Bill Skarsgård’s Pennywise Performance in It: Welcome to Derry Stuns Without CGI
A new behind-the-scenes look at It: Welcome to Derry episode 8 reveals Bill Skarsgård’s chilling Pennywise transformation relies on pure acting and makeup, not digital effects. See how his raw talent brings the infamous clown to life.
A recently released behind-the-scenes video from episode 8 of It: Welcome to Derry offers a rare glimpse into how Bill Skarsgård brings Pennywise to life—no digital tricks required. The footage showcases both the unedited and VFX-enhanced versions of the season’s final moments, where characters Lilly, Will, Marge, and Ronnie desperately try to return the cosmic dagger to its resting place, hoping to banish the menacing clown for another 27 years.
In the raw, pre-effects segment, Skarsgård unleashes a blood-curdling scream directly at the camera, wearing only his signature Pennywise makeup. The intensity of his performance, even without the added digital enhancements, is enough to send chills down anyone’s spine. The post-production version adds a stormy sky, swirling snow, and those unmistakable yellow eyes, but the real terror comes from Skarsgård’s own expressions and voice.
Unfiltered Terror: Skarsgård’s Natural Performance
What’s truly remarkable is how little Skarsgård relies on post-production to create Pennywise’s horrifying presence.
Oh, and that voice is also real.
Unlike other genre shows—where, for example, Jamie Campbell Bower’s Vecna in Stranger Things gets his voice digitally deepened for extra menace—Skarsgård’s vocal delivery is all his own. He manages to produce that unsettling tone without any audio manipulation, making his portrayal even more disturbing.
Aside from the special effects used to exaggerate Pennywise’s head and hair, every sinister grin and twisted facial movement is pure Skarsgård. The actor ’s ability to contort his face and embody the character’s malevolence is on full display, proving that sometimes, the scariest monsters are made with little more than makeup and raw talent.
Behind the Makeup: The Power of Practical Effects
The behind-the-scenes clip highlights the artistry involved in creating Pennywise’s look. The makeup team’s work, combined with Skarsgård’s commitment, results in a character that feels both otherworldly and disturbingly real. The transformation is so effective that, even before any digital effects are added, the performance stands on its own as a masterclass in horror acting.
Fans of the series will appreciate seeing how much of Pennywise’s terror comes from the actor himself, rather than relying on computer-generated imagery. The raw footage serves as a testament to the power of practical effects and the importance of a dedicated performance in bringing a legendary villain to life.