IT: Welcome to Derry (2025)
IT: Welcome to Derry (2025) is one of the most anticipated horror-drama series of the year, blending supernatural horror, psychological drama, and period mystery. Developed by Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti and Jason Fuchs, and starring Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, James Remar, Madeleine Stowe, and Bill Skarsgård, this English-language series is scheduled for release in October 2025 on HBO.
Movie Overview[]
IT: Welcome to Derry is a prequel television series set in the eerie fictional town of Derry, Maine, taking place in 1962—27 years before the events depicted in the 2017 film IT. Based on Stephen King’s novel It, the story draws from the “interludes” in the book and centers around the Satanic influence of Pennywise during darker, hidden moments of town history. The first season spans nine episodes, directed in part by Andy Muschietti and written by Jason Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane. The plot unfolds through a hidden tragedy known as “The Black Spot”—a nightclub arson tied to racial violence and supernatural terror that sets off a haunting chain of events. The series reportedly spans multiple seasons, each exploring a different era of Pennywise’s legacy backward in time.([turn0search26]; [turn0news24]; [turn0search12])
Attribute Details[]
- Title [IT: Welcome to Derry]
- Genre [Supernatural Horror, Drama, Mystery]
- Language [English]
- Release Date [October 2025 on HBO in the United States; nine-episode first season]([turn0search26]; [turn0news25])
- Developer / Director [Developed by Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, Jason Fuchs; Andy Muschietti directs first four episodes]([turn0search26]; [turn0search30])
- Writer(s) & Showrunners [Jason Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane as co-showrunners; story by Andy & Barbara Muschietti and Jason Fuchs]([turn0search2]; [turn0search26])
Creative Team
The series reunites the acclaimed team behind the recent IT films—Andy and Barbara Muschietti (Double Dream), alongside Jason Fuchs. Co-showrunners Jason Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane steer the series narrative, with executive producers including Bill Skarsgård, Roy Lee, Dan Lin, Shelley Meals, and more, ensuring a continuation of the films’ creative vision.([turn0search26]; [turn0search2])
Cast & Characters
The ensemble cast features Taylour Paige as Charlotte Hanlon, Jovan Adepo as Leroy Hanlon, Chris Chalk as Dick Hallorann, James Remar, Stephen Rider, Madeleine Stowe, Rudy Mancuso, and notably Bill Skarsgård returning as Pennywise. Their portrayal brings fresh faces and familiar terror to Derry’s darkest days.([turn0search26]; [turn0news25])
Setting & Premise
Set in 1962, the storyline follows a family’s arrival in Derry, Maine—coinciding with the disappearance of a local child and the rise of malevolent forces tied to Pennywise. The narrative dives into King’s novel interludes, including the Black Spot nightclub arson and other buried horrors of Derry’s past.([turn0search26]; [turn0news24]; [turn0search12])
Production & Filming
Principal photography began in May 2023 in Ontario (Toronto, Hamilton, Port Hope) under the working title *Greetings from Fairview*. Production paused due to the SAG-AFTRA strike and resumed to wrap by August 2024. Filming includes scenes in schools, streets, and period-set locales to build a faithful, atmospheric take on 1960s Derry.([turn0search26]; [turn0search30])
Episodes & Format
The first season will include nine episodes, capturing the noir-horror tone and detailed scope—so grand it’s been described by producers as nearly “eight movies in terms of quality and ambition.” Longer-term plans include three seasons, each centered on separate historical horrors in Derry: 1962 (season one), then moving backward into 1935 and 1908.([turn0search12]; [turn0search26]; [turn0search10])
Music & Score
Composer Benjamin Wallfisch—who scored the previous *IT* films—returns to craft the series’ eerily haunting music. His involvement promises a rich, emotionally evocative soundscape that bridges these chapters with the established cinematic tone.([turn0search30])
Release & Platform
IT: Welcome to Derry will premiere on HBO (and likely HBO Max) in October 2025, timed for the Halloween-adjacent season to maximize suspense and fan engagement. The full nine-episode season will arrive at once or in weekly installments.([turn0search26]; [turn0news25]; [turn0news23])
Marketing & First Looks
Early promotional materials, including teaser trailers, have invoked Derry’s chilling atmosphere—bloody streets, balloons, and children’s bikes—underscoring a Cold War-era aesthetic. First-look images highlight key scenes like the Black Spot fire and haunting portraits of Bill Skarsgård’s Pennywise alongside the new cast. The teaser was previewed at San Diego Comic-Con 2025 to build buzz.([turn0news24]; [turn0news22]; [turn0news21])
Why This Prequel Matters
This series offers fans a deeper exploration of Derry’s haunted past, expanding the *IT* universe by adapting long-omitted interludes and introducing new characters amid historical tragedy. With the original creative team and Skarsgård’s iconic performance returning, the show promises authenticity and emotional continuity for both new viewers and loyal fans.([turn0news24]; [turn0search26])
Fan Reception & Expectations
Online reactions have been enthusiastic. Reddit users describe the series as “eight movies in quality,” reflecting high expectations. The blend of social horror, historical drama, and supernatural dread suggests *Welcome to Derry* may redefine modern horror storytelling.([turn0search10])
Looking Ahead
If successful, *Welcome to Derry* could continue as a three-season saga, tracing Pennywise’s origins back in time and expanding into new eras of terror. The series’ backward storytelling structure also positions it as a bold take on horror prequels.
