Get ready, horror enthusiasts! The highly anticipated It: Welcome to Derry is set to premiere on October 26. Mark your calendars and keep an eye out for those ominous red balloons and paper boats, as this expansion of Stephen King’s haunted Maine town promises plenty of chilling moments. The news was shared with a fittingly eerie social media post from the creators Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs:
Everyone’s dying to see IT. #ITWelcomeToDerry premieres October 26 on HBO Max.pic.twitter.com/9HqODk9P1Q
— IT: Welcome to Derry (@ITMovieOfficial) September 2, 2025
Recently, io9 got a sneak peek at the first 10 minutes of the series at San Diego Comic-Con. The opening sequence notably features a movie theater showcasing a poster of The Music Man, highlighting an entirely different kind of “trouble.” However, in Derry, the true horror lurks just beneath the surface, targeting children as they become prey to a demonic entity that resurfaces every generation.
Setting and Storyline
It: Welcome to Derry is set in 1962, acting as a prequel to the events portrayed in Muschietti’s earlier films. It not only delves into flashbacks from Stephen King’s novel but also broadens the narrative by exploring new characters and arcs. The series boasts an impressive cast including Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, James Remar, Stephen Rider, Madeleine Stowe, and Rudy Mancuso, alongside the haunting return of Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise.
The Creative Vision Behind the Series
During SDCC, Muschietti revealed that the idea for the series emerged while they were working on the films. Skarsgård also contributed his thoughts to shape this origin story.
“We always fantasized about doing the origin story, how ‘It’ becomes Pennywise, which is one of the big mysteries in the book. A TV series provides a larger canvas to tell the story, with more characters and nuanced, complicated arcs,” he explained.
What to Expect from the Series
The anticipation is high for It: Welcome to Derry as it hits HBO Max on October 26. With its intriguing premise and a return to a beloved yet terrifying universe, this series is sure to draw in both die-hard fans and newcomers alike.
What is the release date for It: Welcome to Derry? The series will premiere on October 26 on HBO Max.
Will Bill Skarsgård reprise his role as Pennywise in this series? Yes, Bill Skarsgård will once again bring the iconic Pennywise to life.
What era is It: Welcome to Derry set in? The series takes place in 1962, providing a fascinating backstory to the events of King’s original work.
Are there any new characters featured in the series? Yes, the cast includes several new characters alongside returning favorites, adding depth to the narrative.
What themes are explored in It: Welcome to Derry? The series delves into the origins of Pennywise and the cyclical nature of fear, targeting the vulnerable.
As we count down the days to its release, fans should prepare for what promises to be a captivating exploration of terror and nostalgia. Be sure to stay tuned to learn all the latest updates, and continue exploring thrilling content like this at Moyens I/O.