Earlier this week we learned that “Stranger Things” masterminds The Duffer Brothers had, way back in the day, approached Warner Bros. and offered to direct the big screen adaptation of Stephen King‘s “It.” The studio said no thanks. And while in retrospect, the Duffers seem like a no-brainer choice, perhaps it’s easy understand why WB weren’t quite ready to put their faith in some untested siblings. However, the irony is that producer Dan Lin points to the hit Netflix series when describing the vibe of the movie, now being directed by “Mama” helmer Andy Muscietti.
“I think a great analogy is actually ‘Stranger Things,’ and we’re seeing it on Netflix right now,” he said at the Television Critics Association (via Collider).“It’s very much an homage to ’80s movies, whether it’s classic Stephen King or even Spielberg . Think about ‘Stand by Me‘ as far as the bonding amongst the kids. But there is a really scary element in Pennywise.”
And in particular, Lin praised the kids among the cast of “It” for connecting and having the chemistry needed to sell their friendship, and the terror they face.
“Each kid, like a ‘Goonies‘ or ‘Stand By Me,’ has a very specific personality and they’re forming the loser’s club obviously. And now finally the evil force is coming into our movie. We’ve spent a few months getting the kids to bond and now they’re going to fight this evil, scary clown,” the producer said.
The Duffers have said they’re curious how King’s epic novel will be condensed into a single movie, and have suggested it might work better with the story able spread out, like the ’90s miniseries. Even when Cary Fukunaga was involved, he wanted to make a two-film adaptation. But WB is pressing ahead with just the one picture. Can they get it right? Or will the spectre of having turned down the Duffers haunt them?
“It” opens on September 8, 2017.