The Chilling Atmosphere of Derry
The fictional town of Derry has always been a character in itself within Stephen King’s universe. In IT: Welcome to Derry, the town’s eerie streets, hidden tunnels, and unsettling history are brought to life with greater depth. The series explores how the town’s residents are trapped in cycles of fear, often manipulated by Pennywise. This haunting atmosphere is expected to be one of the strongest elements of the series.
The Role of Fear as a Central Theme
Fear has always been Pennywise’s greatest weapon, and this series digs deeper into how terror shapes communities. By feeding on the darkest insecurities of its characters, the show reveals how fear divides people and creates lasting trauma. This central theme not only stays true to King’s novel but also resonates with modern audiences who understand the power of collective dread.
Introducing New Characters
Unlike the films, which focused primarily on the Losers’ Club, Welcome to Derry introduces new characters central to the town’s 1960s era. Families like the Hanlons and others living through racial and social struggles will provide fresh perspectives on how Pennywise influences Derry. These characters expand the mythology while ensuring the story remains relatable and grounded in human drama.
The Importance of Time Period Setting
By setting the series in the 1960s, the creators tap into a turbulent period of American history. The Civil Rights Movement, social unrest, and cultural shifts provide a meaningful backdrop that intertwines with Derry’s supernatural horrors. This adds realism and depth, making the fear in Welcome to Derry more impactful and socially relevant.
The Visual Design of Pennywise
Bill Skarsgård’s Pennywise has already become an iconic horror figure, but the prequel takes his design further. Costumes, makeup, and CGI enhancements are crafted to highlight his otherworldly nature while preserving the unsettling clown persona. Audiences can expect terrifying new forms of Pennywise that reflect his shape-shifting abilities and psychological manipulation tactics.
The Music and Soundtrack
Sound design plays a huge role in building suspense, and Welcome to Derry emphasizes this with a chilling score. The music, paired with unnerving sound effects, elevates tension during key moments. Subtle auditory cues such as distant laughter, whispers, or sudden silences are used strategically to keep viewers on edge throughout the series.
The Creative Team Behind the Series
The series is developed by Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs, ensuring continuity with the IT films. With Andy Muschietti serving as executive producer and directing multiple episodes, fans can expect the same style of horror that made the movies successful. Their involvement guarantees that Welcome to Derry feels like an authentic expansion of the cinematic universe.
The Legacy of Stephen King’s Work
Stephen King’s influence on modern horror cannot be overstated, and Welcome to Derry is a testament to his legacy. By expanding on a story that has terrified generations, the series ensures that new audiences experience the enduring impact of King’s imagination. At the same time, it introduces new interpretations that deepen the lore and keep the narrative fresh.
The Role of Family and Community
While Pennywise thrives on isolating victims through fear, the series also highlights the strength of family and community bonds. Characters like the Hanlons demonstrate how unity and courage can counteract terror. This theme of resilience adds an emotional core to the series, reminding viewers that horror stories often reveal the best and worst of humanity.
What Makes This Prequel Unique
Unlike many horror prequels that rehash familiar tropes, Welcome to Derry sets itself apart by blending supernatural horror with real-world social themes. Its combination of terrifying scares, historical context, and character-driven storytelling makes it stand out as more than just another monster tale. Instead, it becomes a reflection of both human fear and societal struggles.
The Origins of Derry’s Curse
One of the most intriguing mysteries the series aims to uncover is why Derry seems cursed. Generations of residents have faced tragedy, disappearances, and violence, all tied to Pennywise’s presence. By exploring this origin, the show deepens the mythology of Stephen King’s universe, adding chilling explanations for the evil that lurks beneath the surface.
The Connection to the Losers’ Club
While the Losers’ Club won’t play a direct role in Welcome to Derry, the series lays the groundwork for their eventual battle decades later. Mentions of families and locations tied to the Losers provide subtle connections that strengthen continuity with the films. These ties make the prequel essential viewing for fans who want the complete story.
How Pennywise Manipulates Reality
One of Pennywise’s most terrifying powers is his ability to distort reality. The series demonstrates how illusions, hallucinations, and mind games trap his victims in states of pure terror. By showcasing this ability in new and creative ways, the show emphasizes why Pennywise is not just a monster but a master manipulator of fear itself.
