‘It: Chapter 2’ Gets A New Cinematographer
It: Chapter 2is quickly coming together, in front of and behind the camera. As more cast members are added, so too are crew members who will help bring the horror sequel to life. The latest addition isChecco Varese, who will be theIt 2cinematographer, replacingItcinematographerChung-hoon Chung.
I’ve been riding high on all the recentIt: Chapter 2news, so it was only a matter of time before something curbed my enthusiasm. And here we are:Colliderreports that directorAndy Muschiettihas tapped Checco Varese to be theIt 2cinematographer. No offense to Varese and his talent, but I was really hopingItcinematographer Chung-hoon Chung would return to shoot the sequel. Chung is a frequent collaborator with Park Chan-wook, and shot films likeOldboyandStoker. He brought a gorgeous style to the firstIt, and I was really hoping he’d return for the sequel. Alas, it’s not to be.
Checco Varese has served as cinematographer on TV showsThe Strain,True Bloodto the upcomingLocke & Key. In addition to Varese, Muschietti has also brought onThe Shape of Waterproduction designerPaul Austerberry, who replacesItproduction designerClaude Paré. So why all these change-ups? Perhaps it’s becauseIt 2is going to be a very different movie than the first. For one thing, all the characters from the first film will now be adults, played by different actors. The real world looks different to adults than it does to children, so perhaps Muschietti is embracing that change and going for a distinctly different look and style for his sequel. Or maybe the original crew members are committed to other projects now.
Either way, this is a sign thatIt: Chapter 2is going to be a much different beast than the first film. Casting and pre-production work is still underway. As of now,Jessica Chastainseems to be the onlycast memberconfirmed, withJames McAvoyandBill Haderin talks to join her. If you’re concerned about missing the original film’s cast of talented young actors, worry not: word is that they’ll return for flashback sequences.
Stephen King’s massive novelItis unfolds through both the past and the present, intercutting between the two (sort of likeThe Godfather Part II, but with a sewer clown). Rather than take this approach with the film, Muschietti and the screenwriters splitItin half. The 2017 film focused on the main characters as children as they battle demonic, inhuman clown Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård), and 2019’sIt: Chapter 2will have these characters returning as adults to stop Pennywise once and for all.
