Popular horror franchise IT is getting a prequel TV series, so here’s everything we know about the upcoming show, titled Welcome to Derry.
Author Stephen King first released his novel It back in 1986. Since then, the story of Pennywise the Clown has become one of the most well-known horror narratives of all time.
The character was first brought to the big screen in 1990. More recently, however, It was rebooted and met with both critical and commercial success with the two films It: Chapter 1 and It: Chapter 2.
And while a third film is still yet to be announced, we do know that a prequel spin-off TV series is currently in the works. Without further ado, here are all the details we know so far about the prequel series.
Welcome to Derry release date: When is it coming out?
While there’s no specific release date for the It prequel series Welcome to Derry, we do know it will debut at some point in 2025.
According to a report from Variety, the HBO 2024 slate has been hit with some pretty significant delays, meaning shows like Welcome to Derry are receiving extra delays.
We’ll be sure to keep this section updated as and when new information comes in.
Welcome to Derry plot: What’s it about?
Welcome to Derry will take place in the 1960s and lead up to the events of IT: Chapter 1. The show is also reportedly going to focus on the origins of Pennywise the Clown and how he came to be and torment the town and its inhabitants.
Other than this, no concrete details about the plot have been released. We’ll be sure to update this section when more information is made available.
Welcome to Derry was originally announced for HBO Max’s rebranded streaming platform Max. However, it was announced on June 25 that the show would instead air on HBO.
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Welcome to Derry cast: Who’s in it?
Bill Skarsgård will reprise his role as Pennywise the Clown for Welcome to Derry, though other returnees have yet to be confirmed.
Zola star Taylour Paige, Watchmen’s Jovan Adepo, Perry Mason actor Chris Chalk, and James Remar of Dexter fame have also all joined the cast.
Although there are no character details right now, given that the show will be set before the events of the first It film, it is unlikely that we will see any of the original Losers Club making a return. And while we’re still no closer to finding out who’s going to be playing the grimacing villain Pennywise, there are rumors Bill Skarsgård will be back to reprise his role.
As for who’s behind the scenes, the show – which began production in March 2022 – will be executive-produced by Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs. Andy Muschietti has much experience with the franchise having directed the 2017 and 2019 films IT: Chapter 1 and IT: Chapter 2.
As well as this, it was confirmed that Jason Fuchs will serve as a co-showrunner for the project alongside Brad Caleb Kane.
Welcome To Derry: Is there a trailer?
While there’s no full-length trailer just yet, we do have our first teaser for Welcome to Derry. Debuting on August 4, 2024 as part of a new HBO Max sizzle reel, we got just six seconds of torment in our first look at the prequel series.
This ain’t America. This is Derry. The @HBO Original Series #ItWelcomeToDerry is coming soon to Max. pic.twitter.com/4yO3tSGyUA
— Max (@StreamOnMax) August 5, 2024
An earlier sizzle reel at the tail end of 2023 also included a few frames of intense Derry terror as well.
In it, you can see a few new characters, as well as a glimpse at the killer clown himself.
First look at MAX’s upcoming slate, including ‘THE PENGUIN’ and ‘WELCOME TO DERRY’. pic.twitter.com/ERYLurLyDJ
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) December 6, 2023
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