Writer Promises Stephen King's It Remake Will Be R-Rated

April 6, 2009
Source: Dread Central
by Alex Billington

A few weeks ago we reported that Warner Brothers was going to remake Stephen King's It, or better put, re-adapt it for the big screen. The news garnered quite a response in the comments, most of which supported the idea, some of which didn't. Although the original 1990 version of It was creepy as hell, it was still a made-for-TV film, and therefore edited for content. But if one thing is for certain, this time around, It will be as R-rated as "it" can get (pun intended). The horror site Dread Central got a note from screenwriter David Kajganich, briefly explaining his plans to adapt the 1104-page novel into one feature film.

"The remake will be set in the mid-1980s and in the present almost equally — mirroring the twenty-odd-year gap King uses in the book — and with a *great* deal of care and attention paid to the backstories of all the characters," Kajganich told Dread Central. "I think the real twist here is that my pitch to WB — which they've assured me they're on board for — is that this will not be PG-13. This will be R. Which means we can really honor the book and engage with the traumas (both the paranormal ones and those they deal with at home and school) that these character endure."

Kajganich goes on to say that he plans "to be very protective of the book" and that, despite the novel's immense length, Warner Brothers still wants to make this as a single film. "You have my promise, though, that I will do this with the utmost humility and respect for King's work. He's the King, after all, and I intend to continue to pledge to him my allegiance." Sounds like they really couldn't have hired a better writer for this. Although I'm not too familiar with his past work, I'm confident that Kajganich will do a good job. Now they just need to find the right director. Might I suggest Trick 'r Treat's Mike Dougherty?

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Reader Feedback - 45 Comments »

Yessss! this better be good

Tom W on Apr 6, 2009

Ahh, Pennywise my old friend, we welcome you back!

Jack on Apr 6, 2009

1104 pages brought down to just about 2 hours….
good luck with that…

Daedalus 4 on Apr 6, 2009

im with #3. Good luck with that. Unless you do something like the matrix and do a sequel, or even trilogy to continue the story.

LC on Apr 6, 2009

#4

…despite the novel's immense length, Warner Brothers still wants to make this as a single film…

Suggests no sequels/splitting

Big John on Apr 6, 2009

ironically, I just finished reading this book (awesome btw), and while I am excited that WB is bringing this to the screen (in 'R' fashion) you simply cannot "honor" the book with a single 2+ hr film …ideally the best format would have been an HBO series.

hintos on Apr 6, 2009

I was originally excited by this idea, because It is one of my favorite books. But having the story set in the mid-1980s and present-day instead of the late 1950s and the mid-1980s will COMPLETELY change the feel of the movie, no matter how "protective" the screenwriter claims he is going to be. I'll reserve complete judgement until I see the finished product, but this isn't a good start.

Andy on Apr 6, 2009

There was only one good thing in the original TV version of IT, and that was Tim Curry's stunning performance as Pennywise. That movie didn't go anywhere until Tim was on the screen. Only then did you start to feel the shivers. Tim WAS Pennywise.

I'd love to see Curry unleashed in a big screen R rated adaptation of King's novel (imagine Pennywise in Imax 3D? Hully Freakin' Shit!). Tim is still young enough to pull it off and I think he would be Awesome!

Feo Amante on Apr 6, 2009

how in THEE hell can they delve into all the backstories in 2 hrs. Give it a 3hr 10min creep fest time limit

wm on Apr 6, 2009

Its possible. People act like having a certain number of pages makes it impossible to be narrowed down. You have to realize what those pages contain to understand how it can be adapted. Think about how much of that is description because you need something to visualize what's written. I was impressed with how Watchmen was done and we have an idea how long it would be as a movie. 6hrs thanks to the DVD so they cut it in half and it was fine since they left out what technically wasn't needed.

I have faith in WB and actually look forward to this remake.

