“IT: Welcome to Derry” Is HBO Max’s Chilling New Dive Into Stephen King’s Darkest Town
Stephen King fans, brace yourselves—”IT: Welcome to Derry” is set to premiere this fall on HBO Max, bringing new chills to the eerie world of Derry, Maine. As a prequel to the IT films, the series dives into the origins of Pennywise and the deep-rooted fear that haunts the town.
“IT: Welcome to Derry” Premise
Bill Skarsgård reprises his iconic role as Pennywise the Dancing Clown, returning with the same unnerving presence that made him a horror icon. Set in the 1960s, the story follows a young couple (Taylour Paige and Jovan Adepo) and their son as they move to Derry—just as a local girl mysteriously disappears. Their arrival sets off a chain of events that unravels the town’s sinister history.
The Producers On Returning To “IT” Universe
“This is a book we love a lot, and we felt that there was still a lot of story to be covered,” said Andy Muschietti and his sister and producing partner Barbara Muschietti to Entertainment Weekly. “It’s so rich with characters and events, we thought we would do justice to the book and the fans by going back into this world.”
They explain that the series draws from the book’s “interludes”—Mike Hanlon’s interviews with older Derry residents that piece together Pennywise’s past. Welcome to Derry will explore familiar themes like friendship, loss, and the power of belief—but with a stronger focus on fear as a weapon. “It’s one of the things that is also relevant to our times,” they noted.
As always, it’s the kids of Derry who begin to sense something is wrong. Their innocence clashes with the town’s dark secrets as they uncover the truth. The show puts a spotlight on their unity and bravery in the face of unimaginable horror. With Andy and Barbara Muschietti leading the creative team and a strong cast that includes Chris Chalk, Madeleine Stowe, and Stephen Rider, the series promises to expand King’s universe while staying true to its roots.
“IT: Welcome to Derry” isn’t just more of the same—it’s a deeper dive into the mythology, fear, and emotional core of the story. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Derry, this series is shaping up to be a hauntingly good time.
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