'IT: Welcome to Derry' is A Spine-Chilling Prequel to Haunt HBO This Fall; WATCH the Teaser

The wait is almost over for It fans! This fall, HBO is bringing the chilling town of Derry, Maine, back to the screen with the highly anticipated prequel series, IT: Welcome to Derry. Set to dive deeper into the terrifying origins of Pennywise the Dancing Clown and the eerie history of the cursed town, the series promises to offer an even darker and more intense look into the It universe. Whether you're a long-time fan of Stephen King's It or just looking for a new horror series to binge, here’s everything you need to know about IT: Welcome to Derry.

A Terrifying Return to Derry, Maine

IT: Welcome to Derry takes viewers back to the infamous town of Derry, Maine, where the sinister presence of Pennywise has haunted generations. The new series serves as a prequel to the hit It films, which brought King's terrifying novel to life in 2017 and 2019. This series promises to explore the dark history of the town and the cycle of horror that has plagued its residents for decades.

Set in the early 1960s, the series will unveil the origins of Pennywise and the terrifying events that set the stage for the supernatural horrors that would unfold in later decades. The show’s creators have teased that the storyline will delve into the town’s deep-seated secrets, starting with the racially charged Black Spot nightclub tragedy—a pivotal moment in Derry's dark history that helped fuel the return of Pennywise.

What to Expect from IT: Welcome to Derry

The Premise: Exploring Pennywise’s Origins

At the core of IT: Welcome to Derry is the terrifying figure of Pennywise. While the It films focused on the supernatural entity’s encounters with the Losers' Club, this prequel will take a deeper dive into how Pennywise has manifested throughout Derry’s history. The first season will explore events in 1962, with future seasons likely to go back even further—into 1935 and 1908.

The series will look at how Derry’s residents became the target of Pennywise’s malicious presence and the role the town’s tragic events play in the terror that spans generations. Horror fans can look forward to plenty of spine-chilling moments, character development, and the unraveling of a town’s disturbing past that has laid the groundwork for the evil that is Pennywise.

The talent behind IT: Welcome to Derry is one of the main reasons fans are buzzing with excitement. Developed by Andy Muschietti, the director of the It films, along with his sister, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs, the series will retain the atmosphere of dread and terror that made the films so successful.

Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, Taylour Paige, and James Remar lead the series' strong cast. Notably, Bill Skarsgård is returning as Pennywise, a much-loved but terrifying figure that will no doubt send chills down the spine of any viewer. Fans of the original films will be excited to see Skarsgård’s eerie portrayal of the clown in a new and deeper context.

At its core, IT: Welcome to Derry is not just about blood-curdling scares. It promises to explore themes of friendship, human resilience, and the impact of trauma. Much like its predecessor films, the series will balance horror with heart, providing a complex look at the characters and how they face the evils of the world.

Derry is almost a character in itself in the It universe, and the series promises to shed light on its past. The cyclical nature of Pennywise’s reign of terror, which occurs every 27 years, is at the heart of the series’ narrative. Fans can expect to see how these cycles unfold and the lasting impact they have on the town’s residents, many of whom are unaware of the evil that lurks beneath the surface.

When and Where Can You Watch IT: Welcome to Derry?

The good news is that you won’t have to wait long. IT: Welcome to Derry is set to premiere in Fall 2025 on HBO and Max. The series will consist of nine episodes in its first season, giving fans plenty of time to dive deep into Derry’s horrors. Make sure to mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable ride.

A New Chapter in the It Universe

IT: Welcome to Derry is shaping up to be a must-watch for horror lovers. With a talented cast, a rich backstory, and plenty of chilling moments, the series is sure to satisfy fans of the It films while introducing new viewers to the terrifying world of Derry, Maine. Whether you're intrigued by the origins of Pennywise or eager to explore more of the town's dark secrets, this prequel promises to offer everything you’ve been waiting for—and more.

Are you excited for the premiere of IT: Welcome to Derry? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and stay tuned for more updates as we approach the fall release!