EP. 40 The IT Franchise
An episode of the Burn After Watching podcast, hosted by Borderlnd, titled "EP. 40 The IT Franchise" was published on October 3, 2025 and runs 37 minutes.
October 3, 2025 ·37m · Burn After Watching
Summary
In this episode, we take a deep dive into Andy Muschietti’s two-part adaptation of Stephen King’s It, exploring both the chilling 2017 installment and its sprawling 2019 sequel. From Pennywise’s unsettling smile to the emotional bonds of the Losers’ Club, we break down how these films capture (and sometimes struggle to capture) King’s massive novel.We begin with It (2017), a story rooted in childhood fears, nostalgia, and the vulnerability of youth. The hosts explore how the film re-imagines Derry in the late ’80s, the chemistry of the young cast, and how Bill Skarsgård’s Pennywise became an instant horror icon. We also reflect on how the movie blends coming-of-age drama with supernatural terror, creating one of the most commercially successful horror films ever.Moving to It Chapter Two (2019), the conversation shifts to how the same characters—now adults—struggle to face old traumas while reconnecting with their forgotten pasts. The hosts discuss the casting choices (James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain, Bill Hader, and others), the challenges of juggling timelines, and how comedy, horror, and drama often collide—sometimes beautifully, sometimes awkwardly. The ambitious runtime and heavy use of CGI are debated, alongside standout performances like Bill Hader’s Richie and the film’s haunting exploration of memory, friendship, and fear.
Episode Description
In this episode, we take a deep dive into Andy Muschietti’s two-part adaptation of Stephen King’s It, exploring both the chilling 2017 installment and its sprawling 2019 sequel. From Pennywise’s unsettling smile to the emotional bonds of the Losers’ Club, we break down how these films capture (and sometimes struggle to capture) King’s massive novel.
We begin with It (2017), a story rooted in childhood fears, nostalgia, and the vulnerability of youth. The hosts explore how the film re-imagines Derry in the late ’80s, the chemistry of the young cast, and how Bill Skarsgård’s Pennywise became an instant horror icon. We also reflect on how the movie blends coming-of-age drama with supernatural terror, creating one of the most commercially successful horror films ever.
Moving to It Chapter Two (2019), the conversation shifts to how the same characters—now adults—struggle to face old traumas while reconnecting with their forgotten pasts. The hosts discuss the casting choices (James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain, Bill Hader, and others), the challenges of juggling timelines, and how comedy, horror, and drama often collide—sometimes beautifully, sometimes awkwardly. The ambitious runtime and heavy use of CGI are debated, alongside standout performances like Bill Hader’s Richie and the film’s haunting exploration of memory, friendship, and fear.