacobs as young Mike. He may have gotten less screen time than some of his peers, but Jacobs’ measured, internalized read on the character was quite affecting.
Eddie Kaspbrak (Jack Dylan Grazer / Mario Cantone)
Grazer wants Jake Gyllenhaal to play the elder Eddie Kaspbrak, but clearly the only correct choice is Mario Cantone. Just look at that kid. COME ON.
Richie Tozier (Finn Wolfhard / Bill Hader)
Finn Wolfhard was right on the money when he suggested Bill Hader for the grown-up Richie Tozier, a kid who’s fond of impressions and doesn’t know when to shut the hell up. It’s hard to imagine anyone more perfect for the part, especially given Hader’s own proclivity for impressions. For those less familiar with his dramatic prowess, check out The Skeleton Twins (co-starring my Beverly pick, Kristen Wiig), or even a few episodes of Documentary Now! It may be a satirical series, but it’s entirely sincere and has some seriously brilliant stuff from Hader.
Alternate: Adam Brody would also do quite nicely. He’s always had that nerdy, over-caffeinated energy thing on lock.
IT is currently out in theaters.