STEPHEN KING’S IT IS COMING TO THE BIG SCREEN

HERE “IT” COMES!
Article by Adam Mast

IT is one of Stephen King’s most celebrated novels and while this epic, 1000 plus page novel was made into an effective (save for the last 15 minutes) t.v. series,  it’s high time that this book got the big screen treatment.

Carey Fukunaga, the brilliant film-maker behind 2009’s Honduras gang redemption story, SIN NOMBRE, and HBO’s unforgettable mini-series, TRUE DETECTIVE, has written the script and is expected to start lensing  a big screen adaptation of IT next summer. Reportedly, Stephen King himself has read the adaptation and gives it a big thumbs up.

The plan is to split the book into two movies. Now, before you roll your eyes at the thought of another HARRY POTTER/TWILIGHT/HUNGER GAMES style split, know that IT will lend itself to this format in a  more appropriate manner. For the time being, Fukunaga is playing this project pretty close to the vest, but I suspect that the first half of the picture will focus on the children and the second half will revolve around those children as adults.

The IT adaptation news comes hot on the heels of the announcement that Josh Boone’s  take on THE STAND (which also received high marks from King) will be split into 4 movies! I suppose it’s an exciting time to be a Stephen King fan. If they get can get that on again, off again DARK TOWER project in gear, then, we’ll really be set.

Fukunaga is a fantastic film-maker and I suspect that in addition to nailing all the character aspects of this adaptation, this sucker is going to be oozing with style. Pre-production is set for March so it should only be  a couple of months before we start hearing casting news.

While we’re on the topic of casting, may I take this opportunity to say that Tim Curry positively killed it in the t.v. adaptation of IT. His performance as Pennywise the clown is positively terrifying! Topping it wont be easy, but I have all the faith in the world that Fukunaga and crew will cast this thing to perfection. On a final note, I’d like to offer up my two cents for a Pennywise casting choice;

MICHAEL SHANNON!!

Thoughts?