On the heels of the news that It: Chapter Two will begin production in Toronto in July, we have some more news regarding the film’s adult cast. According to Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, director Andy Muschietti is close to finalizing Jessica Chastain (Molly’s Game), James McAvoy (X-Men: Dark Phoenix) and Bill Hader (Barry) for the anticipated sequel.
Long rumoured to be considered for the film, Variety has reported Jessica Chastain is officially in talks to star in It: Chapter Two. She would be playing the adult Beverly Marsh, previously played by Sophia Lillis in It. As an adult, Bev is a fashion designer trapped in an abusive marriage. Chastain has also worked with Muschietti and his sister, producer Barbara Muschietti, on the 2011 film Mama, which was also Muschietti’s directorial debut.
Meanwhile, THR has revealed James McAvoy and Bill Hader have also begun talks to star in the film. If a deal is made, McAvoy will play the adult Bill Denbrough, the unofficial leader of the Loser’s Club who was played by Jaeden Lieberher. Grown up to be a successful author, Bill’s stutter resurfaces when he’s forced to return to Derry in order to put a stop to Pennywise. Hader will portray Richie Tozier, the jokester of the group who was played by Stranger Things‘ Finn Wolfhard. He’s grown up to become a DJ.
THR also reported the young cast from the first film, including Lillis, Lieberher and Wolfhard, will return in It: Chapter Two for flashback scenes. Bill Skarsgård will return as the demonic Pennywise the Dancing Clown. Gary Dauberman is currently finalizing the script while Barbara Muschietti, Roy Lee and Dan Lin are returning as producers.
Meanwhile, James McAvoy and Jessica Chastain will be seen together in X-Men: Dark Phoenix with Chastain starring as the film’s mysterious villain. They also starred together in 2014’s The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby.
It: Chapter Two will be released September 6th, 2019.
Originally published April 13, 2018. Updated July 20, 2021.
