10 Horror Movie Re-Castings That Proved Successful
4. Richie (It)
Given the gulf of in-universe time between 2017's IT and 2019's IT Chapter Two -- 27 years, to be precise -- the main cast were predestined to be recast for the sequel. And director Andy Muschietti loaded Chapter Two with a weird and wonderful mix of talent from both sides of the pond, including James McAvoy as Bill, Jessica Chastain as Bev and, of course, funnyman Bill Hader as Richie.
The jury's out on whether all of the adult castings hit the mark, but the one performance that stands strong is Hader's. Feeling like a worthy and apt follow up to Finn Wolfhard's younger version, Hader manages to bring his trademark humour to the role, but also plays against type when the film requires it. Going deep on Richie's more complex traits and hang-ups, he presents a psychological depth to the character that few of us saw coming when the casting was announced.
Though Richie's arc feels complete by the conclusion of the film, as he has confronted his sexuality and feelings for his now-deceased friend Eddie (James Ransone), he nonetheless takes pride of place in our hearts as the most tragic character of all.