Pennywise vs Hannibal Lecter
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VOICE OVER: Rebecca Brayton
WRITTEN BY: Nick Spake
Two iconic horror villains face off in this ultimate showdown! Watch as we compare the dancing demon clown from Derry against the sophisticated cannibal in five intense rounds. From their chilling backstories to their unforgettable performances, we'll determine which horror legend reigns supreme. We analyze their origins, killing methods, relationships with heroes, fear factor, and the legendary performances by Bill Skarsgård and Anthony Hopkins. Which terrifying villain would you bet on in a face-to-face encounter? Who do you think is the greatest? Share in the comments.
Pennywise vs. Hannibal Lecter
Welcome to WatchMojo, and in honor of the horror-thriller “Locked” starring Bill Skarsgård and Anthony Hopkins, we’re pitting together their iconic horror villains: Pennywise the Dancing Clown and Dr. Hannibal Lecter. There will be a few spoilers for the “It” and “Hannibal” movies.
Round One: Backstory
Underneath the ghastly makeup, Pennywise is something far more complex: an extraterrestrial entity that can take on a shape specifically tailored for its petrified prey. Of course, a creepy clown will usually do the trick, being Its go-to form. Arriving in Derry, Maine millions of years ago, the creature made its presence known with the arrival of humans, feeding on their fears. It then retreats into hibernation with the cycle repeated roughly every 27 years. While Its backstory sounds complicated, there’s a simplicity to the creature’s motivations and the universal fears It embodies. Although Its true form is clouded in mystery, the deadlights provide a glimpse of this pure evil.
While some versions of Hannibal Lecter provide deep dives into his backstory, Hopkins’ tenure mainly focuses on his life post-arrest. When audiences first met the serial killer in “The Silence of the Lambs,” Lecter was already incarcerated. Yet, it’s clear from his manner of speech that Lecter is a brilliant psychologist with a vast understanding of the human psyche. He may seem civilized if it weren’t for the whole cannibalism thing. Lecter’s cultured charm and status in high society allowed him to elude the authorities, even working with the FBI as a consultant. As seen at the beginning of “Red Dragon,” only one suspected Lecter, leading to his imprisonment… temporarily.
When it comes to Pennywise and Lecter, the less you know, the scarier. Although we’re given a fair deal of information about their origins, there’s an unknown element to Pennywise that makes the clown all the more terrifying. As such, It takes this round.
Pennywise 1 / Hannibal Lecter 0
Round Two: Dynamics with the Heroes
Pennywise likes to play with our heroes before striking. Sometimes, It might even strike up a friendly conversation, luring them into a false sense of security. The creature will show its true colors sooner than later, however. Pennywise terrorizes each member of the Losers Club, but the clown’s dynamic with Bill Denbrough feels the most personal, having killed his little brother. To each self-proclaimed Loser, though, Pennywise is the epitome of childhood trauma, which carries into adulthood. After defeating Pennywise once, the Losers vow to return if It ever resurfaces. When that inevitably happens, the wounds of the past are ripped back open, having never truly healed.
Will Graham is the FBI agent who initially put Lecter behind bars. Years later, Graham finds himself stuck between an incarcerated Lecter and another serial killer, the Tooth Fairy. To catch one monster, Graham turns to Lecter. The doctor walks a fine line between friend and foe, manipulating matters even when locked up. The same can be said about his relationship with Clarice Starling, who’s tracking down Buffalo Bill. Lecter is less threatening toward Clarice. You might say he’s infatuated with her, which is equally creepy. Following the doctor’s advice, Clarice catches Bill, but Lecter escapes, sending the FBI agent on another manhunt.
Between these two killers, Lecter’s dynamics with the heroes possess deeper layers. Part of that’s because he spends much of the movies talking to them behind glass. That might not sound scary, but when Hannibal Lecter is doing the talking, every word creeps up your spine like a spider. Point Lecter!
