This Audition Tape for Stephen King’s ‘IT’ May Be Scarier Than the Movie

Stephen King Movies

Not that Maine ever really needed Stephen King to put us on a national map, since this area is one of the most sought-after spots in the country no matter the season (they don't call it Vacationland because it sounded good), but he's certainly brought a different level of popularity to the area.

Known most for his top-tier thriller stories -- many of which have been made into movies and involve Maine in some way, whether set in a fictitious Maine city or filmed here -- Stephen is also known for his former Bangor house, complete with slightly creepy vibe down to the spiderweb fencing that surrounds the massive home.

IT

While one of Stephen's earlier stories-turned-movie, Pet Sematary, was mostly filmed here in Maine (at least, the original 1989 version -- a 2019 version was released as well as a spinoff, Pet Sematary: Bloodlines in 2023), another one of Stephen's popular books-turned-movie, IT, was set in the fictional Maine city of Derry.

And while the movie is scary in its own right, it's the audition tape for the 2017 reboot version that may actually outrank the movie itself on the fear factor.

Bill Skarsgard Pennywise

The role of Pennywise the Clown went to Bill Skarsgard for the IT reboot in 2017 and IT: Chapter Two in 2019. After seeing both movies, it's undeniable that no one else can be seen in that role. It's almost scary how good Bill performed in the role.

But, both movies themselves may actually pale in comparison to the audition tape that has been making the rounds on the internet for the last few years, as well as periodically going viral on social media.

Because a paintless Bill Skarsgard performing as Pennywise in this audition tape is actually a bit more jarring than his appearances in the actual movie.

Although, nothing may be more creepy than Bill showing off his iconic Pennywise smile while appearing on CONAN back in 2017.

Good luck sleeping tonight.