HBO’s IT: Welcome to Derry has quickly become one of the most talked-about series of the fall, expanding Stephen King’s terrifying universe with a haunting look at how Pennywise’s evil first took root. Among the standout young cast members is Jack Molloy Legault, who plays Phil, a fast-talking, high-energy teen whose sarcasm and curiosity often put him right in the middle of Derry’s darkest secrets.
Recently, Jack joined Pop Culture Unplugged to share how he landed the role, what it’s been like seeing the fan reactions roll in, and why his time filming IT: Welcome to Derry has been “the biggest thing” he’s ever done.
A Surreal Breakthrough
Jack describes the experience as “crazy and surreal,” reflecting on how much his life has changed since the show premiered.
“It’s so exciting because this is the biggest thing I’ve ever been in,” he said. “Seeing all this stuff on social media and how much people love it—it’s just surreal.”
The young actor admitted that the excitement hasn’t worn off yet.
“Honestly, I’ve had trouble sleeping because I’m so hyped all the time. I keep wondering, what’s my next opportunity?”
Auditioning for ‘Phil’
Jack’s journey to Derry started with a self-tape audition that almost slipped through the cracks.
“It was a self-tape back in December, and I didn’t hear back for months,” he recalled. “Then suddenly, I got the call—they wanted me to play Phil. I couldn’t believe it.”
Initially, the project was disguised under a code name—Fairview—and he had no idea it was connected to the IT universe until much later.
“When I found out it was IT: Welcome to Derry, it completely blew my mind.”
Defining Phil: Energy, Humor, and Humanity
Phil is the comedic heartbeat of the show—a conspiracy-loving, motor-mouthed teen who brings levity to the horror. Jack found the role came naturally.
“Phil’s full of manic energy and sarcasm,” he said. “He’s always excited, always talking about aliens and wild theories. Honestly, I was just being myself—just a little more turned up.”
Still, there’s depth beneath the humor.
“Phil masks his fear with jokes,” Jack explained. “He doesn’t want to face what’s really happening in Derry, so he convinces himself it’s all make-believe. That denial is part of what makes him human.”
Working With His Sister Matilda
One of the most heartwarming parts of Jack’s Welcome to Derry experience has been working alongside his real-life sister, Matilda Molloy Legault, who plays Phil’s younger sister, Susie.
“It was amazing having her there,” he said. “She was only eight on set, but she was so mature and confident. It didn’t feel like she was tagging along—it felt like she was part of the cast.”
He admitted to being protective of her during some of the show’s more frightening scenes.
“It’s a scary world in Derry, and I didn’t want her to get freaked out. But she handled it like a pro.”
Stepping Into 1960s Derry
The series’ period setting added another layer of authenticity for the young actor.
“The 1960s set pieces were incredible,” Jack said. “All the extras were dressed in perfect period clothes. You really felt like you were in 1962 Derry, Maine.”
He even decided to keep his new haircut after filming wrapped.
“They told me I had to cut my hair for the role, and I’ve kept it ever since. I call it my ‘60s cut,’” he joked.
Balancing Humor and Horror
Despite the supernatural chaos, Jack says the mix of scares and humor is what makes IT: Welcome to Derry special.
“I hope the audience gets scared out of their minds—but also laughs,” he said. “It’s terrifying, but the comedy makes it real. You care about the characters because they feel human.”
Looking Ahead
As Welcome to Derry continues to gain traction, Jack is grateful for the journey and hopeful for what’s next.
“This role changed everything for me,” he said. “I’d love to be part of the DC Universe someday. What James Gunn is doing with the DCU—I think it’s fantastic.”
Before wrapping the interview, Elias told Jack what many fans are already thinking: “We’ve got to get you back on the show.”
And with the buzz around IT: Welcome to Derry still growing, that return might be sooner than anyone expects.