Pennywise 1 / Hannibal Lecter 1
Round Three: Fear Factor
In addition to more conventional monsters like zombies, witches, and - naturally - clowns, It takes on forms with close ties to victims. In Bill’s case, it’s his late brother Georgie, symbolizing the guilt that eats away at him. To that degree, It mixes psychological dread with the supernatural, making our worst fears manifest into a physical form. It needs to frighten and kill to endure. Based on Pennywise’s over-the-top antics, though, you also get the sense that It enjoys spreading misery. Thus, this isn’t just about survival. The children of Derry are a banquet, and Pennywise is all too happy to feast upon them.
In “Silence of the Lambs,” Frederick Chilton describes what Lecter did to a nurse, showing Clarice a photo. Although we don’t see the picture, Chilton’s words and the look on Clarice’s face paint a grisly image in our heads. The film is a true feat of suspense, largely relying on the power of suggestion. Lecter might be locked up for much of the story. Yet, it still feels as if he has a grasp on everybody in his orbit. He’s a puppetmaster waiting for the precise moment to strike. When he does, Lecter lives up to his reputation, proving himself to be equally crafty and grotesque.
The unknown will always be unnerving, but the older we get, the more we fear evil grounded in reality. In this case, that’s definitely Lecter. Another point with some fava beans.
Pennywise 1 / Hannibal Lecter 2
Round Four: Methods of Killing
As Pennywise, It may lure the innocent with a goofy grin and promises of fun, eventually leaning in for a bite. Every scare is an extravagant production, although some might question why Pennywise takes its time when going straight for the kill seems more practical. The hunt is just as integral, however. The longer a potential victim spends marinating in fear, the more gratifying and appetizing the murder will be. Pennywise can act through others as well, influencing vulnerable souls like Henry Bowers to carry out Its bidding. The more people who believe in Pennywise, the more powerful It becomes.
Like Pennywise, Hannibal Lecter brings showmanship to the murders he commits. Killing isn’t enough to satisfy his literal hunger. He prefers to eat his victims, although he doesn’t just gobble up their brains like some kind of animal. Lecter will prepare them into a meal that - as much as we hate to admit it - looks appetizing assuming you don’t know the ingredients. He’ll dress formally for the occasion as well. Even when making an escape with the clock ticking, Lecter relishes in the lives he takes along the way, decorating the crime scene with their bodies while listening to classical music.
Although both killers get high marks for presentation, Its ability to alter shape opens the door to more creative possibilities. That’s a point for Pennywise.
Pennywise 2 / Hannibal Lecter 2
Round Five: Performance
Bill Skarsgård had big clown shoes to fill as Pennywise, following in the footsteps of Tim Curry. Where Curry’s Pennywise leaned more into the clown angle, Skarsgård upped the scares. That’s not to say Skarsgård’s Pennywise is lacking in humor. The minute the viewer hears that whimsically sinister voice, their instinct is to uncomfortably laugh in horror. We can’t think of a more fitting sentiment for a killer clown. Beyond the voice, Skarsgård brings boundless energy to the role, proving emotive even when hidden under layers of makeup. Pennywise was already a horror icon, but Skarsgård solidified himself as the definitive dancing clown.
Just as Skarsgård wasn’t the first actor to play Pennywise, Brian Cox portrayed Hannibal Lecter before Anthony Hopkins sank his teeth into the role. That said, Hopkins ate up the part, not even leaving a crumb behind. Hopkins balanced wit, sophistication, and terror as Hannibal the Cannibal, convincingly going from a well-spoken gentleman to an unhinged madman in an instant. Although Lecter isn’t on screen for long, Hopkins casts a shadow that looms over every picture he’s in. The shadow has extended to other portrayals of Lecter. While there have been worthy successors to the role, Hopkins’ Oscar-winning performance remains the one to beat.
Both of these performances have already gone down as two of the scariest in cinema. However, Hopkins didn’t just set a gold standard for Hannibal Lecter. He raised the bar for movie villains and few - if any - have come close to leaving the same impact. Lecter takes this round for the win.
