It: Welcome to Derry Star Rudy Mancuso Avoided Pennywise Death for Mom’s Sake

Bill Skarsgård’s debut as Pennywise in It: Welcome to Derry brought a deadly wave of events. Several key characters met their demise during a recent episode of the HBO series.

The episode, which aired Sunday, November 23, saw characters venturing into the infamous sewer system. Their presence underground drew the attention of Pennywise, the dancing clown.

Teddy (Mikkal Karim-Fidler), Phil (Jack Molloy Legault), and Susie (Matilda Legault) were confirmed dead. Their bodies were discovered abandoned in the sewers.

Matty (Miles Ekhardt), who vanished in the pilot, also suffered the same fate. Lilly (Clara Stack), Will (Blake Cameron James), Rich (Arian S. Cartaya), and Marge (Matilda Lawler) found Matty’s body underground.

The latest casualty was Pauly (Rudy Mancuso). His death, however, was a heroic sacrifice.

Pauly intervened to prevent his friend Leroy (Jovan Adepo) from shooting his own son. Leroy was under the trance of Pennywise at the time.

Following his character’s exit, 33-year-old Mancuso spoke with Us Weekly. He discussed his preference for a grounded death over a brutal Pennywise murder.

"I didn’t have a dream Pennywise murder scenario because my mom would really suffer a lot seeing that on screen," Mancuso shared. "So a grounded death is better than a fantastical death."

He added, "I think about my mom here, and I don’t wish that upon any of my characters for the sake of her viewing experience."

Mancuso was delighted to portray a "very realistic" death on screen. He felt it offered a fresh take in the It universe.

"We see a lot of Pennywise deaths, which are usually supernatural, monstrous, gory deaths and attacks," he noted. "What we don’t often see is a very realistic sacrifice made by a character."

"It happens in real life, within the context of the series," Mancuso explained. "So it was nice to see a more humanized sacrificial death versus a big supernatural death."

He expressed gratitude for "a more nuanced version of a death."

Before leaving the series, Mancuso had the chance to witness Skarsgård’s transformation. He told Us about his experience with the actor.

"I had the fortune of spending time with Bill off camera on several occasions," Mancuso said. "He’s incredibly sweet, funny, and generous."

"Then, to see him in that full suit that tormented me for two films was really cool," he added.

Mancuso found Skarsgård’s performance disarming, even after spending time with him outside of character.

"I got to see Bill outside of Pennywise, but as soon as cameras are on and he steps into character, it’s shocking," Mancuso admitted. "But it’s a testament to his ability to truly transform."

While some might overcome clown fears on set, Mancuso’s experience was different. He confirmed that his unease persists.

"Even if the fourth wall is broken and you see beyond the production, that doesn’t take away from clowns being truly creepy and scary," Mancuso stated. He added, "Pennywise as a character is creepy."

It: Welcome to Derry airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO. Episodes are also available for streaming on HBO Max.