In this day and age, nearly every successful film will receive a sequel or a spin-off. The horror genre is no stranger to excessive sequels, even when one is not needed. In 2017, Stephen King's IT received a theatrical adaptation followed by a second part in 2019. King's original book was massive, so two films were necessary to adapt the story appropriately (just as the 1990 version with Tim Curry was a two-part miniseries).
The two movies managed to bring most of the novel to life, so a third entry isn't required. That is, unless there is more to the story of Derry, Maine. A direct follow-up does seem rather pointless, as Pennywise was effectively destroyed. But he haunted Derry for centuries prior, and he is not the only creature of his kind. So could a third chapter of IT be possible? Yes and no.
Why IT Needs to Be Left Alone
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First, let's see why a third entry isn't needed. As stated before, the two movies that we have more or less adapted the events of the book in full. What moments aren't adapted are either best left alone, or wouldn't fill an entire movie. Stephen King's novel, an 1138-page epic, is jam-packed with horrific moments that made the leap to the big screen, so adding more to the story would just be redundant. The second chapter sees the main characters complete their story arcs and go their own way, so bringing them back to once again face Pennywise would undo the emotional ending and seem tacky.
Pennywise is more popular now than he has ever been. Bill Skarsgård's chilling performance has cemented the clown as a horror legend. Because of this, fans may be tempted to see him return again and again. The thing is, Pennywise was never made to run a franchise. Unlike Freddy or Jason, Pennywise is unable to enjoy longevity. Forcing the character to do so may make him become stale and ruin his chilling legacy. These are the reasons many fans turn their heads to the idea of a follow-up. However, on the other side of the coin, arguments can be made to see Pennywise and his species return.
Derry's Legacy and Pennywise's Species
Throughout King's novels, references to Derry, Maine are abundant. On top of this, there are references to Pennywise and his species in several of his novels. There was even a reference in his book Grey Matter, 13 years before IT was even published. It is clear that Pennywise has a slight hold not just on Derry, but the greater universe of Stephen King. Instead of a third movie, perhaps a series that interconnects King's stories is the right way to go.
This has been done with Hulu's Castle Rock series but much more subtly. A series called Welcome to Derry has been greenlit for HBO Max, at least for now. Little is known about the show, only that it takes place 27 years before the events of IT: Chapter One and will revolve around the town of Derry as opposed to just the character of Pennywise. Additionally, IT spin-offs could focus on other members of Pennywise's species, a kind of nightmare gallery of trans-dimensional alien-demons akin to the Cenobites in Hellraiser. This is where any spin-offs or third chapters could focus. It would be tempting to bring back Pennywise thanks to his success in the mainstream, but there are other areas in the lore of IT that could be explored. While Stephen King never made a direct continuation of the story, his various references and easter eggs to the world he created show that there is plenty that can be explored.
Going over the reasons why Pennywise chose Derry throughout the decades could be an interesting take on the story. Perhaps Pennywise could even take more forms than just a clown to mix things up. He could be a different creature with each time period. Regardless of what is done, the important thing is to make it all seem fresh. Adding more lore to an already established story can be tricky, but IT does allow a unique opportunity to do so.
IT Can Be Derry Adjacent
Perhaps the best way to add-on to the story is to move away from Derry and Pennywise altogether. While Derry is clearly a hub for the weird and bizarre, it is far from the only place in the world of Stephen King. Making a third chapter take place somewhere else could be a fresh way to continue the story and build on the lore. It could be a real place, an established King town such as Castle Rock, or a new place entirely. If a third chapter were to be made, this is arguably the best way to go about it. This would allow the storytellers more creative freedom without being tied down by King's established canon.
This method could also allow for some fan service as well. The main characters could do some research on the phenomenon their town is experiencing, and discover the events of Derry. Maybe even a cameo or two could be worked in. This would also create an exciting opportunity to make a new creature in Pennywise's species. With Pennywise destroyed, it makes sense for a new entity to paper in his place, and once more allow writers full creative freedom. Disturbing, scary clowns are far from the only phobia. The creature's main form can range from a living doll to a moving embodiment of darkness. The town could have its own lore, or this could be the town's first encounter with the creature. Regardless, this method could allow the most creative freedom without retconning or messing with Pennywise's story.
Odds are great that fans will see a return to the world of IT in one way or another. The prequel series, as of writing, is still in development and the rumors of a third film are strong. Regardless of what happens, there are plenty of options for filmmakers to go in. As for fans, they are sure to be treated to some spooky lore building and a new appreciation for a terrifying character, or they could be introduced to a new one. If they would rather IT be left as is, they could always stick with the two movies, the 1990 miniseries, or of course the original novel that started it all.
One look at a Spirit Halloween store this Halloween season, and it is clear that IT fever is still in full swing. There could even be a new novel set in the IT universe, although Stephen King has stated that he has no intentions of bringing Pennywise back. However, he said the same thing about a sequel to The Shining, yet he eventually wrote a direct follow-up in 2013. The recent movies reignited public fear of the classic story, and this will likely be built upon in some form in the coming years.