Actor Finn Wolfhard, widely recognized for his role as Mike Wheeler in “Stranger Things,” has shared his thoughts on returning to the “IT” universe and his swift rise to fame at a young age.
Hints at Future in the IT Franchise
With the first season of the spin-off series IT: Welcome to Derry now completed, Wolfhard hinted at the possibility of returning to the IT franchise in the future. He portrayed Richie Tozier in the 2017 film It and its 2019 sequel It: Chapter Two. His character’s influence continues in the 2025 spin-off series, preserving Richie’s legacy within the IT universe.
When asked if he knew a picture of Richie would appear in Welcome to Derry, Wolfhard stated, “I knew that years ago, actually. When they first started thinking about that show, it was probably 2021.” He added, “(Creators) Barbara and Andy Muschietti both told me, ‘You’re involved.’ Yeah, I’m connected. I think there’s something else that will come up eventually that I’m excited for people to see.”
Challenges of Early Fame
Reflecting on the surreal experience of skyrocketing to fame at such a young age, Wolfhard remarked that growing up in the spotlight presented its own challenges. “No one can prepare anyone for it. It was incredibly exciting … but there was a period in my teenage years where it was just hard,” he shared.
The Story of IT
IT, based on Stephen King’s 1986 horror novel, depicts a group of bullied kids known as the Losers’ Club in the town of Derry as they unite after a series of children begin disappearing without a trace. As they confront their fears, the Losers’ Club uncovers a shape-shifting evil that feeds on fear and never truly disappears.
Cast Highlights
In addition to Wolfhard, IT features Sophia Lillis as Beverly Marsh, Chosen Jacobs as Mike Hanlon, Jaeden Martell as Bill Denbrough, Jack Dylan Grazer as Eddie Kaspbrak, Wyatt Oleff as Stanley Uris, and Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise the Dancing Clown.
Following the two films, the IT saga was further expanded with the prequel show IT: Welcome to Derry, exploring the origins of Pennywise and the cursed history of Derry.