IT: WELCOME TO DERRY (2025)

Film

IT: Welcome to Derry (2025) – A Haunting Return to the Heart of Fear

🎈 Are you ready to float back to Derry, where nightmares come to life? 🎈
Prepare yourself for IT: Welcome to Derry, the highly anticipated 2025 horror series that dives deep into the chilling origins of Pennywise the Dancing Clown and the cursed town of Derry, Maine. As a prequel to the blockbuster films IT (2017) and IT Chapter Two (2019), this HBO Max series promises to unravel the dark history of Stephen King’s iconic universe, blending psychological horror, supernatural terror, and the raw emotion of human resilience. With a stellar cast, visionary direction, and a spine-chilling atmosphere, this is one journey into fear you won’t want to miss.

Overview of the Series

  • Title: IT: Welcome to Derry
  • Genre: Supernatural horror, psychological thriller, drama
  • Directors: Andy Muschietti (directing 4 episodes), alongside other talented directors
  • Writers: Jason Fuchs (lead writer), Brad Kane, and others
  • Producers: Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, Jason Fuchs, Roy Lee, Dan Lin
  • Cast: Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, Taylour Paige, James Remar, Stephen Rider, Joshua Odjick, Bill SkarsgĂ„rd (reprising his role as Pennywise), Madeleine Stowe, Rudy Mancuso, Alixandra Fuchs, Kimberly Guerrero, Dorian Grey, Thomas Mitchell, BJ Harrison, Peter Outerbridge, Shane Marriott, Chad Rook, Morningstar Angeline, and more
  • Episode Count: 9 episodes
  • Release Date: October 2025 (weekly releases on HBO Max, exact date TBD)
  • Platform: HBO Max
  • Audio Format: Dolby Atmos for an immersive sound experience
  • Filming Location: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (standing in for Derry, Maine)
  • Rating: TV-MA (contains graphic violence, strong language, disturbing imagery, and mature themes, unsuitable for viewers under 17)
  • Runtime: Approximately 45-60 minutes per episode

The Story: A Deep Dive into Derry’s Dark Past

Set in the 1960s, IT: Welcome to Derry takes viewers back to a time before the Losers’ Club faced Pennywise in the 1980s, as depicted in IT (2017). Drawing heavily from the Interludes sections of Stephen King’s IT novel—where historian Mike Hanlon chronicles Derry’s gruesome history—the series explores the town’s cyclical pattern of terror, orchestrated by the malevolent entity known as IT, or Pennywise the Dancing Clown.

The narrative centers on a new group of children and adults in Derry who confront the sinister force that has haunted the town for centuries. Expect to see iconic imagery like Pennywise’s red balloons floating ominously through foggy streets, alongside fresh horrors that delve into the town’s tragic past. The series will spotlight key historical events from the novel, including:

  • The Black Spot Fire (1930s): A racially motivated arson attack on a nightclub frequented by African-American soldiers.
  • The Bradley Gang Massacre (1929): A brutal ambush that left a criminal gang slaughtered in Derry’s streets.
  • The Kitchener Ironworks Explosion (early 20th century): A catastrophic event tied to the awakening of IT.

The first trailer, released in May 2025, teases a chilling atmosphere with glimpses of Derry’s eerie streets, children riding bikes under a foreboding sky, and Pennywise’s sinister grin. A particularly haunting line from the trailer—“This isn’t America. This is Derry.”—sets the tone for a town that operates under its own cursed rules. A special preview shown at Comic-Con 2025 featured a harrowing scene: a young boy attempting to hitchhike out of Derry, only to encounter a seemingly kind family who turn out to be manifestations of IT, leading to a gruesome and unforgettable fate.

Beyond Pennywise’s terror, the series explores the human cost of living in Derry. It delves into themes of trauma, community, and courage as residents grapple with an evil that feeds on fear—especially the fear of children. Expect a mix of visceral horror, emotional depth, and moments of hope as characters band together to survive.

