Whether you’re a fan of the book, the 1990 miniseries, or the modern films, it’s undeniable that It has made a significant impact on the horror genre. With its blend of psychological terror, coming-of-age themes, and one of the most iconic villains in horror, It continues to captivate and terrify audiences decades after its debut. But why does this tale still haunt us? How has it evolved over time? And what’s next for the franchise?

The Novel That Started It All (1986)

Published in 1986, a decade after the success of ‘Salem’s Lot (1975), It explores themes of childhood trauma, the loss of innocence, and the fears within small-town communities. Set in the fictional town of Derry, the story follows seven children, known as the “Losers’ Club,” as they confront a malevolent entity known as It or Pennywise the Dancing Clown.

King’s inspiration stemmed from a desire to explore how childhood experiences shape people into adulthood. Despite its supernatural elements, It is deeply rooted in real-life horrors, touching on bullying, abuse, and discrimination. King also drew heavily from folklore and fairy tales, most notably The Three Billy Goats Gruff, which played a significant role in shaping the character of Pennywise.

Spanning over 1,100 pages, It remains one of King’s longest and most ambitious novels. Told across two timelines, the story explores how fear lingers over the decades, forcing the Losers’ Club to confront their past. Beyond the main characters, Derry itself serves as a character, much like the Overlook Hotel in The Shining (1977). With its long history of unexplained tragedies and disappearances, the residents’ eerie indifference suggests It’s influence extends beyond Pennywise, seeping into the town itself.

The First On-Screen Adaptation (1990)

Following the novel’s success, ABC aired a two-part miniseries in 1990, directed by Tommy Lee Wallace. While the adaptation had standout elements—most notably Tim Curry’s iconic performance as Pennywise—it also had its setbacks. Due to a limited budget and broadcast standards, the adaptation was more restrained compared to King’s original vision.

Curry’s portrayal of Pennywise is widely regarded as the highlight of the miniseries. Unlike later interpretations, his performance leaned heavily into dark humour, making Pennywise both eerily charismatic and deeply unsettling. Shifting from a playful clown to a terrifying predator, Curry perfectly captured the character’s twisted nature—an unpredictable, sadistic monster that thrived on fear.

Upon release, the miniseries drew over 30 million viewers, becoming a defining horror event of the early ’90s. Critics praised its multilayered story and its balance of horror and emotional depth. However, others commented on its lengthy runtime, uneven pacing, and repetitive nature. Despite these criticisms, the miniseries has remained a classic among horror enthusiasts, achieving cult status and standing the test of time.

Bringing Pennywise to the Big Screen (2017 & 2019)

Years after the novel and the miniseries, fans were eager to see It reimagined for the big screen. Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema delivered a two-part film adaptation directed by Andy Muschietti. It: Chapter One (2017) focused on the Losers’ Club as children, while It: Chapter Two (2019) followed their return to Derry as adults.

Unlike the miniseries, these films took a vastly different approach, steering away from dark comedy and fully embracing the story’s macabre elements. Utilizing modern special effects, psychological horror, and a chilling performance from Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise, the films created a more intense, visceral experience for viewers, amplifying the themes of fear, trauma, and the power of collective resilience.

While both modern films were successful, the 2017 adaptation achieved widespread acclaim. Critics praised its performances, direction, and cinematography. Additionally, it had the colossal task of introducing a beloved classic to a new generation of horror fans. However, the 2019 sequel received a more mixed reception, with critics citing its lengthy runtime and lack of emotional depth compared to its predecessor.

 

Cultural Impact of The Franchise

Since its debut, It has shaped modern horror and become a cultural phenomenon. Much like Chucky, Freddy Krueger, and Michael Myers, Pennywise is now one of the most recognizable figures in horror. His blend of playful clown antics and vicious intent redefined the “evil clown” archetype.

However, It’s influence extends beyond its adaptations. The success of the 2017 film helped revive interest in King’s work, leading to films like Doctor Sleep (2019), Pet Sematary (2019), and The Outsider (2020), proving that his stories remain a cornerstone of the horror genre. Furthermore, It’s mix of coming-of-age themes and horror has shaped modern storytelling, with shows like Stranger Things adopting a similar dynamic.

Beyond fiction, It has had a real-world impact, with many believing that the “evil clown” trope has worsened coulrophobia—the fear of clowns. Researchers link this fear to psychological factors like exaggerated facial features and unpredictable behavior, but some argue that horror media, especially Pennywise, has heightened it over time. In 2016, a year before the first modern It film, reports of “killer clown” sightings spread worldwide, with people dressing as clowns to frighten others. While not directly linked to It, many speculated that Pennywise’s lasting presence in horror helped fuel the phenomenon, further cementing clowns as symbols of fear.

Future of the Franchise – What’s Next?

While the Losers’ Club’s story may have ended, the It franchise is far from over. Warner Bros. and HBO Max are developing the prequel series Welcome to Derry, which will explore the town’s history and the dark origins of Pennywise. Set within the same continuity as the 2017 and 2019 films, the series will see Skarsgård reprise his role, with Muschietti returning as a producer. The nine-episode series is due to be released on HBO in 2025.

Final Thoughts

With a dedicated following and a lasting grip on pop culture, King’s monstrous Pennywise isn’t fading anytime soon—especially with Welcome to Derry set to debut later this year. From the novel to its many adaptations, It has cemented itself as a powerhouse in horror, leaving an enduring mark on the genre as it continues to evolve, inspire, and terrify.