14 DAY TRIAL // Pennywise, one of the most terrifying clowns to have ever graced the screen, as inspired by the character with the same name in Stephen King’s novel “It,” will be coming back to slay innocent children again, thanks to Warner Bros. Moreover, writer Dave Kajganich assures fans via DreadCentral, Pennywise will do so in all the gory details, since the movie will aim for an R rating instead of the classic PG-13.
Usually, even horror movies shun the R rating, since it considerably limits their availability. However, given that this remake is based on one of the most popular horror television miniseries and books, it is believed that Warner is confident enough in Pennywise’s appeal to risk opening in fewer theaters than it would do with a PG-13 rating. Either way, this is nothing but good news for horror fans, since they will get to see the killer clown as never before, literally.
“The remake will be set in the mid-1980s and in the present almost equally – mirroring the twenty-odd-year gap King uses in the book – and with a *great* deal of care and attention paid to the backstories of all the characters.” Kajganich tells the aforementioned movie-oriented publication. “I think the real twist here is that my pitch to WB – which they’ve assured me they’re on board for – is that this will not be PG-13. This will be R. Which means we can really honor the book and engage with the traumas (both the paranormal ones and those they deal with at home and school) that these character endure.” the writer, who will also act as director, as Variety reported a short while back, adds.
As for fans worrying about how the remake will manage to do justice to King’s 1,000+ pages in a way that will not make them feel sorry for seeing the movie after reading the book, they needn’t worry, Kajganich stresses. “I plan to be very protective of the book. The reality, though, is that WB wants to do this as a single film, so I will have to kill a few darlings to make that happen. You have my promise, though, that I will do this with the utmost humility and respect for King’s work. He’s the King, after all, and I intend to continue to pledge to him my allegiance.” he explains.
All in all, fans point out, “It” is shaping up really nicely. A release date has not yet been set, but do keep an eye on this space for when it does.