Hey Ya on Apr 6, 2009

I would love to see a remake for the movie but the thing that always gets in my mind is: Will it be awesome as the old movie?

Fisherr on Apr 6, 2009

I have a lot of faith in the folks over at WB. When it comes to genre film making, they know their marks.

I'm still rooting for Tim Curry to reprise his role as Pennywise. Does anyone else feel the same?

Feo Amante on Apr 6, 2009

Personally, I liked the TV version, or at least the first half. The second half was definitely a letdown, but the first half was excellent. A lot of that is due to Tim Curry. He just nailed that role perfectly and tapped into more than a few people's latent fear of clowns. Ironically, by forcing myself to watch the TV version, I overcame my fear of clowns (which was largely due to "Are You Afraid of the Dark?").

A 3D version of Pennywise? As cool as that sounds, it would probably be 1) too expensive and 2) too traumatizing for the audience. If they did do it though, they should warn those with heart conditions or fear of clowns.

elessar on Apr 6, 2009

I should also add that Tim Curry should absolutely reprise his role on the big screen. He's still around and, I presume, in good health.

elessar on Apr 6, 2009

did he mean the "childhood" scenes will take place in the mid 80's as apposed to the mid-late 50's?
how is that being protective of the book, it's backwards.

why does everything have to be modernized.

The Delightful Deviant on Apr 6, 2009

They will need to cut a lot for it to work in the timeframe.

RIpowerball on Apr 6, 2009

NoOOOOooooOooo!!!! This movie gave me Clown-o-phobia!!
No IT remakes PLEASE!! For the love of God!!

vanagwathiel on Apr 6, 2009

Now they just need to make a Duma Key (one of Stephen's best novels) and I'll be happy.

MonkeyMowse on Apr 7, 2009

I agree with #7.

I think the original was pretty creepy, but the climax was incredibly fake and lame (don't want to give it away, but it involved live-action combined with bad stop-motion animation). They could definitely improve that in the movie.

scm1000 on Apr 7, 2009

whatever he does, I hope he can actuall make this the big screen horror film it should have been originally…the tv version was just too watered down…"IT" was meant to scare the sh*t out of us…so let it happen this time….no hold barred…

moldybread on Apr 7, 2009

This is one of my first horror movies I have ever saw (to the best of my memory) and really do not think it needs to be remade. It is well-done (again, to the best of my memory) and still do not think that it is yet outdated.

Ryan on Apr 8, 2009

There is a lot of potential here. I hope that they don't twist the story around. I mean, sequencing is one thing. I just hope they don't make up characters and leave others out and make up events in the story. I have to say that this story is hollywood's to mess up. For all of the Tim Curry fans out there. We all feel you, but the story is what is really captivating and the characters. Try not to get so hung up. All in all: an excellent story and the movie version has lots to put in that was left out in the 90s version. For instance, the turle, why a spider, the club that gets burned down and spawns the awakening again, the stories of Derry's past (by the way this should be interesting to all King fans as so many of his stories take place in Derry), the hobo, etc. Also, an R film will allow them to talk the way they are supposed to talk. And finally, film graphics are so much better than what was available for tv in the 90s they probably shouldn't even be compared. Overall, great idea, don't mess it up.

Movie of the year? on Apr 8, 2009

So, it has come to this so far. Definately happy its being remade. Should Tim Curry be back? I would have no problems with that because he was such a creepy clown. If not there are some big shoes to fill for the next person. I'm mostly interested in the fact that it will be set in modern times. I'm not really feeling that because now Henry Bowers will be like what?? I guess he'll be wearing jam pants or something.. No thats the nineties. Either way, I am a little dissapointed in that idea because the 50s were a time when people had really strong core moral sets still and the towns were small and isolated, you know. I would see this movie regardless, and it is possible to make it good still and scary, I am just a little let down by this particular point. It seems like the modernization of it is being put in to appeal to the young kids of today, but what happened to the days when people were supposed to know about how their parents and grandparents grew up? All in all I will see this no matter what but we are talking quality and accuracy here. Still very happy its being done.

