The IT Chapter 2 cast reunited audiences with one of Stephen King’s most terrifying worlds, closing out the chilling saga of Pennywise the Dancing Clown. Released in 2019 and directed by Andy Muschietti, the film completed the story that began with IT: Chapter One (2017), following the adult Losers’ Club as they return to Derry, Maine, to face the evil they thought they had escaped.
Over time, IT Chapter 2 has become more than a blockbuster — it’s a cultural touchstone in modern horror. The performances, storytelling, and emotional power of the film helped it earn over $470 million worldwide, cementing its place as one of the most successful horror sequels ever made. Today, the cast continues to thrive across Hollywood, with each member building on the legacy of the film in unique ways.
How IT Chapter 2 Completed the Saga
IT Chapter 2 picked up 27 years after the events of the first film. The adult Losers’ Club — Bill, Beverly, Ben, Richie, Mike, Eddie, and Stan — return to Derry after Pennywise resurfaces. Their memories, once repressed, flood back as they unite to destroy the creature once and for all.
What made the film stand out wasn’t just the horror but the emotional depth behind each performance. The IT Chapter 2 cast captured the pain of revisiting childhood trauma, showing that fear can linger long after monsters fade.
Director Andy Muschietti balanced heart and horror with visual intensity, giving the story a cinematic scale that felt both terrifying and nostalgic.
Jessica Chastain (Beverly Marsh)
Playing Beverly Marsh, Jessica Chastain delivered a powerful performance as the woman confronting her painful past while rediscovering her strength. Her portrayal added maturity and empathy to the role once played by Sophia Lillis in the first film.
Since IT Chapter 2, Chastain’s career has flourished. She won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in The Eyes of Tammy Faye (2021), where she transformed into televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker.
Chastain also appeared in A Doll’s House on Broadway in 2023, earning rave reviews for her commanding stage presence. More recently, she has taken on projects such as Mother’s Instinct and Memory (2024), proving her ability to shift seamlessly between psychological drama and emotional storytelling.
Her dedication to both film and theater continues to make her one of Hollywood’s most respected talents.
James McAvoy (Bill Denbrough)
As Bill Denbrough, James McAvoy embodied the guilt and leadership of the Losers’ Club. His performance balanced heroism with pain, especially in scenes reflecting Bill’s struggle with the loss of his brother Georgie.
McAvoy has remained a prominent figure in entertainment since 2019. He lent his voice to The Sandman: Act III (2022) as Dream, showcasing his versatility in audio storytelling. In 2023, he starred in Speak No Evil, a psychological thriller that once again highlighted his talent for complex roles.
Currently, McAvoy is preparing for an upcoming BBC psychological drama and a new stage production expected in 2026. His consistent ability to portray emotional intensity keeps him among the most sought-after actors in the industry.
Bill Hader (Richie Tozier)
Bill Hader’s portrayal of Richie Tozier was one of the highlights of IT Chapter 2. Known for his comedic genius, Hader surprised audiences with a layered, heartfelt performance that balanced humor with deep emotional conflict.
After the film, Hader focused on his critically acclaimed HBO series Barry, where he served as star, writer, and director. The show’s fourth and final season premiered in 2023, earning Hader multiple Emmy Awards and widespread recognition for his skill behind the camera.
In interviews, Hader credits IT Chapter 2 for inspiring him to explore darker themes in his work. He’s now developing a new project for HBO, expected to blend psychological tension with dark comedy — a combination he has mastered in recent years.
Bill Skarsgård (Pennywise the Dancing Clown)
No discussion about the IT Chapter 2 cast is complete without mentioning Bill Skarsgård. His chilling portrayal of Pennywise became instantly iconic, redefining the horror villain for a new generation.
Skarsgård’s ability to morph between childlike playfulness and demonic terror made Pennywise unforgettable. His performance remains one of the most praised horror portrayals of the 21st century.
After the film, Skarsgård continued to expand his acting range. He starred in John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023), Barbarian (2022), and Boy Kills World (2024), proving his versatility in both action and psychological genres.
