Bill Skarsgård on Playing Pennywise the Clown

TL;DR

Skarsgård shares insights on growing up in an acting family and his recent film role.

Transcript

WELL, IT'S VERY GOOD TO HAVE YOU HERE. YOU'RE FROM SWEDEN I UNDERSTAND. >> I'M FROM STOCKHOLM, THAT'S RIGHT. >> Jimmy: STOCKHOLM. YES, I'VE HEARD OF THAT. WHAT GOES ON IN STOCKHOLM? IS IT A FUN PLACE TO LIVE? >> IT'S A PLACE, YEAH. [ LAUGHTER ] >> Jimmy: ARE YOU STILL LIVING THERE? >> I'VE BEEN SORT OF ON THE ROAD FOR SEVEN YEARS. SO I'M TRYING T... Read More

Key Insights

• 👨 Skarsgård's upbringing in Stockholm and his father's fame made acting a natural aspiration for him.
• 🤕 Traveling with his father allowed him to experience the film industry from a young age, influencing his creative desires.
• 🤩 The balance between professionalism and childhood innocence is highlighted in Skarsgård's interactions with co-stars in "It."
• 😨 His character Pennywise requires a deep exploration of fear, allowing him to engage with darker themes.
• 😱 Skarsgård's journey illustrates the unique challenges actors face while portraying intense roles, particularly in horror.
• 😱 Despite becoming known for horror, he admits enjoying a different narrative journey and emotions through acting.
• 😱 Skarsgård's personal fear parallels themes in horror film narratives, reflecting broader human experiences with fear.

Questions & Answers

Q: How has growing up in an acting family shaped your perspective on your career?

Growing up in an acting family definitely instilled a sense of normalcy around the film industry. With my father, Stellan Skarsgård, being a successful actor, I often felt that entering this world was a natural progression for me. Although my journey has been chaotic with lots of travel, the environment fueled my passion for acting from a young age.

Q: What was your experience like traveling with your dad on movie sets?

Traveling with my father was fascinating. He often shot in exotic locations, bringing the entire family along to experience those unique environments. These trips were essential for bonding, and they naturally sparked my interest in acting, as I got to see first-hand the magic of film production.

Q: Did you have any concerns about your performance while working with young actors?

Certainly! When working with child actors, especially in intense scenes, I worried I might traumatize them. However, during my first day shooting with Jack, who plays Eddie in the film, he embraced my character's intensity. His reaction reassured me, reflecting the professionalism kids can have when acting.

Q: How do you feel about your character in the horror film "It"?

Embracing the complex nature of my character in "It" was thrilling. I love wrestling with darker themes, and portraying a character like Pennywise allows me to explore those extremes. The challenge of making a terrifying clown captivating to an audience was both exciting and satisfying.

Q: What are your thoughts on the horror genre and your place in it?

Interestingly, I’ve found myself becoming a genre actor, despite not gravitating toward scary movies initially. The paradox lies in blending horror with the challenge of provoking real emotional reactions. Though I may not enjoy being scared, I see value in discovering deeper aspects of fear through acting.

Q: How did your view on fear and scary movies evolve?

I’ve always been a person who tolerates fear poorly. I find that rather than enjoying the thrill, I tend to get angry or upset. My views have evolved to appreciate the artistry of horror, but I still struggle with the overwhelming anxiety it can evoke in me personally.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Skarsgård reflects on his upbringing in Stockholm and how his father's acting career influenced his own choice to pursue acting from a young age.

• He shares experiences traveling with his father on movie sets, emphasizing the thrill and enchantment of cinema as a child witnessing his father’s performances.

• Skarsgård discusses his role in a recent horror film, his unique approach to character, and interactions with young co-stars, highlighting the blend of fear and excitement in his career.