How a 1980s-inspired horror film became the highest-grossing horror movie of all time
In short: Andy Muschietti’s 2017 adaptation of Stephen King’s novel transformed a terrifying clown into a global phenomenon. By focusing on the personal traumas of the Losers Club, the film transcended standard genre tropes to earn over $719 million, setting a new financial benchmark for horror cinema while honoring its literary roots.
The journey to bring Stephen King’s 1986 novel to the screen was a long, complex process that began in March 2009. Initially, Warner Bros. planned a single-film adaptation, with screenwriter David Kajganich tasked with condensing the sprawling narrative into a 120-page script. The project underwent significant shifts in leadership, moving from an early vision under Cary Joji Fukunaga—who was attached from 2012 until his departure in May 2015—to the eventual direction of Andy Muschietti. Muschietti, who joined in June 2015, pivoted the project toward a two-part structure, with the first installment focusing on the children of Derry, Maine.
Muschietti’s aesthetic was heavily influenced by 1980s cinema, drawing inspiration from classics like The Thing and Stand by Me. This period setting provided a backdrop for the Losers Club, a group of seven outcasts who face both human bullies and an ancient, trans-dimensional entity. The monster, Pennywise the Dancing Clown, serves as a manifestation of the children’s individual worst fears, emerging from the sewers every 27 years to feed. Bill Skarsgård, who portrayed the creature, sought to create a fresh, non-human interpretation of the character, focusing on its predatory, playful nature rather than relying on traditional clown tropes.
The film’s production, which took place in the Greater Toronto Area in 2016, prioritized authentic chemistry among the young cast. Actors like Sophia Lillis and Finn Wolfhard noted that the genuine friendships formed off-screen were vital to the emotional weight of the performances. This commitment to character depth helped the film resonate with audiences beyond typical horror fans. Upon its September 2017 release, it became a massive commercial success, grossing over $704 million initially and eventually exceeding $719 million through re-releases. It remains the highest-grossing horror film of all time, unadjusted for inflation, and paved the way for the 2019 sequel and a 2025 prequel series.
The success of the film is often attributed to its balance of coming-of-age themes and supernatural terror. By grounding the horror in the characters' real-world struggles—such as poverty, abuse, and racial isolation—the film elevated the source material. Critics praised the cinematography and musical score, cementing its status as one of the most acclaimed Stephen King adaptations to date.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: It (2017 film)
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