Rising star Clara Stack is making waves as Lilly in HBO’s chilling prequel series IT: Welcome to Derry — and after speaking with her on Pop Culture Unplugged, it’s clear this young actress has both the emotional depth and maturity to carry one of the most haunting roles in television this year.
Landing the Role of Lilly
Clara revealed that her journey to Derry began with a self-tape audition back in December 2022 — not knowing that it would lead to one of the most talked-about roles in the Stephen King universe.
“I auditioned for both Lilly and March through a self-tape, then forgot about it because I hadn’t heard anything for months,” Clara laughed. “Then two months later, I got offered Lilly, and I was so excited.”
From the start, she was drawn to Lilly’s emotional intelligence and complexity.
“Even with just the short description I was given, I could tell she was layered — a mix of vulnerability and strength. She’s been through a lot, but she’s also incredibly brave.”
Becoming Lilly: Emotion, Research, and the 1960s Setting
To bring the character to life, Clara dove deep into both the emotional and historical backdrop of the series.
“I did a lot of research on the 1960s — the slang, the fashion, the social issues. It helped me understand what Lilly’s world felt like,” she explained. “And I also studied how people carry trauma and grief daily, because Lilly carries so much of that.”
Her dedication shines through in every frame, especially in moments when the line between supernatural horror and real-world pain blurs.
The Emotional Weight Behind the Horror
Lilly’s journey is as much about healing as it is about surviving the darkness that haunts Derry. Clara shared that one of her favorite — and most challenging — scenes was the terrifying grocery store sequence in Episode 2.
“It was so intense,” she said. “That scene takes her real trauma — losing her father — and manifests it in this horrifying way. It’s scary, but it’s also deeply emotional.”
Clara’s ability to balance fear with empathy is what makes her performance so magnetic.
Bonding with the Cast and Facing Pennywise
The cast of Welcome to Derry includes a group of talented young actors, and Clara said their off-screen bond played a big part in creating authentic chemistry on camera.
“One of the first things we did was watch IT: Chapter One together,” she recalled. “That really set the tone. And we just hung out all the time in Toronto — it helped build our connection for the show.”
But nothing could prepare her for meeting Pennywise himself, played by Bill Skarsgård.
“Seeing Bill for the first time in full costume was terrifying,” Clara admitted. “They actually kept him away from us so our reactions on set would be real — and they were!”
Becoming a Future “Scream Queen”
Fans online have already begun dubbing Clara Stack the next Scream Queen — a title she embraces with a smile.
“It’s such a cool compliment,” she said. “Lilly definitely screams a lot throughout the show, so I’ll take it!”
As IT: Welcome to Derry continues to grip audiences, Clara hinted that Lilly’s story is far from over.
“She starts out shy and scared, but she grows braver, more determined, and darker as the series goes on. I can’t wait for people to see that transformation.”
What She Hopes Fans Take Away
Beyond the scares and supernatural chaos, Clara hopes fans notice the heart of the story.
“It’s really about friendship and finding your people,” she said. “Even in the darkest times, you need those people who help you through.”
As for what’s next, Clara’s love for the horror genre isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
“I’ve always loved horror,” she grinned. “I recently watched Weapons, which was amazing. There’s so much great stuff coming out right now — I’m excited to be a part of it.”
Catch Clara Stack as Lilly in IT: Welcome to Derry, now streaming on HBO.
🎈 Interview by Elias Giannakopoulos, Pop Culture Unplugged — your home for exclusive film and TV conversations with today’s most exciting voices.