Hotelier on Apr 21, 2009

Agreed with 23 and 17
Duma Key would be amazing
and I hope they can get Curry back…but I agree, those are some huge clown shoes to fill
modernizing it might draw from the story a lil too much but whatever..as long as the 27 year gap is there it should be……….decent
to have it set to 50's then 80's would be TRUE to the novel as this prick says he's being

Andrew M on May 19, 2009

This story rocks.

Yeah! on May 19, 2009

If theyre gunna do a good remake
get some decent actors
Like for example Edward Norton would be an amazing older Bill
or someone like Josh Brolin or Robert Downey Jr. as older Ben
Throw Johnny Depp in there somewhere haha
how about this time, try and focus more on good adult actors
instead of kids, theyre kids we dont expect them to be spectacular!
But adults should know better HAHA!!

Adam C on Jun 25, 2009

I am soo nervous about this remake. I loved the novel, the miniseries was decent (but of course, missed tons of plotline from the novel). 80's is way too far, at least stick loyal to the 50's as it should be, THEN move on to the 80's for the adults. There are alot of posts I can agree with on this list, Tim Curry did an amazing job in the miniseries, wouldn't have been good without him. I'd love to see him back as Pennywise (I know the appearance wasn't completely one with the book's description, but I liked his style better haha). Then again think about it, I've seen this mentioned in other forums and such and it's true, there's a chance he wouldn't be fulfilling the role again or they may not even ask him. Goddamn, they should though! The only thing I want done with Pennywise is to have the same appearance he did in the miniseries, I could never get the right picture when it came to the book's version with the two orange tuffets, silvery suit, electric blue tie and pom pom buttons? etc. And be sure to add the best parts from the novel! Especially the gore, and of course all the detail of IT (spider) and Maturin (turtle).

I always thought a few movies were in order, sort of how Lord of the Rings was seperated into three different films. I know it was a book for each, but IT is a massive one and lots of detail should be added.

Kate on Jun 29, 2009

I'll be very happy as long as Tim Curry and whoever did the original score are involved. I don't particulary like the 80-present thing and I don't know how they'll cram all the good stuff in in under 4 hours without it feeling rushed but I genuinly think of all the movies out there IT is the one in need of a remake!

TheOmniscient on Jul 2, 2009

so, when is the movie coming out? what ever they do to the film, will never make it the same as Time Currys great performance

James on Jul 10, 2009

I don't like the idea of Beverly as the main character. But I hope Tim Curry returns and they keep a few quotes like

"I am eternal child, etc"

Luke on Jul 20, 2009

AWESOME!! I hope it turns out well and isn't gonna be worse like what might happen with Death Note

Sammy on Jul 25, 2009

im actually reading the book now, and i heard the remake will be epic!!! cant wait and hope its not a disappointment, i saw the old movie and i thought it was genious tim currys acting: AMAZING!! anyways, yea hope that it wont be as long as the curious case of benjamin button, only if its worth it

Jacky on Jul 26, 2009

W a i t i n g . . . . . . . . . . . .

Eric on Aug 10, 2009

I loved the novel, but the biggest let-down of the miniseries to me was definately the ending, as previously stated by a few others. The "Void" was probably my fave part of the novel, and, like in all King novels, it was the "final showdown" between good and evil and should have been done justice. Instead of a play-dough Pennywise that just shank into a whole in the floor.

Griffo on Aug 19, 2009

What a terrible idea! Why would you change the time period? It is so essential to the feel of the novel. And as far as making a quality 2-3 hour movie? Fuckin' fuggetaboudit! The intro, the interludes, it would take at least 2 parts, maybe even a trilogy. Whatever. Way to fuck up a movie twice, asshead!

