“It: Welcome to derry”-The young cast of the prequel series, including Amanda Christine, Clara Stack, Matilda Lawler, Arian S. Cartaya, and Blake James, talk about the excitement of entering the renowned horror franchise, the anxieties they faced for their parts, and the enjoyment they had on set.
Why ‘It: Welcome to Derry’ Is More Than Just Another Horror Series:
“It: Welcome to Derry”, the prequel series to Andy Muschietti’s 2017 adaptation of Stephen King’s 1986 novel It, features a new Losers Club. The series, created by Muschietti, is set in Derry in 1962 and relates the story of missing children and an Air Force installation searching for a secret. Will, Lilly, Ronnie, Marge, and Rich are among the kids that decide to look into it.
During a video call, Amanda Christine discusses her role: “I play Ronnie Grogan, who has to deal with racial discrimination.” According to Amanda, “Ronnie’s fear and guilt stem from her mother dying during childbirth and her father bringing her up as a single parent.” Pennywise is a wicked monster who preys on fear. In addition, Ronnie worries about money and fears losing her father after losing her mother.
“My character fears herself the most,” explains Matilda Lawler, who portrays Marge. She doesn’t feel good about herself. It chooses to take advantage of her insecurity as she tries to figure out who she is and is self-conscious about her large, Mr. Magoo glasses that enlarge her eyes.
Loss and Grief:
Lilly, played by Clara Stack, is grieving the death of her father in an accident. She feels a great deal of shame and believes that she is to blame for being bullied. It was crucial to delve into our characters and identify their weak points in order to convey genuine feeling throughout the tough periods.
Blake James, who plays Will, has been most afraid of Pennywise. “I recall crying when my brother showed me a video of him. He quickly adds, “I was younger.” “I was truly terrified. It was weird and a complete circle to act in the show. I got to see Pennywise in person and overcome my fear, so it was a face-your-fears kind of thing.
Arian S. Cartaya, who plays Rich in the play, says, “The scenes in the cemetery, when things just pop out of nowhere, were scary, and the sewers definitely gave me goosebumps.”
Amanda claims that when working with a green screen, she created her character’s reaction using her imagination. “I used the fact that I don’t have a father to show Ronnie how to deal with not having a mother.” Amanda continues, “There were items and people in the scene to help.” “The frightening infant head in Episode 1 had a prop, which was useful. We occasionally had to pretend to be afraid while holding a tennis ball or a piece of tape.
“We only took those scenes seriously when we were on the set and ready to film,” Arian explains, despite the fact that many of the frightening scenes took place in the graveyard. We were simply running around and having fun behind the scenes.
Blake states, “We were more likely to be playing around if the scene and atmosphere were more serious.” “But it was more serious if it was a river scene or a Pennywise scene because everyone could sense that energy.”
Arian claims they utilized a stunt double since Pennywise (played by Bill Skarsgård) was unavailable for some parts. “It was really frightening with the full costume and makeup.”
Blake explains, “This thing was supposed to be running by in the background,” recalling a scene he shot in the graveyard. It was quite humorous and included a person wearing a full green screen outfit.
Clara claims that the shoot was both frightening and distressing in a good way. These grown men occasionally appeared in blue-green screen suits, and they were hilarious. How are you able to shout without laughing at that?
In “It: Welcome to Derry”, friendship is important, according to Amanda. It illustrates all that we can combat as well as everything that is beyond our control. “Friendship, bonding, being brave together and conquering your fears as a group is special in this series,” adds Clara.
According to Matilda, Stephen King is a potent writer because he addresses issues that people are reluctant to discuss. The grownups in Derry are so confused that they fail to confront the horrific events that are occurring. Seeing these kids band together and battle this evil force as a group and as friends is inspiring. “You get to see a lot of the power of friendship in the last episode,” Blake remarks.
According to Arian, friends are crucial to defeating Pennywise. “As Pennywise, Bill Skarsgård is terrifying, but he’s one of the kindest, nicest people you’ll ever meet.”