HBO Max has unveiled the first teaser trailer for Welcome to Derry, an upcoming horror series that serves as a prequel to the hit IT films.
Set in the 1960s, the show explores the dark origins of the terrifying entity known as Pennywise the Clown, with Bill Skarsgård reprising his acclaimed role. The series is set 27 years before the events of the IT movies, adapted from Stephen King's classic novel, and delves into one of the creature’s previous killing sprees in the haunted town of Derry, Maine.
Directed by Andy Muschietti, who also helmed the two IT films, Welcome to Derry expands on the mythology of King’s universe. According to Muschietti and co-executive producer Barbara Muschietti, the story is inspired by the book’s “interludes”—accounts compiled by Mike Hanlon based on interviews with Derry’s older residents. “It’s so rich with characters and events, we thought we would do justice to the book and the fans by going back into this world,” the Muschiettis told Entertainment Weekly.
The series highlights key themes such as fear, loss, and unity while focusing on how fear can be used as a weapon—something the creators say resonates strongly with today’s world.
The ensemble cast includes Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, James Remar, Stephen Rider, Madeleine Stowe, and Rudy Mancuso. In addition to the Muschiettis, executive producers include Jason Fuchs, Brad Caleb Kane, David Coatsworth, Shelley Meals, Roy Lee, Dan Lin, and Skarsgård himself. Fuchs, who penned the teleplay for the premiere episode, shares showrunning duties with Kane.
Welcome to Derry is produced by HBO and Warner Bros. Television and is slated to premiere this fall on HBO Max.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