ShitStorm McGee on Aug 26, 2009

Just watced to tv version again…..can't get over some of the dumb changes. Namely, why is eddy spaghetti a virgin??? What is the point of that change? In the novel he is married to a woman like his mother. Were they making the tv series and like, we need to appeal to all the virgins out there…..so we will change it. I don't know. I also think that, as memorable as curry was, they could make the clown a lot scarier. The seies was great for the first few times I saw it. Now, I am ready for new life to be breathed back into the story. I don't know why they are changing the decades either.

Eric on Aug 30, 2009

I don't understand why people are complaining about the length, it was never mentioned in the article. I think 2 hours is too short as well, but he never said it would be that short. Just wait and see for god sake, for all we know it could be 4 hours long. Well, enough of that, I like the idea. Except the part about it being set in 1980's. Is long as they have Tim Curry do Pennywise, I'll be happy! "It", definitely needs to be R-Rated to be done right.

Kratos87Fan19 on Sep 8, 2009

i agree how can you in one sentence say you are going to be respectful to the work and in another say that you are changing the time period of the book? that changes Mikes whole reason for being a member of The Losers Club?! He was an outcast for being an African American kid in a basically all white town. this is one of Kings best books in my opinion and it doesnt need to be changed. i mean im not kidding myself that it would ever be done exactly as written but tell me why the time period needs changed? it doesnt. I have been praying for a remake to this for years. i love the mini series i loved the entire cast but i want to see what could be done with todays technology in film making. i do agree it would be better served as an HBO show or as a 2 part movie a la Harry Potter 7. god i pray this ends well.
shannon

shannon on Sep 13, 2009

I wish i could remake it - word for word; it would be in 2 parts and be frankly amazing! I hope they do the book proud!

Alan Deal on Sep 14, 2009

I watched the movie when I was nine, and even at that early age, eagerly devoured the book within days of seeing the movie. To date I've reread the book a dozen times atleast. I've been wishing for YEARS for a remake that added in things that were skipped in the movie. Alot of people have named things missing, but one thing that hasn't been named yet I always felt the movie lost out on was the house on Neibolt street.

Then I find this site and see they're changing the frigging decades? WTH man!? As so many people have pointed out, changing decades will naturally have to change the way alot of characters act and think. The music of the 50's was a major 'side' effect in the book; and I just do not think you can create the same atmosphere with 80's music.

Still, I know I'm going to be holding my breath until 2011 just because I've been waiting for this for so long, I'll still go see it even if they do screw it up.

David on Sep 22, 2009

Something about the childhood scenes being set in the 80's brings ridiculous imagery to my head. The 80's was a ridiculously retarded looking time period and the only time its awesome when we bring it to the big screen is when we make fun of it (i.e. The wedding singer..) Something about a little Georgey wearing a Beat It jacket getting his arm ripped off seems more hilarious than scary..

Nevertheless MAYBE just maybe this one will not be a WTF to those that read the book.

A guy on Sep 22, 2009

Its gunna be jam pants and huge head phones I just KNOW it! No, it can't be that bad can it??? The producers are probably reading these posts and saying, Why on earth do we want it to be in the 80s? and present. I don't like the 80s in movies unless we are talking Rocky, Rambo, Stripes, that type of thing, where pop culture has no place in the film. I sure hope it isn't the 3 NINJAS vs Pennywise the hip hop clown or something. Maybe they will fight him with skate boards with one bent end or something. Think the worst, but hope for the best.

ERIC on Oct 16, 2009

man…the 80's fucking sucked!!! The setting of It in the 50's is one of the things I liked so much about the book/movie. I dont wanna watch a bunch of yuppie scum fuckin kids in the 80's, shit….

dave on Oct 17, 2009

Word, Hamma Time Dun dunna du du du du du

Eric on Oct 25, 2009

when will his movie come out? :DD

Joker on Oct 30, 2009

Writer Promises Stephen King's It Remake Will Be R-Rated

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