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Derry Star's Strike Blessing: Deeper On-Screen Bonds
1 Dec
Summary
- Stephen Rider found unexpected benefits from the Hollywood strikes.
- The strike allowed actors to build genuine relationships off-camera.
- Production faced climate and logistical challenges post-strike.
The extensive Hollywood strikes of 2023 presented unique challenges for the production of IT: Welcome to Derry, but also yielded unexpected benefits for its cast. Actor Stephen Rider, who portrays Hank Grogan, revealed on a podcast that the work stoppage allowed him to cultivate a genuine, familial relationship with his on-screen daughter, played by Amanda Christine.
This period of downtime, characterized by virtual check-ins and conversations, enabled Rider and Christine to forge a bond that felt authentic and profound. Rider emphasized that this intimacy was crucial for their characters, particularly for building trust. The strike allowed their relationship to develop organically, moving beyond the confines of the script.
Co-creator Barbara Muschietti noted that nearly all of three episodes were filmed before production halted, leading to significant logistical hurdles. The show had to adapt to changing seasons, actor schedules, and the natural growth of the child actors, requiring creative solutions to maintain narrative continuity.
