IT: Welcome to Derry is set to take viewers on a terrifying journey into the origins of one of horror’s most iconic villains—Pennywise the Clown. This upcoming HBO Max horror series serves as a prequel to Stephen King’s IT, exploring the dark past of Derry, Maine, and the sinister forces that have haunted it for generations.
Created by Jason Fuchs, along with Andy Muschietti and Barbara Muschietti, the same creative minds behind the IT film franchise, the series aims to dive deep into the cursed town’s evil legacy, giving fans a chilling backstory to the events that shaped the original story.
📅 IT: Welcome to Derry – Release Date & Streaming Info
While an exact release date is yet to be officially announced by HBO Max, IT: Welcome to Derry is expected to premiere in 2025, exclusively on Max (formerly HBO Max). Once released, the show will be available for streaming globally on the platform, following the standard subscription model.
Stay tuned for official updates regarding the release schedule and episode rollout.
🎬 What Is IT: Welcome to Derry About?
This chilling new series explores the origins of Pennywise the Clown and the dark, twisted history of Derry, a town plagued by supernatural horrors and generational curses. Set decades before the events of IT, the series is expected to reveal how evil first took root in Derry—and why Pennywise awakens every 27 years to feed.
🔍 Key Themes:
- The psychological terror that grips Derry
- The origins of Pennywise and his sinister powers
- Early events that set the stage for the IT timeline
- The community’s descent into fear, madness, and silence
👻 IT: Welcome to Derry Cast – Who’s in the Series?
The show boasts a strong ensemble cast featuring both established and rising talent. While Bill Skarsgård’s return as Pennywise is highly anticipated, the series introduces several new characters who bring fresh perspectives to the haunted world of Derry.
⭐ Main Cast:
- Jovan Adepo
- Bill Skarsgård (expected to reprise his role as Pennywise)
- Grant Nickalls
- James Remar
- Madeleine Stowe
- Taylour Paige
- Kimberly Guerrero
- Peter Outerbridge
- Tyner Rushing
- Chad Rook
Each cast member plays a pivotal role in uncovering the eerie past of the town and revealing the evil that lurks just beneath the surface.
🎥 Official Trailer – What to Expect
While a full-length trailer has not been released yet, HBO Max has teased atmospheric promos hinting at the show’s terrifying tone. Expect a return to the foggy streets of Derry, unsettling red balloons, and glimpses of shadows that hint at Pennywise’s awakening.
The upcoming trailer is expected to highlight:
- The town’s decaying past
- Haunting visuals and set design
- First look at new characters
- Creepy buildup toward Pennywise’s origin
🧠 Behind the Scenes – Creators & Production Team
The creative force behind Welcome to Derry ensures continuity and quality by involving several key figures from the original film franchise:
👨💻 Creators:
- Jason Fuchs (Wonder Woman, Ice Age: Continental Drift)
- Andy Muschietti (director of IT Chapter One & Two)
- Barbara Muschietti (producer of IT, Mama)
🎬 Director:
- Andy Muschietti (pilot and additional episodes)
✍️ Writer:
- Jason Fuchs
🎞️ Producers:
- David Coatsworth, Roy Lee, Dan Lin,
- Shelley Meals, Brad Kane,
- Bill Skarsgård, Jason Fuchs, Andy & Barbara Muschietti
🏢 Production Studios:
- Double Dream
- HBO Max
- Rideback
- Vertigo Entertainment
- Warner Bros. Television
With such a powerhouse team, the show is positioned to be a high-quality horror series that expands the IT universe with the same eerie aesthetic and storytelling brilliance.
📺 How Many Episodes Will IT: Welcome to Derry Have?
So far, 3 episodes are confirmed in development, but the total number of episodes for Season 1 has not yet been finalized. Based on HBO Max’s past releases and standard limited series formats, fans can expect a season ranging between 6–10 episodes.
🩸 Why IT: Welcome to Derry Is One of 2025’s Most Anticipated Series
Here’s why this prequel is generating massive buzz:
- 🎈 It dives into Pennywise’s backstory, something fans have long speculated about.
- 🕰️ It expands Stephen King’s IT universe beyond the familiar timeline.
- 🧩 It fills in historical gaps that weren’t covered in the movies.
- 🔥 It’s driven by top-tier production values and direction.
- 👁️🗨️ It explores the psychological horror of a cursed town, not just jump scares.
Whether you’re a fan of the IT books, the film duology, or just love terrifying, slow-burn storytelling, Welcome to Derry promises to deliver all that and more.
📝 Final Thoughts: Should You Watch IT: Welcome to Derry?
Absolutely—if you’re a fan of psychological horror, deep lore, and chilling prequels. With its stellar creative team, top-notch cast, and ties to one of horror’s most beloved franchises, IT: Welcome to Derry is shaping up to be a must-watch series in 2025.
From fog-covered streets to sinister sewers and the return of Pennywise’s eerie presence, Welcome to Derry is set to deepen the terror that began with Stephen King’s imagination.
📌 Quick Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | IT: Welcome to Derry |
| Genre | Horror |
| Language | English |
| Creators | Jason Fuchs, Andy & Barbara Muschietti |
| Director | Andy Muschietti |
| Writer | Jason Fuchs |
| Streaming Platform | HBO Max / Max |
| Episodes Confirmed | 3 (more expected) |
| Cast Includes | Jovan Adepo, Bill Skarsgård, James Remar, Taylour Paige |
| Production Studios | Warner Bros. TV, Vertigo, Double Dream |
| Release Window | Expected 2025 |
🎈 Want to Watch?
Make sure you have an active HBO Max subscription so you don’t miss the premiere of IT: Welcome to Derry. Prepare for spine-chilling scares, creepy lore, and the return of one of horror’s most terrifying clowns.