‘It: Welcome to Derry’ drops surprise Halloween episode on HBO Max

The 30-minute special takes viewers hundreds of years before Pennywise, introducing an ancient supernatural threat

It: Welcome to Derry has surprised horror fans with a new episode released on HBO Max for Halloween, offering an unexpected addition to the series based on Stephen King’s terrifying universe.

The surprise instalment, titled “A Story of Derry”, arrived on October 31, with viewers discovering the release without a lengthy promotional campaign. The special reportedly runs for approximately 30 minutes and takes place hundreds of years before the events associated with Pennywise.

The story follows three young characters who venture into the Western Wood, where they encounter an ancient supernatural presence. The episode explores the origins of the terrifying forces connected to Derry, expanding the mythology established in the television series and the original It films.

The release has generated excitement among fans, many of whom had been anticipating additional material from the franchise. However, further plot details were initially kept under wraps, leaving audiences to discover the episode’s revelations themselves.

The surprise arrives following HBO’s renewal of It: Welcome to Derry for a second season. The upcoming instalment is expected to move the story back to 1935, during the Great Depression, and focus on the Bradley Gang, a group of bank robbers whose arrival in Derry leads to horrifying events.

The series is executive produced by Andy and Barbara Muschietti, who previously directed the It film adaptations, alongside other members of the creative team. Brad Caleb Kane is set to continue as showrunner for the second season.

Season one has established itself as a major addition to the franchise, drawing audiences into the town’s disturbing history and the mysteries surrounding Pennywise.

With the Halloween special adding another chapter to the mythology, fans now have fresh material to examine while awaiting the next season. All nine episodes listed as available in the current streaming announcement can be watched on HBO Max.