Why This Series Stands Out

  1. Bill SkarsgĂ„rd’s Terrifying Return: SkarsgĂ„rd reprises his iconic role as Pennywise, bringing back the bone-chilling performance that made him a horror legend. His ability to blend menace, charisma, and otherworldly horror ensures Pennywise remains one of the most terrifying villains in modern cinema.
  2. Expanded Mythology: Unlike the films, which focused on the Losers’ Club, Welcome to Derry digs into the origins of IT and the town’s history, offering fans new lore while staying true to Stephen King’s vision.
  3. Star-Studded Cast: The ensemble includes acclaimed actors like Jovan Adepo (Watchmen), Taylour Paige (Zola), Chris Chalk (Perry Mason), and James Remar (Dexter), alongside rising stars and horror veterans. Their performances promise to ground the supernatural horror in raw human emotion.
  4. Cinematic Production Quality: Directed in part by Andy Muschietti, whose work on IT and IT Chapter Two grossed over $1.1 billion worldwide, the series boasts movie-quality visuals, practical effects, and haunting set designs. Filming in Hamilton, Ontario, recreates Derry’s eerie small-town vibe with meticulous detail.
  5. Soundtrack That Haunts: Composer Benjamin Wallfisch (IT, Blade Runner 2049) returns with a score that blends eerie melodies, discordant strings, and heart-pounding rhythms, amplifying the series’ dread-filled atmosphere.
  6. HBO’s Prestige Touch: As an HBO Max original, expect top-tier production values, complex character arcs, and a narrative that balances horror with emotional storytelling, much like The Outsider or Lovecraft Country.

Behind the Scenes: Crafting a Nightmare

The creative team behind IT: Welcome to Derry is a powerhouse of talent. Andy Muschietti, who helmed the successful IT films, directs four episodes and serves as an executive producer alongside his sister, Barbara Muschietti. Jason Fuchs, who co-wrote IT Chapter Two, leads the writing team, ensuring continuity with the films while introducing fresh perspectives. Stephen King himself has reportedly given his blessing to the project, praising its ambition to explore Derry’s untold stories.

Filming took place in Hamilton, Ontario, a location chosen for its ability to mimic the small-town Americana of Derry. The production team built intricate sets, including Derry’s iconic storm drains and abandoned buildings, to immerse viewers in the town’s unsettling atmosphere. Practical effects, a hallmark of Muschietti’s style, are used extensively to bring Pennywise’s transformations to life, complemented by subtle CGI for the entity’s more otherworldly forms.

In interviews, Muschietti has emphasized the series’ focus on psychological horror: “We’re not just scaring people with jump scares. We’re diving into what makes Derry tick—why this town is a magnet for tragedy, and how Pennywise exploits that.” The show also incorporates social commentary, touching on themes of racism, classism, and societal neglect, as seen in events like the Black Spot fire.

Audience and Critical Buzz

Since the first teaser dropped in May 2025, IT: Welcome to Derry has generated massive excitement across social media platforms. On X, fans have shared their enthusiasm:

  • “Bill SkarsgĂ„rd as Pennywise again? I’m already losing sleep!” (@HorrorFanatic88)
  • “The trailer’s vibe is PURE Stephen King. Derry feels like a character itself.” (@MovieManiacX)
  • “Love how they’re tying in the IT novel’s history. The Black Spot story is gonna hit hard.” (@KingReader23)

However, some fans on Reddit have expressed cautious optimism, noting similarities to the IT films’ formula of kids versus monster. Others hope the series will take risks with new characters and avoid over-relying on Pennywise. Early reviews from industry insiders who saw preview footage at Comic-Con 2025 praise the series’ atmosphere, calling it “a love letter to Stephen King fans” (Entertainment Weekly) and “a chilling expansion of the IT universe” (Variety).

Why You Can’t Miss It

  • For Stephen King Fans: If you devoured IT or loved the 2017 and 2019 films, this series is a must-watch, offering new stories while honoring the source material.
  • Horror Aficionados: Expect a masterclass in suspense, with jump scares, psychological dread, and grotesque creature designs that push the boundaries of TV horror.
  • Storytelling Enthusiasts: Beyond the scares, the series explores universal themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the fight against evil, making it resonate on a deeper level.
  • HBO Max Subscribers: With weekly releases, this is the perfect excuse to gather friends for a spooky watch party or binge the series during the Halloween season.

Parental Advisory

Rated TV-MA, IT: Welcome to Derry contains graphic violence, disturbing imagery (think dismembered bodies and nightmarish creatures), strong language, and mature themes like trauma, loss, and implied sexual content. Parents should exercise caution for viewers under 17. The show’s heavy focus on fear and psychological horror may be triggering for some, so consider watching the first episode to assess suitability. Discussing the series’ themes—courage, community, and facing fears—can enrich the experience for younger viewers if deemed appropriate.

Get Ready to Float

Mark your calendars for October 2025, when IT: Welcome to Derry premieres on HBO Max with nine episodes of unrelenting terror. As the red balloons rise and Pennywise’s laughter echoes through the streets, Derry will pull you into its dark embrace. Will you dare to face the evil lurking beneath the town’s surface?

Join the conversation! Share your thoughts, theories, or favorite IT moments in the comments, and let’s count down to the scariest series of 2025. 🎈

Sources: IMDb, Wikipedia, Entertainment Weekly, Variety, Newsweek, HBO Max, X posts, Reddit discussions

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