The beloved Stephen King adaptation,It: Chapter Two,recently earned a spot on Netflix’s Top 10, proving that there’s enough interest in theItfranchise to merit a third movie. Since King first published the book in 1986, theItfranchise has seen quite a bit of adaptation and development. In the 1990s, two television series were made that centered on the horror novel. Decades later, in 2017 and 2019, two movie adaptations were released. Even now,It:Welcome to Derry’s prequel storyis set to be released in 2025. However, there is oneItadaptation that clearly stands out among the rest.
2017’sItand 2019’sIt: Chapter Twoare great examples ofstrong Stephen King movie adaptations. The first film has an 85% onRotten Tomatoes, while the sequel has a 62%. Both movies also had incredible box office performances, withItraking in $704 million andIt: Chapter Twoearning $473 million. Even those who aren’t the biggest fans of these movies must admit that they are well-made, eerie, and filled with talented casts, both young and old. Ultimately, the success ofItandIt: Chapter Two’s popularity on Netflixhints that the franchise could use a sequel.
Why It 3 Should Happen, Despite Pennywise’s Defeat In It: Chapter Two
It Offers Plenty Of Future Story Opportunities
AlthoughIt: Chapter Twowas intended to be the end of the film franchise,It 3should still be made. At the end ofIt: Chapter Two,the Losers Club defeats Pennywise and is able to return to their normal lives, though they leave having been changed by the psychotic clown. The only thing is, Pennywise is known for coming back. In fact, that’s his whole thing.Pennywise returns every 27 years, which means that his story can never fully end. This provides the perfect opportunity for theItfranchise to continue with another great movie.
Ben Hanscom
Jeremy Ray Taylor, Jay Ryan
There are a lot of ways in which theItfranchise could continue. The first two movies covered the events King portrayed in his book, which leaves the film series with the ability to go just about anywhere.It 3could focus onthe Losers Club27 years afterIt: Chapter Two.On the other hand,the nextItmovie could center on the Losers Club’s kids.The approach would work very well with the themes ofItby continuing to focus on generational trauma and the bonds of friendship. The franchise could even find a new group of kids for Pennywise to terrorize.
It 3 Could Buck A Stephen King Sequel Trend
How It Can Do Better Than Other King Sequels
Another reason whyIt 3would be a great project is because it could go against an unfortunate Stephen King trend. Over the years, the movie adaptations ofKing’s bookshave become incredibly popular, with some even being considered the greatest movies of all time (i.e.The ShiningandThe Shawshank Redemption.)Yet,King’s movies have also struggled with the fact that the sequels are almost never as goodas the originals. Installments likePet Semetary 2, Return to Salem’s Lot,andThe Rage: Carrie 2have all left audiences disappointed and have tainted the integrity of the initial stories.
Every Stephen King Movie Franchise, Ranked Worst To Best
Stephen King movie franchises are surprisingly rare, though many of them show why the author personally dislikes sequels based on his work.
The main reason why these sequels have rarely worked out is because they aren’t adapting King’s story anymore. These sequels are not based on books but are original stories. Of course,It 3would also be an original story, but there’s a chance that it could avoid the fateof other King sequels. WithinIt,there are so many opportunities for new and exciting stories, so extending it into a third movie makes sense. Plus, the franchise has proven through box office performance and Netflix’s statistics that it is popular enough to keep audiences intrigued.
How Likely Is It: Chapter 3 To Happen?
How Welcome To Derry Supports It: Chapter 3
At this time, there don’t seem to be any plans forIt 3,but that does not mean it won’t happen. Currently, a prequel TV show calledIt: Welcome to Derryis being developed, and that is likely the franchise’s focus right now. However, ifWelcome to Derryis successful and boosts interest in theItfranchise, there is a chance thatIt 3could come to fruition.The TV show is a sign that theItfranchise is willing to expandand that viewers want it to continue. Thus,It 3is definitely still on the table.
Fortunately,Welcome to Derrylooks incredibly promising, as it follows a group of Derry teenagers who face off with Pennywise during the 1960s
For now, though, audiences will have to wait for anotherItmovie. Fortunately,Welcome to Derrylooks incredibly promising, as it follows a group of Derry teenagers who face off with Pennywise during the 1960s. Notably, Bill Skarsgård will be reprising his role as Pennywise, which is another good sign. Hopefully,Welcome to Derrycan keep the spirit ofItalive and, thus, allow the franchise to keep growing.
