In the world of horror, few physical features are as haunting as the maw of Pennywise the Dancing Clown. Whether you’re a fan of the 1990 miniseries, the 2017/2019 films, or the new 2026 prequel series Welcome to Derry, the teeth are the primary signal that the “clown” is just a thin veil for something much hungrier.
Here is a look at the design, the practical secrets, and the evolution of Pennywise’s teeth.
1. The “Bunny Teeth” (2017–2019)
When Andy Muschietti reimagined Pennywise for the modern era, he wanted a look that was “child-like yet predatory.” The most iconic part of Bill Skarsgård’s prosthetic setup was the oversized front incisors, which the crew affectionately nicknamed “The Bunny Teeth.”
- The Contrast: The large front teeth were designed to make Pennywise look like a buck-toothed child or a rodent. This creates a “cuteness” that makes the sudden transition to a predator even more jarring.
- The Drool Factor: A famous bit of movie trivia is that Skarsgård’s prosthetic dentures made him drool excessively. Rather than wiping it away, the director loved it—it made the character look like a rabid animal that couldn’t wait to feed.
- Practicality: While the massive “kill mouth” was CGI, the standard yellowed, rotting teeth were real dental acrylic prosthetics that Skarsgård wore throughout the shoot.
2. The 1990 “Rotting Rows” (Tim Curry)
Tim Curry’s Pennywise relied less on CGI and more on a single, terrifying set of sharp, discolored fangs.
- Animalistic Design: The 1990 teeth were designed to look more like a shark or a wolf. They were long, pointed, and lacked the “human” front teeth that Skarsgård’s version used to lure children.
- The “Vampire” Influence: Because the 90s miniseries had to work within TV budget constraints, the teeth were the main visual cue that Pennywise was a monster. They were often shot in extreme close-up to hide the fact that the rest of the makeup was relatively simple.
3. The 2026 “Eldritch” Evolution (Welcome to Derry)
With the 2026 release of the prequel series, the “teeth” have taken a turn toward the cosmic. Since this version of Pennywise is younger and perhaps less “practiced” at appearing human, the dental design is more chaotic.
- Multi-Layered Rows: Fans have noted that the new design features multiple rows of needle-like teeth that seem to emerge from the roof of the mouth, similar to a Lamprey or a deep-sea eel.
- The “Moving” Maw: Digital enhancements now allow the teeth to pulse and shift even when Pennywise is just speaking, giving the impression that his mouth is a gateway to the Deadlights rather than a human anatomy.
Comparison: The Bite of the BeastFeature1990 (Tim Curry)2017 (Bill Skarsgård)2026 (Welcome to Derry)Primary ShapeShark-like fangsOvergrown “Bunny” incisorsNeedle-thin jagged rowsColorDirty yellow/brownAged porcelain/whiteStained black/dark yellowFunctionPurely for bitingLuring/manipulationPredatory/EldritchSpecial Effect100% PracticalPractical + CGI “Kill Mouth”Advanced animatronic + VFXHow to Get the Look (for Cosplay)
If you’re looking to recreate the Pennywise smile for a costume, avoid the “one-size-fits-all” plastic teeth from big-box stores.
- Thermoplastic Beads: Most pro cosplayers use Polymorph plastic (thermoplastic beads) that you melt in hot water and mold directly to your teeth for a custom, secure fit.
- Tooth Enamel: Use “Nicotine” or “Black” tooth varnish (FX makeup) to stain the prosthetics. Pennywise never brushes, and the more “organic rot” you add, the better.
