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Stephen King’s It: 1990 Vs. 2017

One of this year’s most anticipated movies is the remake of Stephen King’s It. The terrifying 1986 novel was initially adapted as a two-part TV miniseries in 1990. I’m confident…

Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

One of this year's most anticipated movies is the remake of Stephen King's It. The terrifying 1986 novel was initially adapted as a two-part TV miniseries in 1990. I'm confident that the new theatrical release will be even scarier than the TV version. For one thing, we'll see the demonic clown, Pennywise, on a much larger screen without the option of keeping the lights on at the multiplex. And movies today, especially in the horror genre, simply look, sound, and feel more intense and realistic than ever before. But let's compare.

The 1990 miniseries featured an all-star cast for its time. The seven members of "The Losers Club" as adults were portrayed by Harry Anderson, Dennis Christopher, Richard Masur, Annette O'Toole, Tim Reid, John Ritter, and Richard Thomas. The murderous Pennywise was played by Tim Curry.

While Tim Curry certainly was creepy in his clown makeup and costume, he looks almost tame compared to Bill Skarsgard in the 2017 film. It opens in theaters on Friday, September 8th.

Phil Harris is 50% of "Phil & Mel in the Afternoon" on K104.7. He has been with the station since 2013 and on the air in Charlotte since 2000. Before coming to the Queen City, Phil worked for radio stations in Pittsburgh, Austin, and Seattle. In addition to the weekly "Throwback Threesome" music video feature, Phil writes about things that matter to Charlotte sports fans and pet owners. He happens to be both.