IT: Welcome to Derry – Horror Prequel Unleashes Pennywise on HBO Max
1960s Terror in Stephen King’s Cursed Town Begins October 26
IT: Welcome to Derry expands the blockbuster It franchise with an eight-episode HBO Max prequel series, transporting viewers to 1962 Derry, Maine, where ancient evil stirs beneath the surface of small-town life. The story centers on the Hanlon family arriving in this deceptively idyllic community, only to face a wave of child disappearances, ghostly apparitions, and a band of brave teenagers piecing together the town’s haunted past tied to Pennywise. Directed by Andy Muschietti—the visionary behind the 2017 and 2019 films—this TV-MA rated series premieres October 26, 2025, with weekly drops through the December 14 finale, delivering hour-long episodes packed with psychological horror and supernatural chills.
Stellar Cast Anchored by Bill Skarsgård’s Return
Leading the ensemble, Jovan Adepo stars as a key figure in the Hanlon family dynamic, alongside Taylour Paige, who brings intensity to the unfolding terror. Bill Skarsgård reprises his iconic role as Pennywise the Dancing Clown, the shape-shifting entity whose malevolent glee haunts dreams, now exploring his deeper lore from Stephen King’s novel. Supporting players flesh out Derry’s doomed residents, from skeptical adults to wide-eyed kids confronting otherworldly fears, creating a tense web of alliances and betrayals.
The casting draws from the films’ legacy while introducing fresh faces, ensuring continuity for fans while hooking newcomers with relatable, flawed characters amid escalating dread.
Production Vision and Episode Breakdown
Produced by the Muschietti siblings—Andy and Barbara—the series boasts cinematic production values, including shadowy cinematography, practical effects for Pennywise’s transformations, and a chilling score amplifying Derry’s cursed atmosphere. Trailers showcase pivotal moments like “The Pilot” (October 26), “The Thing in the Dark” (November 2), and later episodes building to cataclysmic reveals about the entity’s cyclical rampages.
Each installment advances the mythology, blending King’s rich backstory with modern horror tropes, from sewer lurkers to everyday objects turned nightmarish.
Fan Hype, Trailers, and Cultural Impact
Official trailers dropped across YouTube channels, from HBO Max’s September 22 final cut to earlier May teasers, racking up millions of views with glimpses of Pennywise’s grotesque forms and Derry’s fog-shrouded streets . Reddit communities buzz with release confirmations and speculation, positioning the show as a streaming event for horror aficionados amid 2025’s crowded slate.
Rotten Tomatoes pages track rising anticipation, with early metrics hinting at strong reception for its faithful adaptation and innovative scares . As the series nears its close on December 14—just days away from now—it cements the It universe’s dominance in King’s sprawling adaptations.
