Bill Skarsgård, the famous actor known for his roles in horror films like It and Barbarian, has landed in some trouble. He was reportedly arrested at Stockholm’s Arlanda Airport last October on charges of drug possession. The authorities allegedly found approximately 2.5 grams of marijuana in his possession. However, the good news is that Skarsgård will not face jail time or probation. Instead, he was ordered to pay a significant fine of 40,000 Swedish krona, which is just under $4,000 USD.
Bill Skarsgård gained immense recognition for his portrayal of Pennywise the Clown in Stephen King’s It movies. He further solidified his status as a horror icon with the cult-hit film Hemlock Grove. Skarsgård’s career soared as he played the main antagonist in Barbarian and made appearances in popular franchises like John Wick 4 and Eternals. Now, he is returning to his horror roots, taking on the iconic roles of Eric Draven in The Crow remake and Count Orlok in the remake of the 1922 silent film, Nosferatu.
It may come as a surprise that Bill Skarsgård, a native of Sweden, was arrested under such charges. He hails from a renowned acting family that includes his brother Alexander Skarsgård (starring in Godzilla vs Kong) and father Stellan Skarsgård (known for his roles in Good Will Hunting and Mamma Mia!). Being familiar with Swedish laws, Skarsgård would have known that marijuana remains illegal for both medical and recreational use in the country. Sweden takes a strict stance on drug use, even for small amounts like 2.5 grams.
Bill Skarsgård is part of the prestigious Skarsgård acting family. His father, Stellan Skarsgård, is a veteran actor with an impressive filmography. Bill’s talented group of actor brothers includes Alexander Skarsgård, who is riding high after starring in Succession, and Gustaf Skarsgård, who recently appeared in Oppenheimer. Additionally, Bill has a sister named Eija Skarsgård who works as a model.