How Old Are The Kids In It

So, there I was, sitting in my local coffee shop, eavesdropping - I mean, casually listening - to the conversation at the next table. A group of parents were discussing their kids' upcoming school play. One of them mentioned that their child was playing Mike Teavee in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Now, I've seen the movie, and I'm pretty sure that kid is, like, eight tops. But this parent was all, "Oh, he's twelve now, can you believe it?" I nearly choked on my latte. Twelve?!

This got me thinking, how old are the kids in It, you know, the ones from the movies and the book? I mean, we all grew up with them, right? But have you ever stopped to wonder about their ages?

Let's dive in, shall we?

First off, let's talk about the book. It was published in 1986, and the story takes place in the 1950s. So, the kids are all around eleven when they first encounter Pennywise. Now, I know what you're thinking, "But they're in high school in the second part of the book!" Well, yes, that's because the story jumps forward 27 years for the second part. So, they're all thirty-eight when they have to face their fears again. Scary thought, huh? I mean, I'm not even thirty yet, and I'm already dreading my next dentist appointment.

Now, let's talk about the movies. The first one, It (2017), is set in the 1980s, just like the book. So, the kids are still around eleven. But here's where it gets interesting. The actors who played the kids were actually a bit older. Jaeden Martell, who played Bill Denbrough, was fifteen when the movie was released. Finn Wolfhard, who played Richie Tozier, was fourteen. Can you even? I mean, I was still trying to figure out how to use a tamagotchi at that age!

Secondary School Age Chart | School Year Names And Age Groups – UPWCHX

The sequel, It Chapter Two (2019), takes place 27 years later, just like the book. So, the adult actors were around the same age as the characters they were playing. James McAvoy, who played adult Bill, was 40. Bill Hader, who played adult Richie, was 41. I don't know about you, but I find it a bit comforting to know that these actors were older than their characters. I mean, it's not like they were playing forty-year-olds when they were twenty, right?

But why does it matter?

Well, it doesn't, really. Not in the grand scheme of things. It's just a fun fact to know, like how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop (the answer is 364, by the way). It's just something to think about while you're hiding behind your couch cushions, trying not to think about Pennywise.

Sixth Grade Age: 12Th Grade Age – GAWPGS

So, there you have it. The kids in It are eleven when they first meet Pennywise, and thirty-eight when they have to face him again. And the actors who played them were a bit older than their characters. Isn't that just the most terrifying thing you've heard all day?

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go check on my own kids. They're probably planning something terrifying of their own. Like asking for more screen time.