Horror fans, brace yourselves: HBO Max has officially announced the release date for IT: Welcome to Derry, the highly anticipated prequel spin-off to Warner Bros. Pictures’ blockbuster It film franchise. The supernatural drama promises to dive deeper into Stephen King’s terrifying universe, with Bill Skarsgård reprising his chilling role as Pennywise the Clown.
IT: Welcome to Derry Release Date and Cast
The prequel series will debut October 26, 2025, exclusively on HBO and HBO Max. The nine-episode first season explores the events leading up to Pennywise’s emergence in Derry, set in 1962, and incorporates material from Mike Hanlon’s research in King’s original novel.
Everyone’s dying to see IT.#ITWelcomeToDerry premieres October 26 on HBO Max. pic.twitter.com/LPGL73FegS
— HBO Max (@hbomax) September 2, 2025
Alongside Skarsgård, the cast includes Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, Taylour Paige, James Remar, Stephen Rider, Madeleine Stowe, Kimberly Norris Guerrero, Dorian Grey, Thomas Mitchell, Peter Outerbridge, Joshua Odjick, and Rudy Mancuso, among others.
The series is created and executive produced by siblings Andy and Barbara Muschietti, with Jason Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane serving as showrunners. Andy Muschietti, who directed the original It films, also helms multiple episodes for the prequel. Skarsgård joins as an executive producer alongside David Coatsworth, Shelley Meals, Roy Lee, and Dan Lin, ensuring the series maintains the same tone and terror as the films.
What to Expect From IT: Welcome to Derry Season 1
Set in 1962, IT: Welcome to Derry promises to uncover the dark history of the town that fans of King’s novel have long speculated about. Andy Muschietti shared that the show will cover catastrophic events referenced in the book, such as:
- The fire in the Black Spot
- The massacre of the Bradley Gang
- The explosion at Kitchener Ironworks
“It’s a story that’s based on the interludes of the book,” Muschietti explained in a prior interview. “These events set the stage for Pennywise’s emergence and the terror that follows.”
By exploring Derry’s dark past, the prequel offers fans a deeper understanding of the environment that gave rise to Pennywise and the town’s unsettling legacy.
Trailer: First Look at Pennywise Returns
The official trailer for IT: Welcome to Derry has been released, giving viewers their first glimpse at the eerie events preceding Pennywise’s appearances in the films. Fans can expect unsettling visuals of the town in the 1960s, glimpses of the catastrophic events that shaped Derry, and, of course, moments of horror featuring Skarsgård’s terrifying portrayal of the clown.
The trailer also hints at complex character interactions and hints at the mysteries surrounding the town, showing that the prequel will combine suspense, horror, and deep lore for fans of Stephen King’s universe.
Fans Are Already Reacting
Social media has been buzzing since the release date was announced. Fans are expressing both excitement and apprehension over revisiting Derry’s dark history:
New look for Pennywise in ‘Welcome to Derry’?
byu/CyberGhostface instephenking
FAQs About IT: Welcome to Derry
Q1: When is IT: Welcome to Derry releasing?
A: October 26, 2025, exclusively on HBO and HBO Max.
Q2: How many episodes are in Season 1?
A: Nine episodes.
Q3: Who is returning as Pennywise?
A: Bill Skarsgård reprises his role as the terrifying clown and also serves as an executive producer.
Q4: Is Andy Muschietti involved in the prequel?
A: Yes, Andy Muschietti co-created and executive produces the series and directed multiple episodes.
Q5: What period is the prequel set in?
A: The series is set in 1962, before the events of the original It films.
Q6: Will the series cover events from Stephen King’s novel?
A: Yes, the show draws from interludes in the book, including catastrophic events like the fire in the Black Spot and the explosion at Kitchener Ironworks.
Q7: Who else stars in the prequel?
A: The series also stars Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, Taylour Paige, James Remar, Madeleine Stowe, and many more.
What Makes This Prequel Exciting
IT: Welcome to Derry offers fans a unique opportunity to explore Derry’s dark history in depth. By expanding on the lore established in the films and novels, the series promises suspense, terror, and rich storytelling that both longtime fans and newcomers will enjoy. The combination of Muschietti’s direction, Skarsgård’s chilling performance, and an ensemble cast ensures a prequel that lives up to the hype.
Whether you’re a fan of Stephen King’s novels or the cinematic adaptations, October 26, 2025, marks a must-watch moment in horror television.
Are you ready to face Pennywise again in IT: Welcome to Derry? Share your theories and favorite moments from the It universe in the comments below on TrendingNewsBuzz.com!
