The terrifying clown Pennywise, known from Stephen King’s novel, made its first appearance on the big screen in 1990 in the movie It. Decades later, a new generation was introduced to the chilling creature through the remake It (2017) and its follow-up It Chapter Two (2019). Both films were a huge success, leading HBO to develop a prequel series titled Welcome to Derry.
Co-showrunner Jason Fuchs recently announced the completion of filming for the series in early August 2024. A sneak peek clip has been released, giving viewers a glimpse of what to expect from this upcoming horror show.
The release date for Welcome to Derry has been set for 2025 on HBO Max. Originally scheduled for an earlier premiere, the series faced delays due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strike in 2023.
Bill Skarsgård, who portrayed Pennywise in the movies, will be reprising his role in the HBO series. Joining him in the cast are talented actors such as Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, Taylour Paige, and others. The series will delve into the backstory of Pennywise in the 60s, before the events of the films.
While the plot details have not been fully revealed by HBO, Welcome to Derry is expected to explore how Pennywise came to haunt the town of Derry. The series will focus on a group of kids who become the targets of the ancient evil, similar to the storyline in the movies.
Although there is no full trailer available yet, HBO has released short clips teasing the show. These clips offer a glimpse into the eerie atmosphere and suspenseful tone of Welcome to Derry. Additionally, HBO has unveiled a promotional clip showcasing their major releases for 2024 and 2025, including a first look at Welcome to Derry.
Fans of the It franchise can look forward to this chilling prequel series that promises to delve deeper into the origins of Pennywise and the haunting town of Derry. Stay tuned for more updates and be prepared for a spine-tingling journey into the dark world of Stephen King’s creation.