Pennywise 2 / Hannibal Lecter 3
Do you think Pennywise could scar Hannibal Lecter or vice versa? Are you looking forward to seeing Skarsgård and Hopkins in “Locked?” Let us know in the comments.
Welcome to WatchMojo, and in honor of the horror-thriller “Locked” starring Bill Skarsgård and Anthony Hopkins, we’re pitting together their iconic horror villains: Pennywise the Dancing Clown and Dr. Hannibal Lecter. There will be a few spoilers for the “It” and “Hannibal” movies.
Round One: Backstory
Underneath the ghastly makeup, Pennywise is something far more complex: an extraterrestrial entity that can take on a shape specifically tailored for its petrified prey. Of course, a creepy clown will usually do the trick, being Its go-to form. Arriving in Derry, Maine millions of years ago, the creature made its presence known with the arrival of humans, feeding on their fears. It then retreats into hibernation with the cycle repeated roughly every 27 years. While Its backstory sounds complicated, there’s a simplicity to the creature’s motivations and the universal fears It embodies. Although Its true form is clouded in mystery, the deadlights provide a glimpse of this pure evil.
While some versions of Hannibal Lecter provide deep dives into his backstory, Hopkins’ tenure mainly focuses on his life post-arrest. When audiences first met the serial killer in “The Silence of the Lambs,” Lecter was already incarcerated. Yet, it’s clear from his manner of speech that Lecter is a brilliant psychologist with a vast understanding of the human psyche. He may seem civilized if it weren’t for the whole cannibalism thing. Lecter’s cultured charm and status in high society allowed him to elude the authorities, even working with the FBI as a consultant. As seen at the beginning of “Red Dragon,” only one suspected Lecter, leading to his imprisonment… temporarily.
When it comes to Pennywise and Lecter, the less you know, the scarier. Although we’re given a fair deal of information about their origins, there’s an unknown element to Pennywise that makes the clown all the more terrifying. As such, It takes this round.
Pennywise 1 / Hannibal Lecter 0
Round Two: Dynamics with the Heroes
Pennywise likes to play with our heroes before striking. Sometimes, It might even strike up a friendly conversation, luring them into a false sense of security. The creature will show its true colors sooner than later, however. Pennywise terrorizes each member of the Losers Club, but the clown’s dynamic with Bill Denbrough feels the most personal, having killed his little brother. To each self-proclaimed Loser, though, Pennywise is the epitome of childhood trauma, which carries into adulthood. After defeating Pennywise once, the Losers vow to return if It ever resurfaces. When that inevitably happens, the wounds of the past are ripped back open, having never truly healed.
Will Graham is the FBI agent who initially put Lecter behind bars. Years later, Graham finds himself stuck between an incarcerated Lecter and another serial killer, the Tooth Fairy. To catch one monster, Graham turns to Lecter. The doctor walks a fine line between friend and foe, manipulating matters even when locked up. The same can be said about his relationship with Clarice Starling, who’s tracking down Buffalo Bill. Lecter is less threatening toward Clarice. You might say he’s infatuated with her, which is equally creepy. Following the doctor’s advice, Clarice catches Bill, but Lecter escapes, sending the FBI agent on another manhunt.
Between these two killers, Lecter’s dynamics with the heroes possess deeper layers. Part of that’s because he spends much of the movies talking to them behind glass. That might not sound scary, but when Hannibal Lecter is doing the talking, every word creeps up your spine like a spider. Point Lecter!
Pennywise 1 / Hannibal Lecter 1
Round Three: Fear Factor
In addition to more conventional monsters like zombies, witches, and - naturally - clowns, It takes on forms with close ties to victims. In Bill’s case, it’s his late brother Georgie, symbolizing the guilt that eats away at him. To that degree, It mixes psychological dread with the supernatural, making our worst fears manifest into a physical form. It needs to frighten and kill to endure. Based on Pennywise’s over-the-top antics, though, you also get the sense that It enjoys spreading misery. Thus, this isn’t just about survival. The children of Derry are a banquet, and Pennywise is all too happy to feast upon them.
