IT: Welcome to Derry – A Terrifying Return to Stephen King’s Haunted Universe

Get ready to float back into the chilling world of Stephen King with IT: Welcome to Derry, an upcoming HBO Max horror series that promises to unravel the sinister origins of Pennywise the Dancing Clown. Set to premiere in October 2025, this nine-episode prequel to the blockbuster IT (2017) and IT Chapter Two (2019) films dives deep into the cursed town of Derry, Maine, delivering a bone-chilling blend of heart, horror, and humanity. Developed by IT filmmakers Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs, and featuring Bill Skarsgård’s haunting return as Pennywise, this HBO Original is poised to be a must-watch for horror fans and King enthusiasts alike.

A Glimpse into Derry’s Dark Past

Set in the 1960s, IT: Welcome to Derry takes viewers back 27 years before the events of the 2017 IT film, exploring the early terrors of Pennywise and the tragic history of Derry. Drawing from the “interludes” in Stephen King’s 1986 novel IT, the series delves into pivotal events like the burning of the Black Spot, a nightclub torched by white supremacists under Pennywise’s malevolent influence, as recounted by Mike Hanlon’s father in the book. This original story expands the cosmic horror of King’s universe, offering fresh insight into the extradimensional entity that feeds on fear—especially the fear of children.

The series introduces a new cast of characters, both young and adult, who confront the growing darkness in Derry. From kids riding bikes through foggy streets to adults uncovering the town’s grim secrets, the show captures the coming-of-age horror that made King’s novel a classic, while connecting to broader King-verse elements, including a nod to The Shining through Chris Chalk’s role as Dick Hallorann. Expect familiar imagery—red balloons, storm drains, and Pennywise’s sinister grin—paired with new terrors that will leave you checking under your bed.

A Stellar Cast and Creative Team

IT: Welcome to Derry boasts a talented ensemble, including Jovan Adepo (Watchmen) as Leroy Hanlon, Taylour Paige (Zola), Chris Chalk (Perry Mason), James Remar (Dexter), Stephen Rider (Daredevil), and Madeleine Stowe (Revenge) in a recurring role. Bill Skarsgård reprises his iconic role as Pennywise, bringing back the “hardcore” intensity that made his performance unforgettable, despite initial hesitation due to the role’s demanding nature.

Behind the scenes, Andy Muschietti directs four episodes, including the premiere, infusing the series with the same eerie visual flair that grossed over $1.1 billion for the IT films. Alongside co-showrunners Jason Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane, and executive producer Barbara Muschietti, the team is committed to honoring King’s vision. As the Muschiettis shared, “As teenagers, we took turns reading IT until the paperback fell apart. We can’t wait to share the depths of Steve’s novel, in all its heart, humor, humanity, and horror.” Stephen King himself endorses the project, excited to see Derry’s haunting legacy continue.

Why You Can’t Miss It

IT: Welcome to Derry is more than a prequel—it’s a deep dive into the mythology of one of horror’s most iconic villains. The series promises “demented scares” and “terrifying” moments, blending gory storytelling with the emotional weight of Derry’s tragic past. Filmed in atmospheric locations like Port Hope and Hamilton, Ontario, the show captures the small-town dread of 1960s Maine, amplified by Pennywise’s shapeshifting terror.

HBO Max is pulling out all the stops for the launch, with a chilling trailer teasing kids facing supernatural horrors and a Shawshank Prison bus hinting at King-verse connections. Fans at San Diego Comic-Con 2025 got a sneak peek of the first 10 minutes, complete with free ice cream and Pennywise-themed pedicabs, building hype for the Halloween-season premiere. Whether you’re a lifelong King fan or new to Derry’s horrors, this series offers a fresh yet faithful expansion of IT’s legacy, with potential plans for future seasons exploring earlier eras like the 1930s Bradley Gang massacre and the 1908 Kitchener Ironworks explosion.

Join the Nightmare This October

IT: Welcome to Derry premieres on HBO and HBO Max in October 2025, perfectly timed for spooky season. With plans starting at $9.99/month, you can stream the series on HBO Max and immerse yourself in Derry’s nightmare-inducing world. Don’t miss the chance to uncover Pennywise’s origins and witness the terror that has haunted Derry for centuries. As the trailer warns, “This isn’t America, this is Derry.” Grab your red balloon and brace for a horrifying journey—Pennywise is waiting.

For more details, check out HBO Max or follow updates from San Diego Comic-Con. Stream IT and IT Chapter Two on platforms like Apple TV or Prime Video to prepare for your return to Derry