When it comes to the scariest character in It, most people immediately think of Pennywise the clown. However, the real nightmare on legs is Mrs. Kersh, the monstrous grandmother from the second part. And here's an unexpected twist: her name is a hidden reference to... Star Wars!
Where Did It All Start?
In 1980, Stephen King visited the set of The Empire Strikes Back while he was working on The Shining with Kubrick. There, he met Irvin Kershner, the director of the legendary Star Wars episode. The crew affectionately called him "Kersh," and this nickname left such an impression on King that he immortalized it in It.
Why Is Mrs. Kersh Scarier Than Pennywise?
-
She's not a clown — her deformities are all too real: a haggard old woman with dislocated joints and a face that looks like it’s "melted" from age.
-
Her home is a trap — Beverly enters an apartment where everything is wrong: the food is rotten, the photos in the albums move, and the old lady suddenly transforms into Pennywise.
-
She defies all laws of the human body — her movements resemble a broken doll, and her voice sounds like it’s coming from "under the ground."
How Does Star Wars Fit In?
Kershner directed the best episode of the saga (yes, the one where Luke loses his hand and Han is frozen in carbonite). Perhaps King subconsciously connected the creator of cosmic darkness with one of his most terrifying monsters.
Bonus Fact
Interestingly, actress Joan Gregson, who portrayed Mrs. Kersh, wasn’t aware of the Star Wars reference. But her performance was so chilling that now no one can hear the name "Kershner" without shuddering.
Now you know: when you hear "Kersh," it’s not only a great director but also a grandmother so terrifying even killer clowns run from her.
