When actor Kevin Allan Hess landed the role of a Shokopiwah holy man, in IT: Chapter Two, he reveled in being part of a production that resonated with fans. And now with an opportunity to play another role on HBO’s show IT: Welcome to Derry, which aired recently, it gave Hess an opportunity to continue being part of the popular horror franchise.
Hess, who has made his home in Brantford, explained about his role in It: Chapter Two, which was released in 2019.
“My wife’s been my agent since my original agent retired…she was the one that got me the audition for IT and lately she’s been doing it all for me when it comes to finding roles. But the funny thing is, neither of us even knew that it was IT: Chapter Two. It went under the code name Largo. I wasn’t given any details of what it was about when I auditioned…it was just me, someone from the casting team and a cameraman. They didn’t really give me anything to go on…only that I had to be scary, so what I chose to do was just look at them and stare. I froze, what seemed like five minutes…and I think I really frightened the lady… and they told me I was excellent,” he noted. “I found out that I got the role, yet still didn’t know who I was going to play. My wife then did some digging and pieced together that the project was actually IT. It took me a bit to really click in that I was going to be in this film that was associated with Stephen King’s novel.”
However, the actor recalled coming in for the first time to wardrobe and realizing all the actors that would be part of the film.
“I remember looking around at the names on the dressing rooms doors and seeing all the pictures of the actors like James McAvoy, Bill Skarsgård, Jessica Chastain, Isaiah Mustafa, and Bill Hader. And when I saw that my picture was right there with them…my heart swelled. I felt that I made it…being here on this film. That was one of the best things that’s happened to me in a while. And it was so great to be part of that production…working with Andy [Muschietti], Barbara [Muschietti] and other directors that came in…it was such an unforgettable experience which I will never forget,” he reflected.
He then explained his role in that film and trying to get into character.
“They initially said I was going to be like a medicine man. And I thought to myself….a medicine man is quiet and stoic. So, I figured that was more or less just going to me, because that’s the way I am. There really wasn’t too much preparation for the role though. I just went in and thought, ‘I’m going to just be myself.’ And that fit perfectly into what they envisioned for the character. In the movie, I was called a Shokopiwah holy man, and there was three of us, with the other characters played by Billy Merasty and Peter Commanda,” Hess noted. “And when we were doing our scene, I said my line which was: ‘All living things must abide by the laws of the shape they inhabit.’ Basically meaning, that Pennywise could be brought down to size, It could be taken out…and those main characters figured out to do that without having any fear of him, because that’s what he fed on.”
On the new series, It: Welcome to Derry, Hess would get an opportunity to play a different character.
“We found a casting for that, and sent my information to them, and right away, they called back because I was already a part of it before. Of this character, I would look older. My hair is gray, but when I was in It: Chapter Two, it was all dark. I wasn’t cast for the same character, but as Leo. I was cantankerous elderly person. So, the director told me not to smile…so, I practiced quite a bit on keeping a straight face. We read lines for a few weeks, and some of us actors would get together, who we’re going to be on the set at the same time, into the largest dressing room and rehearsed our lines together so that the scenes ran smoothly.”
The series developed by Andy and Barbara Muschietti as well as Jason Fuchs, was based on Stephen King’s 1986 novel It, and provided Hess with a create inspiration.
“His writing is amazing…because he can go from one area to a totally different one [and] really keeping the reader (and now the viewer) on their toes, [while] keeping the audience really thinking what’s going to come next. He has really inspired me [as] I’m working on a couple of screenplays and when I’m writing, I have found myself thinking about the way Stephen King would create a scene for example. He has a very rich imagination and touches on so many aspects of being a human, facing moments of horror, redemption or loss,” he said.
Nevertheless, an important element to emerge from the new show was having a larger indigenous representation, and that’s something that is important to Hess as he is part of the Bear Foot Onondaga of Six Nations.
“I really believe having indigenous representation on screen is a powerful tool. It shares our culture, traditions and languages worldwide. Many years ago, in film, indigenous people were portrayed by non-indigenous people but times have changed and indigenous people are represented authentically now. Both directors and producers have been working closely with indigenous people to ensure that the culture and beliefs are displayed properly [and] showing much respect to our people and our ways of life,” Hess explained. “Having such a large group of indigenous people on the set of the IT series was a very proud moment for our people. To be included in a major motion picture opens doors far & wide for our people to become more involved in many aspects of film and television as actor, producers or directors. The IT series had indigenous people come from all over the United States and Canada, with many coming from the Six Nations Reservation…and again it was a very proud moment for all to us to be included in this franchise.”