The Psychological Horror Approach
Rather than relying solely on jump scares, Welcome to Derry uses psychological horror to unsettle viewers. The tension builds gradually as characters question their sanity, their neighbors, and even their own memories. This layered storytelling creates dread that lingers long after the screen fades to black.
Exploring the Sewer System
The sewers of Derry have always been Pennywise’s lair, and this series expands on their labyrinth-like nature. The tunnels are not just physical spaces but also symbolic pathways into darkness and fear. By spending more time in these underground chambers, the show heightens claustrophobic horror and reinforces Derry’s hidden dangers.
The Influence of Stephen King’s Multiverse
King’s multiverse connects many of his works, and Welcome to Derry embraces this concept by weaving in Easter eggs. References to the Overlook Hotel or other King towns suggest that Derry’s evil is not isolated. These subtle nods reward loyal fans while enriching the show’s mythology.
Character Backstories and Development
Unlike the films, the series has time to fully explore the backstories of key characters. Viewers learn about their fears, traumas, and motivations before Pennywise exploits them. This emotional investment makes the horror more impactful, as audiences witness how personal struggles intertwine with supernatural terror.
The Balance of Horror and Drama
At its heart, Welcome to Derry is not just about scares—it is also a gripping drama about families, prejudice, and survival. The balance between horror and human storytelling ensures that the series resonates on multiple levels. This duality makes the show appealing to both horror fans and viewers who appreciate character-driven plots.
The Role of Childhood Innocence
Stephen King often contrasts childhood innocence with unspeakable evil, and the series continues this theme. Children in Derry symbolize hope, curiosity, and purity, yet they are also Pennywise’s primary targets. This contrast heightens the terror, reminding audiences that evil preys most on the vulnerable.
Anticipation for Future Seasons
Although Welcome to Derry focuses on the 1960s, its rich mythology leaves room for additional seasons. Future storylines may explore different eras in Derry’s history, each revealing new horrors and victims. This potential for expansion ensures that the series could become a long-lasting cornerstone of Stephen King adaptations.
The Symbolism of Pennywise’s Forms
Pennywise takes on many shapes throughout the series, each representing a character’s deepest fear. These transformations are not random; they are symbolic reflections of trauma, guilt, and vulnerability. By highlighting this symbolism, Welcome to Derry gives audiences a deeper understanding of how fear manifests differently for each individual.
Historical Events Weaved Into Horror
Set in the 1960s, the series cleverly weaves real-world historical events into its narrative. Civil Rights struggles, political unrest, and cultural changes serve as backdrops for Derry’s supernatural horrors. This blending of history and fiction grounds the series in reality, making its scares all the more disturbing.
The Town of Derry as a Living Entity
In many ways, Derry feels alive, as if the town itself conspires with Pennywise. From ignored disappearances to collective denial, the community’s strange behavior suggests a dark influence. Welcome to Derry explores this unsettling concept, making the town as terrifying as the monster it harbors.
The Role of Trauma Across Generations
The series emphasizes how trauma does not vanish with time—it passes down through generations. Families in Derry struggle with inherited fears and unresolved losses that link directly to Pennywise’s cycles of terror. This intergenerational horror adds depth to the storytelling, showing that fear has a long-lasting ripple effect.
Visual Storytelling and Cinematography
The show’s cinematography plays a major role in its unsettling tone. Wide shots of empty streets, shadowy corners, and distorted camera angles create constant unease. Combined with muted color palettes, the visuals immerse viewers in a world where danger lurks in every frame.
The Return of Bill Skarsgård
Bill Skarsgård’s chilling performance as Pennywise was a highlight of the films, and his return adds tremendous value to the series. His ability to balance childlike playfulness with menacing evil makes the character unpredictable and unforgettable. Fans can expect even more layers to his portrayal in Welcome to Derry.
The Exploration of Fear Psychology
Psychologists often describe fear as a survival mechanism, but in Derry, it becomes a weapon. Welcome to Derry explores how fear alters decision-making, relationships, and entire communities. By grounding supernatural horror in psychological reality, the series makes its terror more relatable and impactful.
Parallel Storylines and Mystery
The series doesn’t follow a single linear path. Instead, it uses parallel storylines, where different characters face unique horrors that eventually converge. This layered narrative style creates suspense and mystery, encouraging audiences to connect the dots as episodes unfold.
The Role of Rituals and Legends
Long before the Losers’ Club, Derry’s residents whispered about rituals and legends designed to explain the evil in their town. Welcome to Derry explores these local myths, offering insight into how communities cope with the unexplainable. These stories become essential to understanding Pennywise’s origins and influence.
