The IT Chapter 2 cast brought one of Stephen King’s most terrifying stories to life with emotional depth, chilling performances, and unforgettable chemistry. Released in 2019, the film followed the adult members of the Losers’ Club as they returned to Derry, Maine, to face Pennywise the Dancing Clown once again.
Now, years after the film’s massive success, fans still talk about its incredible ensemble — a mix of Oscar nominees, comedy legends, and breakout stars. Here’s a closer look at where the IT Chapter 2 cast is today and what they’ve been working on since conquering their childhood fears on screen.
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The Success of IT Chapter 2
When IT Chapter 2 premiered, it had the difficult task of following 2017’s IT: Chapter One, which became the highest-grossing horror movie of all time. Directed by Andy Muschietti, the sequel brought the beloved Losers’ Club back — this time as adults, returning to fulfill their childhood promise to destroy Pennywise for good.
The movie grossed over $473 million worldwide, proving that audiences couldn’t get enough of Stephen King’s chilling world. The story closed the book on Derry’s nightmare, but for the cast, it opened the door to new opportunities across Hollywood.
Jessica Chastain (Beverly Marsh)
Academy Award winner Jessica Chastain played adult Beverly Marsh, the only female member of the Losers’ Club. Her performance balanced strength and vulnerability, earning praise for capturing Bev’s traumatic past and emotional growth.
Since IT Chapter 2, Chastain has continued her impressive run in film and television. She starred in The Eyes of Tammy Faye (2021), a performance that won her an Oscar for Best Actress. More recently, she appeared in the political thriller Memory and the Netflix limited series Scenes from a Marriage, showcasing her incredible range.
James McAvoy (Bill Denbrough)
James McAvoy portrayed Bill Denbrough, the group’s determined leader haunted by the death of his brother Georgie. McAvoy brought emotional intensity to the role, portraying Bill’s guilt and bravery with sincerity.
After IT Chapter 2, McAvoy returned to major roles in both television and film. He voiced Morpheus in the hit Netflix adaptation The Sandman: Act III (2022) and starred in the thriller Speak No Evil (2024). His upcoming project includes a lead role in an untitled BBC psychological drama, currently in post-production.
Bill Hader (Richie Tozier)
Comedian and actor Bill Hader gave a standout performance as Richie Tozier, adding humor and heart to the otherwise terrifying story. His portrayal, full of wit and emotion, became a fan favorite and even sparked discussions about Richie’s hidden emotional depth.
Since then, Hader has focused on his acclaimed HBO series Barry, which he directed, wrote, and starred in. The show’s final season aired in 2023, earning him critical acclaim and multiple Emmy Awards. He is currently developing a new dark comedy series with HBO, continuing his strong creative streak.
Bill Skarsgård (Pennywise the Dancing Clown)
No one can forget Bill Skarsgård’s terrifying transformation into Pennywise. His haunting voice, twisted expressions, and unsettling mannerisms made him one of modern horror’s most iconic villains.
Since playing Pennywise, Skarsgård has appeared in several major projects, including John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023) and the vampire thriller The Crow (2025). He also stars in Netflix’s Boy Kills World, released earlier this year, further proving his range as a performer.
While Skarsgård won’t reprise Pennywise in HBO’s upcoming prequel series Welcome to Derry, his legacy as the horrifying clown continues to influence new adaptations.
Isaiah Mustafa (Mike Hanlon)
Isaiah Mustafa, known to many as “The Old Spice Guy,” brought emotional warmth and courage to his role as Mike Hanlon, the only Loser who stayed behind in Derry.
After IT Chapter 2, Mustafa transitioned into dramatic television roles, appearing in Shadowhunters and the ABC series Grey’s Anatomy. In 2025, he joined the cast of the upcoming Netflix crime drama Night Agents, where he plays a seasoned FBI investigator.
Jay Ryan (Ben Hanscom)
Australian actor Jay Ryan played the grown-up Ben Hanscom, who transformed from a shy, bullied boy into a successful architect. His performance resonated with viewers, showing both heart and quiet confidence.
Following the film’s release, Ryan appeared in Top of the Lake and several New Zealand productions. Most recently, he joined the cast of the 2025 thriller The Unknown Shore, filming in Australia.
James Ransone (Eddie Kaspbrak)
James Ransone portrayed Eddie Kaspbrak, the anxious but brave member of the Losers’ Club. His chemistry with Bill Hader provided the film’s most touching — and often funniest — moments.
Since IT Chapter 2, Ransone has worked in several independent films, including The Black Phone (2022), alongside Ethan Hawke. He continues to take on character-driven roles, often exploring flawed and complex personalities.
Andy Bean (Stan Uris)
Andy Bean appeared briefly as adult Stan Uris, whose tragic storyline mirrors King’s original novel. Despite limited screen time, his performance added emotional depth to the Losers’ shared trauma.
After the film, Bean starred in Swamp Thing and made guest appearances in Power Book II: Ghost. He’s now set to appear in a Hulu sci-fi drama currently in production.
How IT Chapter 2 Changed Horror
The IT Chapter 2 cast not only brought Stephen King’s world to life but also helped redefine modern horror. Their performances balanced terror with genuine humanity, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with each character.
Director Andy Muschietti’s visual style, combined with the cast’s chemistry, elevated the film beyond jump scares. The Losers’ story became one of friendship, trauma, and resilience — all while facing a supernatural monster.
This success inspired HBO’s new prequel series Welcome to Derry, set for release in 2026. The show will explore how the curse of Derry began, expanding the It universe for new audiences.
In Other U.S. News
Outside the entertainment world, former President Donald Trump recently made headlines after claiming Microsoft should fire its Global Affairs President, Lisa Monaco. His remarks, delivered during a Florida event, quickly gained attention online.
As of now, Microsoft has not released an official response to Trump’s statement. The comments, however, have sparked political discussions across several major media platforms.
Legacy of the IT Chapter 2 Cast
More than five years after the movie’s release, the IT Chapter 2 cast remains a defining part of modern horror. Each actor has continued to grow in their careers, while fans still celebrate their portrayals of the beloved Losers’ Club.
The film’s lasting impact lies not only in its scares but in its emotional storytelling — a quality few horror movies achieve. As HBO prepares to revisit Derry in its new series, the original cast’s performances continue to inspire excitement for what’s next.
Would you like to see the original Losers’ Club return to Derry one last time? Share your thoughts below — and tell us who your favorite character was from the film.
