Stephen King’s iconic novel IT has been adapted multiple times, all centered around the menacing character of Pennywise, the eerie clown. King commenced writing this chilling tale in September 1981, completing it by December 1985, as disclosed in the book’s conclusion. Surprisingly, a real-life encounter with a disturbing clown served as the inspiration for King’s creation.
Since its release, fans have pondered on the origins of Pennywise, speculating that the notorious serial killer and clown impersonator John Wayne Gacy, who was sentenced to death in 1980, could have influenced the character. Despite these theories, King has not confirmed any direct link but has shared his personal insights on clowns and their inherently unsettling nature.
Following the completion of The Stand, King envisioned a troll reminiscent of the character from the children’s story Three Billy Goats Gruff inhabiting a sewer system. This imaginative spark led to the creation of the shapeshifting character ‘It,’ which often takes the form of a clown, a figure that even King himself finds dread-inducing.
During a 2005 appearance on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, King revealed his childhood fear of clowns, which played a significant role in crafting Pennywise. Recalling a childhood circus visit where he was surrounded by adults with ghostly white faces and vividly painted lips, King humorously remarked on the uncanny experience.
King recounted a peculiar encounter with a clown on a plane after a book tour. While departing from Cleveland, a clown, resembling Ronald McDonald, unexpectedly joined the flight, sparking a surreal and discomforting experience for the horror writer.
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