Pennywise, the terrifying and deranged shape-shifting clown, may have been defeated (at least for the time being) in the two-part It film series, but he is set to make a chilling comeback to haunt and terrorize children once again in the next installment of this beloved horror franchise. Fans of the series can look forward to a new chapter filled with suspense and fear.
HBO is preparing to return to the eerie small-town playground of Pennywise in the upcoming series titled Welcome to Derry. This prequel series will delve into the unsettling events that unfold in the Maine town, where horrors lurk around every corner for those unfortunate enough to cross paths with the clown. The show is expected to explore the origins of this demonic figure, while also introducing a fresh group of teenagers who will find themselves ensnared in his nightmarish grasp. This episodic continuation has been in development since the massive success of It (2017) and It: Chapter 2 (2019), which brought one of Stephen King’s most terrifying creations to life for a new generation of viewers.
But what lies ahead for the children who have encountered Pennywise in the past? Here’s everything we currently know about HBO’s Welcome to Derry, which will be available for streaming on Max.
Welcome to Derry TV series plot
HBO has been notably tight-lipped about the specific details of what Welcome to Derry will entail, aside from confirming that it is a prequel series set before the events depicted in director Andy Muschietti’s two-part film series. However, fans can likely anticipate a portrayal of the slow, seemingly mundane life in a small town that is suddenly disrupted by the increasingly malevolent presence of Pennywise, along with the various terrors he has in store for his victims.
What we do know for certain is that Andy Muschietti, along with his producing partner and sister, Barbara Muschietti, and co-developer Jason Fuchs, plan to explore the dark and twisted corners of King’s mythology surrounding this demonic entity. They aim to delve deeper into the lore and backstory that surrounds Pennywise, providing viewers with a richer understanding of the character and the world he inhabits.
“As teenagers, we took turns reading chapters of Stephen King’s It until the thick paperback fell to pieces,” the Muschietti siblings shared in a statement when the series was announced in 2023. “It is an epic story that contains multitudes, far beyond what we could explore in our It movies. We can’t wait to share the depths of Steve’s novel, in all its heart, humor, humanity, and horror.” This statement highlights their passion for the source material and their commitment to bringing a faithful adaptation to the screen.
Welcome to Derry release date
Due to the recent Writers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild of America strikes, HBO announced that several of its marquee series would be delayed, with Welcome to Derry being one of the titles affected. The series was initially slated for release around Halloween 2024, a fitting time for a horror series to debut. However, the production delays have pushed the anticipated release date to 2025.
In a more recent announcement, HBO revealed that some of its most significant series, which are set to stream on Max in 2025 and beyond, will be branded as HBO Originals, even though they will be available on the Max platform when they launch. This branding strategy aims to enhance the visibility and prestige of these series, including Welcome to Derry.
Welcome to Derry production notes
Production for the Welcome to Derry series commenced in 2023, taking place in various locations across Canada, including the vibrant city of Toronto and the picturesque town of Port Hope. However, filming faced interruptions during the summer of 2023 due to the strikes involving the Writers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild of America in Hollywood. Fortunately, production was able to resume in the fall, allowing the team to continue bringing this chilling story to life.
Andy Muschietti, who directed both It films, is set to direct four of the series’ nine episodes, according to reports from Deadline. His involvement ensures that the series will maintain a consistent tone and style that fans have come to expect from the It franchise. The combination of his directorial vision and the rich source material promises to deliver a captivating and terrifying experience for viewers.
As anticipation builds for Welcome to Derry, fans are eager to see how the series will expand upon the lore of Pennywise and the town of Derry. With its focus on the origins of the clown and the new group of teenagers who will face his wrath, the series is poised to explore themes of fear, friendship, and the struggle against evil. The return of Pennywise is sure to send shivers down the spines of viewers, making Welcome to Derry a must-watch for horror enthusiasts.
In conclusion, Welcome to Derry is shaping up to be an exciting addition to the It franchise, promising to delve deeper into the terrifying world created by Stephen King. With a talented team behind the project and a commitment to exploring the darker aspects of the story, fans can look forward to a chilling journey into the heart of Derry, where Pennywise awaits.