After the first season aired, from October to December 2025, the reaction has been very positive.
“From what I’m hearing, people are really loving the show. It’s a strong story, with lots of action, and jump scares too. But it starts back to how the entity, Pennywise, the clown, actually became evil. We see he was just a man that worked for a traveling circus played by Bill Skarsgård. But the entity actually drew him into the woods, taking him over,” Hess said. “I’ve read a lot to people’s comments online describing it as the best show….and obviously, the reaction has been great…seeing that it has broken records on HBO like being its biggest premieres in its history. From what I’ve gathered, because of this response, there are plans for a second and third season which will go further back in the story.”
One of the biggest highlights for Hess during production which started in the summer of 2024, with filming in Ontario, was working with his fellow actors.
“It was an amazing experience working with local actors like Jenna Clause, Colton Clause and Wayne Baker, who’s just constantly filming, [as well as] Kimberly Guerrero, who has been in many movies, and I believe lives in Los Angeles now. And Joshua O’Brien, who was also in the Long Walk, which is another film based on a Stephen King book and was recently released. Working with them was awesome and I enjoyed really getting to know them and meeting other people who were either in front of the camera or behind it,” he noted.
Hess also had an opportunity to once again work with Andy Muschietti, who directed It: Chapter One and Two and detailed how he respected his creative vision.
“I have noticed that he visualizes everything before it even happens. And when I have worked with Andy, I noticed that he’s very patient while being open to new ideas during the course of the production. He’s great to work with and there is youthful air to him…and you find that when he’s filming…he get’s very excited and passionate about what he’s doing,” Hess said. “Also, he lets you voice your ideas, even asking the actors’ input when it comes to the character they are playing. I have known many directors that are very intent on what they want to happen, but with Andy, while he still has his vision in mind, is quite laid back and always open to new ideas.”
During the last several years, Hess has also had a chance to work with someone close to him, who has helped him build his acting career.
“My wife Mindy and I have been together for almost 40 years, and for the last five years or so, she has been my agent. She’s great with computers and on her free time is looking for new roles for me, jumping to different sites…she will then show me a list she has made from her research and we will go over which roles that I would like to go after. And then she will start sending out resumes and headshots,” he said. “With her help…I’m hoping to get more variety…like action, [and] even dramatic roles. My number one thing, though, is horror which I love. I want to be known as the guy in all those scary movies. And I’m open to trying all different genres including comedy and crime movies or even TV shows. And of course, one of the most important goals for me is to make this into a career.”
Although the actor is continually looking for new roles, he is also working on other creative projects associated with film.
“While there aren’t any new roles I’m taking on at the moment, I’m concentrating on finishing up two screenplays, that I have been writing. All I can say is that they are in the horror genre, and I have a couple of producers who are waiting for them when they’re ready and want to take a look at them. It’s great having some connections that I have made through the years, and people that could open other doors for me,” he noted.
Nevertheless, the reaction to Hess’ growing body of work has been something the artist has relished.
“I get people recognizing me when I’m in stores all the time when I’m around town. People know who I am and others who have known me for a while, are just blown away how far I’ve gotten in my acting career. And it’s funny, because I’ve even ran into some people who sort of recognize me, but hesitate for a moment because of how differently I dress when I am at home and having my hair tied back….usually, I’m wearing a hat when I’m out,” Hess said. “I’ve also had people come up to me for autographs and wanting pictures with him at the grocery store or when I’m out…and I sometimes I think to myself, ‘You want a picture with me?’ It’s like I have to pinch myself because its so surreal. I’ve even sent out some autographed photos, and one as far as Tennessee. It was to a 13-year-old. He has cerebral palsy and autism, but he’s a big hit fan of the movie series. He happened to see me in It: Chapter Two, and then It: Welcome to Derry and also on the Six Nations paranormal series I did. Someone would eventually get a hold of me telling me about this young man [and] I ended up sending a few photos, autographs and even a happy birthday message to him which was very special.”
