Jessica Chastain in talks for “It” sequel

Because the IT novel is so long, New Line Cinema wisely made the decision to split its adaptation of the Stephen King story into two movies. Last year's IT focused on the Losers' Club's conflict with Pennywise the Dancing Clown when they were kids, and while we'll revisit the characters in their adolescent years through flashbacks in IT 2, the sequel will primarily focus on the protagonists returning to Derry, Maine as adults to defeat Pennywise once and for all. Now word has come in that Jessica Chastain is being eyed to play the adult Beverly Marsh, who was played by Sophia Lillis in the first movie.

Jessica Chastain's name has been tossed around a lot as someone who could play Beverly Marsh in IT 2 over the last few months from both fans and director Andy Muschietti. Chastain herself even expressed interest in the role, saying enjoyed working with Muschietti and his sister, producer Barbara Muschietti, on Mama. Now Variety is reporting that the actress is in negotiations to play Beverly in IT 2. Official talks didn't begin until a few weeks ago, and with the script still being worked on, it's still early in the discussion stages. It was rumored that Chastain was supposed to cameo in an IT post-credits scene, but this was ultimately scrapped.

If a deal is finalized, Jessica Chastain joining IT 2 would be a major score. While the IT cast was certainly talented, none of the actors are big names in Hollywood, but Chastain is one of the most recognizable actresses working in the industry right now, with her recent credits including The Martian, Miss Sloane and Molly's Game, the latter of which she was nominated for a Golden Globe earlier this year. It helps that Chastain has prior experience working with the Muschiettis, so ideally this means the chances of her getting to play Beverly Marsh are relatively strong. With the incredible amount of money that IT made at the box office (more than $700 million off a $35 million budget), the sequel can certainly afford to snag some A-list talent.

Aside from Bill Skarsgard expected to reprise Pennywise, Jessica Chastain is the first performer who's been mentioned as being in contention to join IT 2. It will be interesting to see if the other members of the Losers Club will be played by Hollywood stars or if lesser-known actors will be cast, though the young IT stars provided their picks last year. Andy Muschietti will once again be sitting in the director's chair, and Gary Dauberman is penning the script.

I“It 2” will scare its way into theatres on September 6, 2019. Jessica Chastain will next appear in “X-Men: Dark Phoenix”, which will release on November 2.