Just in time for Halloween, HBO released its new adaptation of Stephen King’s IT. In this new form, IT: Welcome to Derry is scheduled to have eight episodes, and is set in 1962 in Derry, Maine. Two of the stars of this new series are Valley residents: Jack Molloy Legault and Matilda Legault.
Jack (15) and Matilda (10) are real-life siblings who are now playing onscreen siblings.. Matilda says, “I had a great time working with my brother, because it was the first project that I’ve done with my brother and it was so much fun.” Since the show is a horror show, there were some scary moments and sensitive subject matter on set, and she adds that it was a comfort to have her big brother there. “He was protective, and would ask ‘Are you sure, is it going to be too scary?’” so she felt well taken care of. Jack says he is “really proud” of his sister and her ability to hang out with the teenagers on set.
Since the show’s release, both Matilda and Jack have been receiving a lot of attention. Matilda shares that now that the show is finally airing, it “feels surreal.” She adds, “I’m just so excited that everyone is going to see the project, they’re going to see my face, and all of my friends were so excited for me. And I’m so excited for my family to see me on TV!”
She is grateful that the community has been so supportive. She and Jack have both been receiving many nice messages online and lots of attention from peers and teachers at school.
Both siblings are working actors who are always developing their skills and preparing for the next role. Matilda says that “Actors are always working. I dance two times per week, and I’m in an award-winning choir with all of my siblings … We just have a lot of fun together, and there will be more auditions coming up.” Their mother, actor Erika Rosenbaum, adds, “Every audition is a way to practice your craft,” and they are trying to be well rounded actors. They are all very excited to see what comes next.
IT: Welcome to Derry premiered on October 26 and is being released weekly for eight weeks. It can be streamed on HBO or on Amazon Prime.