The film adaptation of Stephen King ’ s famous novel IT was one of the most anticipated horror films of 2017 . Alongside Bill Skarsgård and the rest of the films cast , Jeremy Ray Taylor stole our hearts with his character Ben Hanscom . His character is the total romantic and you fall in love with his boyish charm in the film . Starring in a horror classic can sometimes give you the nervous chills , but at the same time the best memories . BY GABRIELA SILVA
You ’ ve recently made a huge breakthrough portraying Ben Hanscom in It . What initially attracted you to the role ? Jeremy Ray Taylor : I thought it was very unique that the underdogs were the ones to realize what ' s happening in the town . The popular kids and the cool ones aren ’ t the heroes , it ’ s our group , The Losers ’ Club . The bond they have in the story was really interesting and something I wanted to pursue .
Have you read the original book version as backstory to your character ? What does your character bring to the group ? I have not read the book yet . I don ' t know if I could handle it if I ’ m being honest , haha . It ' s huge and terrifying so maybe when I ' m older . I also made a conscious choice not to do too much research because I wanted to bring my own interpretation of Ben . it came out ! Once on set , I did learn that you can really get into a scene in the moments before . It doesn ' t have to be when they say “ action !” There were some intense times before a scene began where I would start screaming so I could cry or bring on that really intense emotion I needed to get into the scene .
What was your reaction to seeing Bill Skarsgård in full Pennywise makeup and did it make things more real for you ? I had lots of different emotions running through my head when I first saw Bill Skarsgard . He is amazingly tall and the makeup and costume were amazing ! I was really impressed with how great it all looked . I was scared and I was trying to stay in the scene . And I must say , I have never seen anyone drool that much ! It was a lot , haha !
Jay Ryan is set to play the adult version of your character in IT : Chapter Two . What were your thoughts on the casting ? I think the casting for chapter two is brilliant ! Andy Muschietti is a master and his choices are beyond good ! It won ’ t disappoint . And as a side note , I would not mind looking like Jay Ryan when I am that age !
What are you most excited for going into the new installment ? I am most excited about reuniting with the cast and crew ! They were all like family and we have a unique opportunity to get the whole gang back together ! I think it will be really cool to have a little reunion .
You are set to appear in Goosebumps 2 : Haunted Halloween . What can you tell me about your character and the storyline ? I ’ m really excited to play the role of Sonny in this movie . It ’ s going to be tons of fun and have unexpected scares ! The whole family is going to enjoy Goosebumps 2 : Haunted Halloween .
Is there any specific genre or type of roles you wish to explore in the future ? What do you see for yourself in the next couple years ? I want to try everything and explore all types of roles . I have always liked playing the bully , as it is very interesting to do . I really want a shot at comedy too ! Hopefully in the next couple of years I ' ve done a lot more movies , met a lot more people and travel the world . But you never know what the future holds .
What was your mindset going into filming a horror movie ? Did you learn any techniques for acting in an intense and scary environment ? I didn ' t totally know what to expect going into a horror film . In the beginning , I was nervous about going on set and had decided I wasn ’ t even going to watch the movie when
I want to try everything and explore all types of roles .
Photo Credit : Thea Maddox