AceShowbiz -

Jessica Chastain may join the "It" sequel. Following fans' campaign for the Academy Award-nominated actress to star in the follow-up to the 2017 hit horror movie, she is now reportedly in negotiations to play the adult version of Beverly, who was portrayed by Sophia Lillis in the first movie.

According to Variety which first reported the news, "negotiations are early and that the script is still being worked on, but both sides have officially begun discussing her coming on to the project." Director Andy Muschietti, who will return for the sequel, previously said that Chastain would be perfect to play the grown-up Beverly.

The red-haired beauty has worked with Muschietti and producer Barbara Muschietti on 2013's horror film "Mama", which has become his first studio hit. Back in November, the 40-year-old star expressed interest in working with the two filmmakers for the "It" sequel.

"Well, I love Andy and Barbara. I worked with them on Andy's directorial debut, you know, his film, 'Mama'. His first film. And you know, Barbara is one of my best friends so...," she told Screen Rant. "Anything that they're doing, I want to be a part of, so I hope we can make it happen."

In the "It" sequel, the Losers return to the town of Derry, 27 years after events in the first movie, following the death of one of their own. Andy Muschietti said the kids would still appear in the sequel as memories of the adult versions. His sister Barbara chimed in, "They are an important component in the next film," adding that they need to shoot the movie soon because the kids are growing very fast.

Andy also stressed that the kid elements in the next movie wouldn't be just brief throwbacks, but "they're a very big part of the action."

"It 2" is scheduled to be released in the U.S. on September 6, 2019. While the child actors have not been confirmed to return, Bill Skarsgard is expected to reprise his role as the bloodthirsty clown named Pennywise. Gary Dauberman is tapped to write the script.