Stephen King's Best Horror That Grossed $700M Finally Lands on Netflix

Summary:

• It by Andy Muschietti, released in 2017, is now available to stream on Netflix.
• Cary Fukunaga was originally set to direct the adaptation of Stephen King 's novel, but he left the project due to creative differences and was replaced by Andy Muschietti.
• Muschietti decided to focus on children and their fears, which became the main strength of the movie, connecting the audience to the story on screen.
• It became a phenomenon, earning $700 million, making it the highest grossing film in the horror genre.

In February, a true modern cult classic appeared on Neftlix – It by Andy Muschietti, released in 2017.

For two decades, Hollywood has been trying to bring Stephen King's book to the screen. Although It was adapted into a miniseries in the 1990s, Pennywise still had strong commercial potential.

It Could Have Been Made by Cary Fukunaga

The sheer volume of King's work was too much for one movie, so when Cary Fukunaga took on the project in 2012, a duology was announced and, most importantly, King himself gave the green light to it.

Fukunaga spent three years developing the film and left the project due to creative differences. That left Andy Muschietti at the helm of one of Hollywood's most anticipated projects – the very first trailer was viewed 200 million times on the first day of its release, setting a record.

Andy Muschietti Focused on Children’s Fears

Muschietti decided that one of the most important elements of the story was that all we know about this monster we know from the words of children.

The children and the actors who play them are undoubtedly the main success of the movie. Muschietti focused on young protagonists, carefully identifying the complexes and fears of each character.

Whether it's violence or fear of germs, it's the characters' fears that connect the audience to what's happening on screen. And, of course, humor. Muschietti believes that a good scare requires a combination of tension and laughter.

It Became a Horror Genre Phenomenon

With a modest $40 million budget, the first film in the duology grossed an impressive $700 million worldwide, making It the most commercially successful horror film of all time. The sequel cost twice as much and was less successful, grossing $473 million.

However, the duology forever etched Andy Muschietti's name in the history of cinema. He became the director who managed to adapt King’s work brilliantly, and after It, movies based on the books of the King of Horror suddenly experienced a renaissance.

Muschietti Develops Pennywise Series for Max

Now, Andy Muschietti returns to Derry as he launches a Max series telling the backstory of Pennywise, scheduled for release in 2025.