As fans eagerly await the premiere of Welcome to Derry, the HBO prequel series diving deep into Stephen King’s terrifying universe, the latest sneak peek shared at San Diego Comic-Con has only intensified our anticipation. Based on what we’ve seen, this show promises to haunt our dreams for years to come.
This exciting reveal included the opening scene from the very first episode, set in Derry, Maine, during Christmas time in 1962. Local residents gather to watch The Music Man at a neighborhood theater. The mood shifts dramatically as the camera pans from the screen to a young boy, around 12 years old, sitting alone and sucking on a pacifier.
While the age-inappropriate pacifier raises eyebrows, it quickly becomes overshadowed by the arrival of an usher who orders the boy to leave. The usher’s stern words—“Pity is not going to keep the lights on, Hank!”—set a peculiar tone. Thankfully, the usher’s daughter helps the boy sneak out into the frigid night.
As he stands outside, a family—father, pregnant mother, and two children—offers him a warm ride. When they inquire about his home, he replies cryptically, “Anywhere but Derry.” Despite their intentions to head to Portland, something unsettling begins to unfold.
The boy notices odd behavior from his new companions. The youngest boy brags about his spelling skills, but the words thrown around the car—“necrosis,” “kidnapping,” “strangulation”—are anything but innocent. To make matters more horrifying, his sister opens a container labeled “liver” and begins to snack on it raw before horrifically shoving her bloody hand into the boy’s face.
The escalating tension in the car reaches a boiling point as the mother goes into labor. With a grotesque twist, her abdomen pulses ominously, suggesting that what’s about to emerge is far from human.
In a shocking scene, she gives birth to a monstrous winged infant, which wreaks havoc in the car. After a chaotic few moments, the boy desperately tries to escape as the window shatters, sending his pacifier flying into the night, hinting at a connection to Pennywise’s lair beneath the streets.
This unsettling opening sets the stage for the chilling themes Welcome to Derry will explore. Although there are good-hearted residents, like the projectionist and his daughter, an insidious force lurks just beneath the surface, preying on children with supernatural illusions and unexplainable mind games.
Following the footage, the creators, Andy and Barbara Muschietti, shared insights about the show. The concept originated during the filming of the recent It films, wherein the brothers yearned to unveil how ‘It’ transforms into Pennywise. They believe that a series format allows for a richer narrative, filled with more characters and complex arcs.
Barbara highlighted Stephen King’s vital role in shaping the series, revealing that he suggested a return to 1962 to follow Pennywise’s haunting 27-year cycle. “We can’t share all the reasons just yet,” Andy teased, hinting at deeper mysteries yet to come.
Will Welcome to Derry provide clarity on the enigmatic creature’s origins? According to Andy, while the show will unveil some long-standing questions about Pennywise, it will also introduce new, thrilling enigmas.
To further entice fans, a second teaser was revealed, displaying unsettling imagery—“missing” posters, a glimpse of Shawshank State Prison, iconic red balloons, and menacing behavior from townsfolk. Although the full teaser has a release date still pending, it promises to heighten the suspense.
Welcome to Derry premieres this October on HBO and HBO Max, featuring nine episodes starring Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, James Remar, Stephen Rider, Madeleine Stowe, Rudy Mancuso, and the return of Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise.
With behind-the-scenes contributions from the Muschiettis and Jason Fuchs, you can expect a series that delves into the heart of darkness.
What is the backstory behind Pennywise in Welcome to Derry? The show aims to explore the origin story behind the infamous clown, shedding light on secrets that have intrigued fans for decades.
How does Welcome to Derry connect to the original It movies? The series is a prequel that dives back in time to explain how the malevolent force known as Pennywise came to be.
When can we expect new episodes to air? The series will debut in October, with nine episodes planned to air weekly on HBO and HBO Max.
As we brace ourselves for the thrills and chills of Welcome to Derry, it’s time to gear up for a journey into fear that will leave fans on the edge of their seats. Keep exploring related content to stay updated on all things spooky and thrilling at Moyens I/O.