In “Silence of the Lambs,” Frederick Chilton describes what Lecter did to a nurse, showing Clarice a photo. Although we don’t see the picture, Chilton’s words and the look on Clarice’s face paint a grisly image in our heads. The film is a true feat of suspense, largely relying on the power of suggestion. Lecter might be locked up for much of the story. Yet, it still feels as if he has a grasp on everybody in his orbit. He’s a puppetmaster waiting for the precise moment to strike. When he does, Lecter lives up to his reputation, proving himself to be equally crafty and grotesque.
The unknown will always be unnerving, but the older we get, the more we fear evil grounded in reality. In this case, that’s definitely Lecter. Another point with some fava beans.
Pennywise 1 / Hannibal Lecter 2
Round Four: Methods of Killing
As Pennywise, It may lure the innocent with a goofy grin and promises of fun, eventually leaning in for a bite. Every scare is an extravagant production, although some might question why Pennywise takes its time when going straight for the kill seems more practical. The hunt is just as integral, however. The longer a potential victim spends marinating in fear, the more gratifying and appetizing the murder will be. Pennywise can act through others as well, influencing vulnerable souls like Henry Bowers to carry out Its bidding. The more people who believe in Pennywise, the more powerful It becomes.
Like Pennywise, Hannibal Lecter brings showmanship to the murders he commits. Killing isn’t enough to satisfy his literal hunger. He prefers to eat his victims, although he doesn’t just gobble up their brains like some kind of animal. Lecter will prepare them into a meal that - as much as we hate to admit it - looks appetizing assuming you don’t know the ingredients. He’ll dress formally for the occasion as well. Even when making an escape with the clock ticking, Lecter relishes in the lives he takes along the way, decorating the crime scene with their bodies while listening to classical music.
Although both killers get high marks for presentation, Its ability to alter shape opens the door to more creative possibilities. That’s a point for Pennywise.
Pennywise 2 / Hannibal Lecter 2
Round Five: Performance
Bill Skarsgård had big clown shoes to fill as Pennywise, following in the footsteps of Tim Curry. Where Curry’s Pennywise leaned more into the clown angle, Skarsgård upped the scares. That’s not to say Skarsgård’s Pennywise is lacking in humor. The minute the viewer hears that whimsically sinister voice, their instinct is to uncomfortably laugh in horror. We can’t think of a more fitting sentiment for a killer clown. Beyond the voice, Skarsgård brings boundless energy to the role, proving emotive even when hidden under layers of makeup. Pennywise was already a horror icon, but Skarsgård solidified himself as the definitive dancing clown.
Just as Skarsgård wasn’t the first actor to play Pennywise, Brian Cox portrayed Hannibal Lecter before Anthony Hopkins sank his teeth into the role. That said, Hopkins ate up the part, not even leaving a crumb behind. Hopkins balanced wit, sophistication, and terror as Hannibal the Cannibal, convincingly going from a well-spoken gentleman to an unhinged madman in an instant. Although Lecter isn’t on screen for long, Hopkins casts a shadow that looms over every picture he’s in. The shadow has extended to other portrayals of Lecter. While there have been worthy successors to the role, Hopkins’ Oscar-winning performance remains the one to beat.
Both of these performances have already gone down as two of the scariest in cinema. However, Hopkins didn’t just set a gold standard for Hannibal Lecter. He raised the bar for movie villains and few - if any - have come close to leaving the same impact. Lecter takes this round for the win.
Pennywise 2 / Hannibal Lecter 3
Do you think Pennywise could scar Hannibal Lecter or vice versa? Are you looking forward to seeing Skarsgård and Hopkins in “Locked?” Let us know in the comments.
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