The Anticipation Among Horror Fans
The announcement of Welcome to Derry generated immediate excitement within the horror community. Fans of Stephen King adaptations are eager to see how the series expands the IT mythos while staying true to its source. This anticipation ensures the show will be one of the most talked-about releases of 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions about IT: Welcome to Derry (2025)
1. What is IT: Welcome to Derry (2025)?
IT: Welcome to Derry (2025) is a horror-drama prequel series based on Stephen King’s iconic novel *IT*. The series explores the origins of Pennywise the Dancing Clown and the dark history of the cursed town of Derry, Maine.
2. Who created IT: Welcome to Derry?
The series was developed by Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs, who were also involved in the successful *IT* film adaptations released in 2017 and 2019.
3. Is Stephen King directly involved in the series?
While Stephen King did not write the series, the show is heavily inspired by his novel. King has expressed support for the project, and the creators have promised to stay true to the spirit of his work.
4. When will IT: Welcome to Derry be released?
The series is scheduled to premiere in 2025, with its exact release date to be officially announced by HBO and Max closer to launch.
5. Where can I watch IT: Welcome to Derry?
The series will be available exclusively on Max (formerly HBO Max), making it accessible to global audiences through the streaming platform.
6. Who plays Pennywise in Welcome to Derry?
Bill Skarsgård reprises his iconic role as Pennywise the Dancing Clown, bringing back the chilling and unforgettable performance that terrified audiences in the films.
7. Is IT: Welcome to Derry a prequel?
Yes, the series serves as a prequel, set in the 1960s, decades before the events of *IT Chapter One*. It explores Derry’s history and Pennywise’s earlier cycles of terror.
8. How many episodes will the series have?
The first season is expected to feature around eight to ten episodes, though HBO may confirm the final count closer to release.
9. Will the Losers’ Club appear in the series?
The Losers’ Club will not appear in Welcome to Derry, since the story takes place before their time. However, subtle connections to the characters and their families are expected.
10. What themes does the series explore?
The show delves into themes such as childhood fears, trauma, intergenerational horror, collective denial, and the corruption within communities influenced by Pennywise.
11. Is the series connected to the IT movies?
Yes, Welcome to Derry exists in the same universe as the 2017 and 2019 *IT* films. It expands on their mythology while maintaining continuity with established events.
12. Who are the main writers of the show?
The writing team includes Jason Fuchs, known for his work on *Wonder Woman*, alongside Andy and Barbara Muschietti, ensuring a balance of new storytelling with faithful adaptation.
13. How does the show expand on Pennywise’s origins?
The series explores the alien and supernatural roots of Pennywise, his first encounters with Derry, and how he manipulates the town’s residents through fear and denial.
14. What is the setting of the series?
The story is primarily set in Derry, Maine during the 1960s. The show will showcase both everyday life in the town and its hidden horrors beneath the surface.
15. Is Welcome to Derry suitable for all audiences?
No, the series is intended for mature audiences due to its horror themes, graphic content, and psychological intensity. It will likely carry an adult TV rating.
16. Does the series follow Stephen King’s original novel closely?
While inspired by King’s work, Welcome to Derry features new stories not directly covered in the novel. This allows the series to expand creatively while honoring its source.
17. What makes this series different from the IT films?
Unlike the films, which focused on the Losers’ Club, the series dives deeper into Derry’s history, local myths, and how Pennywise has terrorized earlier generations.
18. Who are some of the new characters in the show?
The series introduces new residents of Derry who encounter Pennywise. These characters are unique to the prequel and provide fresh perspectives on the horror.
19. Will the series connect to other Stephen King works?
Fans may notice Easter eggs linking Welcome to Derry with King’s larger multiverse, possibly referencing *The Dark Tower*, *The Shining*, or other interconnected stories.
20. How does Pennywise’s cycle of terror work?
According to lore, Pennywise awakens roughly every 27 years to feed on the fears of Derry’s children before returning to hibernation. The series will show one of these earlier cycles.
21. Will there be multiple seasons of Welcome to Derry?
If successful, HBO may extend the series beyond its first season. The rich mythology of Derry and Pennywise allows for multiple storylines across different eras.
22. Who is directing the series?
Andy Muschietti, director of the *IT* films, is directing at least the pilot episode. His involvement ensures continuity in style and atmosphere with the movies.
23. What kind of horror can viewers expect?
Viewers can expect a mix of psychological horror, supernatural terror, and atmospheric dread. The show promises both shocking scares and slow-burn suspense.
24. Will the show explain why Derry is cursed?
Yes, one of the key mysteries of the series is why Derry seems plagued by evil. The show will explore the town’s dark history and its strange connection to Pennywise.
25. Why is IT: Welcome to Derry highly anticipated?
The combination of Stephen King’s iconic mythology, the return of Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise, and the involvement of the original film’s creators has made this one of the most awaited horror series of 2025.
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