FilmmakerAndy Muschiettiis switching things up on the highly anticipatedITsequelIT: Chapter Two, at least when it comes to the behind the scenes team. It waspreviously reportedthat Muschietti has enlisted Oscar-winningThe Shape of Waterproduction designerPaul Austerberryto join theIT 2team, afterClaude Paré(X-Men: Dark Phoenix) served as production designer on the first movie. Now Collider can confirm that a new cinematographer will be lensingIT 2:Checco Varese.
The HandmaidenandOldboyDPChung-hoon Chungwas the cinematographer on the firstITto great success, but Muschietti has tapped Varese to serve as the DP on the sequel. Varese has an extensive resume that includes a bounty of notable TV pilots, fromThe StraintoTrue Bloodto the upcomingLocke & Key. He also served as DP on the 2015 featureThe 33and this year’sKeanu Reevessci-fi filmReplicas, as well as Amazon’s upcomingJack RyanTV series. So the guy certainly has experience.
It’s interesting to see Muschietti changing things up, but it also makes sense.IT: Chapter Twotakes place 27 years after the events of the first film, as the Losers Club must reunite as adults to take on Pennywise once more. Given the massive time jump, Muschietti might be looking for a strikingly different aesthetic to drive home the passage of time. If that’s what he’s going for, this is going to make for a very fascinating double feature.
Production onIT: Chapter Twois expected to begin in July, and casting is underway. While the kid actors from the first film will reprise their roles in some flashbacks, Muschietti has enlisted some A-listers to play their adult counterparts for the bulk of the movie.Jessica Chastainis onboard to play Beverly, whileBill HaderandJames McAvoyare in negotiations to play Richie and Bill, respectively.
IT: Chapter Twoopens in theaters on August 20, 2025.
