Terrifying first look at Pennywise in ‘IT: Welcome to Derry’ raises the horror bar

New look at Pennywise in the ‘IT’ prequel series ‘IT: WELCOME TO DERRY’ pic.twitter.com/tf4wo1qGXv

Set in 1962, the series stars Bill Skarsgård reprising his role as Pennywise, and the latest trailer offers more than just fleeting glimpses of chaotic red balloons and haunted sewers: it provides a full-faced, menacing look at the creature’s next iteration. The costume has been tweaked with subtle yet horrifying elements, a paler, more cracked clown suit, deeper grooves in his skin, and a grin that seems almost mechanical. In short: this is “not the G-rated Pennywise,” as the actor himself teased.

One of the standout reveals comes via merchandise. Collectible figures from McFarlane Toys show off what’s labelled “Flashback Pennywise,” featuring a yellow-toned clown suit and a head piece that hints at a non-complete transformation into full evil. That suggests the series may show Pennywise in a transitional state, neither fully clown nor fully monster, feeding into the looming dread that Derry’s terror is ancient, shifting and unseen.

What adds to the creep factor is the show’s approach to Pennywise’s appearances. Director Andy Muschietti has stated the series will build tension by withholding the full form of Pennywise until the right moment, a ‘Jaws effect’ strategy for horror television. The monster will strike in forms less familiar, a zombified Uncle Sam in certain scenes teased in the trailer, until the clown reveal finally lands.

The prequel’s ambition is large. Beyond Pennywise, the series promises to revisit Derry’s haunted history, including real-world echoes of racial violence and Cold War fears. The design refresh for Pennywise signals this isn’t just a retread of the films but a fresh evolution of terror.

With the series set to premiere on 26 October 2025, viewers may want to keep the lights on, because the new Pennywise isn’t coming for laughs.