It: Welcome to Derry Star Explains Character Death & Pennywise

The town of Derry has seen a lot of terrible deaths, but the latest one wasn’t caused by the monster, Pennywise.

This week on It: Welcome to Derry, Pauly (Rudy Mancuso) bravely gave his life to protect Leroy’s (Jovan Adepo) son. Pennywise, played by Bill Skarsgård, put Leroy in a trance, causing him to try and harm his own child. Pauly jumped in to stop him, but tragically lost his life in the process.

In an interview with Us Weekly, actor Mancuso shared that he was thankful his character didn’t suffer a violent death at the hands of the villainous clown. He preferred a more dignified, heroic end. He explained that he didn’t want his mother to have to watch a graphic, fictional death scene, and was happy his character’s demise was less gruesome.

I avoided creating a terrifying, dreamlike death scene because I knew it would be really upsetting for my mom to watch. I prefer a more realistic death, and I was thinking about how she’d react while making that decision. I wouldn’t want to put any of my characters – or my mom as a viewer – through something that intense.

The actor explained that he didn’t want his mother to witness such a brutal death for his character. He also felt privileged that Pauly’s death was more complex and meaningful than most deaths in It: Welcome to Derry. He appreciated that his character had a more subtle and thoughtful exit than others.

The show features many frightening deaths caused by Pennywise, focusing on supernatural attacks. It’s rare to see a character make a truly personal, realistic sacrifice. This death felt different because it happened within the normal world of the show, making it more human and meaningful. I’m grateful to have been part of a death scene that was so complex and emotionally resonant.

Mancuso shared how thrilled he was to witness Bill Skarsgård’s first performance as Pennywise. He also mentioned that he had the chance to socialize with Skarsgård off-camera, finding it amusing to spend time with the actor and then be frightened by him while filming.

I had the chance to hang out with Bill a few times when we weren’t filming, and he’s a really kind, hilarious, and giving person. Seeing him in the full costume that gave me nightmares throughout both movies was actually amazing.

It: Welcome to Derry releases new episodes every Sunday at 9:00 PM ET and 6:00 PM PT on HBO.

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2025-11-24 07:38