One of the many changes to Stephen King’s novel made in Andy Muschietti’s It was to the character of Patrick Hockstetter. In the book, the deeply unbalanced sociopath only becomes a friend of lead bully Henry Bowers towards the end of the summer, as Bowers’ own psychopathy begins to reveal itself more. Part of Bowers’ gang from the off in the film, Hockstetter could have done with more screen time, due to a particularly enjoyable turn from Owen Teague. The 18-year-old actor now has more supernatural happenings on his slate, having been cast alongside Gary Oldman in upcoming ghost story Mary.
The film, which centres on a family and the spooky nature of their newly-acquired boat, was scripted by The Shallows writer Anthony Jaswinski. The struggling family in question purchase the old ship at auction, hoping to start a charter business. Once out on the open water however, the ship begins to reveal its horrifying secrets. Onboard to direct is Michael Goi, who is best known as a cinematographer, having worked on the likes of American Horror Story, Salem and the 2014 remake of The Town that Dreaded Sundown.
Mary is scheduled to begin production in Alabama in late September. It is produced and co-financed by Tucker Tooley Entertainment and eOne.
Words: Kevan Farrow (@KevanX)
