So Stephen King’s It is now a huge record-breaking movie, scaring and scarring cinema-goers worldwide and shooting up to everyone’s Top Horror lists. But here are 9 little fun facts you may not have know about the film…

1.) The strange Stranger Things connection

The Duffer Brothers originally wanted to direct the movie before going on to create Netflix hit Stranger Things – Stranger Things actor Finn Wolfhard also stars as Richie in It.

2.) Pennywise’s first terrifying appearance

Bill Skarsgård’s Pennywise wasn’t seen by the children until shooting his first scene – after the scene was shot all the children were crying in fear… apart from Sophia Lillis (Bev Marsh) who laughed.

3.) Stephen King had a lot of praise to give

Author of the novel Stephen King was shown a screening, which he said exceeded his expectations and that the producers had done “a wonderful job”.

4.) Skarsgård’s nightmares

Bill Skarsgård was so immersed in his character of Pennywise that he had frequent nightmares during filming.

5.) A nod to the 1990 original mini-series

When Richie (Finn Wolfhard) is in the Clown-Room, there is a mannequin which strongly resembles Tim Curry’s Pennywise from the 1990 mini-series.

6.) It‘s been a long time coming

It was in development for 7 years before filming actually began.

7.) Skarsgård v Weaving: Dawn of Clowns

Bill Skarsgård competed with Hugo Weaving for Pennywise after Will Poulter left. Skarsgård won the role, due to his more fun, child-like Pennywise in addition to a creepy Pennywise. Weaving had less playfulness and could only play creepy.

8.) Skarsgård training for Pennywise

Bill Skarsgård trained with a contortionist to prepare for playing Pennywise.

9.) Respect to the original Pennywise, Tim Curry

Tim Curry was offered the opportunity to reprise the role of Pennywise, but sadly turned it down.