While he’s not expected to reprise Pennywise in HBO’s upcoming prequel series Welcome to Derry, Skarsgård’s interpretation continues to define the character. His influence is clear in every new adaptation that explores the creature’s legacy.
Isaiah Mustafa (Mike Hanlon)
Isaiah Mustafa brought warmth and wisdom to Mike Hanlon, the Loser who remained in Derry and kept watch over the town’s secrets. His grounded portrayal gave the story emotional continuity and authenticity.
Since his standout role, Mustafa has taken on diverse projects in both film and television. He appeared in Grey’s Anatomy and Shadowhunters and is now part of Netflix’s upcoming crime thriller series Night Agents, where he plays a determined FBI investigator.
Mustafa has also continued his advocacy for diversity in Hollywood, working to highlight opportunities for actors of color in genre storytelling.
Jay Ryan (Ben Hanscom)
Jay Ryan’s portrayal of Ben Hanscom — the once-shy boy turned confident architect — was both romantic and heartfelt. His chemistry with Chastain’s Beverly gave the story emotional balance.
Following IT Chapter 2, Ryan appeared in several Australian and New Zealand projects, including The Unknown Shore (2025), a mystery thriller currently in post-production.
His quiet but consistent career growth showcases his versatility and dedication to storytelling beyond Hollywood’s spotlight.
James Ransone (Eddie Kaspbrak)
James Ransone perfectly captured Eddie Kaspbrak’s neurotic yet courageous spirit. His dynamic friendship with Richie Tozier became one of the film’s emotional anchors.
After IT Chapter 2, Ransone starred in the supernatural hit The Black Phone (2022), opposite Ethan Hawke, earning praise for his intense performance. He has since appeared in multiple independent films, often choosing gritty, character-driven stories.
Ransone remains an actor who thrives on raw, human storytelling, blending fear, humor, and vulnerability in every role.
Andy Bean (Stan Uris)
Though Andy Bean’s screen time as Stan Uris was brief, his performance added emotional gravity to the story. His character’s fate mirrors the themes of fear and sacrifice central to King’s novel.
After IT Chapter 2, Bean took on several roles in television, including Swamp Thing and Power Book II: Ghost. In 2025, he joined the cast of a new Hulu sci-fi series set to premiere next year, continuing his move into genre storytelling.
How the IT Chapter 2 Cast Redefined Modern Horror
The IT Chapter 2 cast helped elevate the horror genre into something more human and emotional. Their chemistry reminded audiences that great horror isn’t just about scares — it’s about connection, nostalgia, and facing one’s deepest fears.
Their collective performances bridged generations of Stephen King fans, creating a cinematic experience that felt both epic and personal. Today, as HBO prepares to expand this universe with Welcome to Derry, the legacy of this cast continues to influence modern horror storytelling.
IT Chapter 2’s Legacy in Hollywood
Five years after its release, IT Chapter 2 remains a benchmark for big-budget horror. Its blend of terror and sentiment showed studios that horror films could achieve mainstream box office success while maintaining depth.
The movie also proved that a carefully chosen ensemble — like the IT Chapter 2 cast — can transform a genre film into an emotional epic. Each actor brought authenticity to their role, ensuring that audiences cared as much about the people as the monster chasing them.
In Other National News
In political headlines, former President Donald Trump recently made comments suggesting Microsoft should fire Lisa Monaco, its Global Affairs President. Speaking during an event in Florida, Trump accused Monaco of “partisan influence” in her leadership role.
As of this writing, Microsoft has not issued an official response. The remarks continue to trend across social media, drawing reactions from both supporters and critics.
Final Thoughts
The IT Chapter 2 cast represents the perfect blend of fear, friendship, and powerful storytelling. Each performer helped turn Stephen King’s world into something deeply human, making IT Chapter 2 more than a horror sequel — it became a story about healing and courage.
As fans look ahead to HBO’s Welcome to Derry, it’s clear that the legacy of the Losers’ Club lives on. Whether through new stories or timeless memories, the cast’s performances continue to remind audiences that fear — like friendship — never truly fades.
Who was your favorite member of the Losers’ Club? Share your thoughts and memories in the comments below — and let us know which star’s career you’re following next.