James McAvoy, Bill Hader In Talks To Join Jessica Chastain In 'IT: Chapter Two'
It: Chapter Two is set to be a star-studded blockbuster with James McAvoy and Bill Hader in talks to join Jessica Chastain for the film.
The two actors are currently already in negotiations for the second installment of the big-screen adaptation of Stephen King's classic horror novel It.
'Chapter Two' Cast
Hollywood Reporter reveals that if the deal pushes through, the pair will play the adult versions of the Losers Club children in the first movie.
McAvoy will take on the character of Bill Denbrough, who is the unofficial leader of the group and eventually becomes a successful author. Jaeden Lieberher played the young Denbrough in the first installment.
Meanwhile, SNL alum Hader will play the character of Richie Tozier, the wisecracking kid who becomes a DJ as an adult. Stranger Things star Finn Wolfhard previously played the part in the 2017 blockbuster.
Chastain has already been confirmed to play Beverly Marsh, previously played by Sophia Lillis. In the second movie, the female "Loser" finds herself in an abusive marriage.
Bill Skarsgard will reprise his role as Pennywise the Clown.
The production team from the first movie will return for It: Chapter Two, including Andy Muschietti as director and Gary Dauberman as screenwriter. Executive producers are Seth Grahame-Smith and David Katzenberg, while Barbara Muschietti, Dan Lin, and Roy Lee will be producing.
The Young Losers Club Returns
It: Chapter Two sees the story pick up 27 years after the events of the first movie. The Losers Club, now adults, return to their small town Derry, Maine to confront the demonic clown Pennywise once again, according to Entertainment Weekly.
Flashback scenes will show how the children dealt with the trauma of their encounter in the first movie.
"On the second movie, that dialogue between timelines will be more present," Muschietti says to Entertainment Weekly in September 2017. "If we're telling the story of adults, we are going to have flashbacks that take us back to the '80s and inform the story in the present day."
He adds that the children's presence in the next film will not be simply be fan service or nostalgia pieces, but a significant part in the storyline.
"They're a very big part of the action," the director assures.
Variety says that while Muschietti wants all the younger actors back, sources have revealed that negotiations are still currently ongoing.
The sequel is set in the present day.
The 2017 film adaptation of King's classic novel became a massive hit at the theaters, grossing $700 million worldwide.
Production for the sequel will begin on July.
It: Chapter Two is slated to be released on Sept. 6, 2019.
