Max Reveals First Look at IT Prequel Series WELCOME TO DERRY

Stephen King’s IT has haunted us since 1986. But most recently, IT and IT: Chapter Two directed by Andy Muschietti really captivated popular imagination. The devious Pennywise and his red balloon caused a stir among die-hard horror fans and casual viewers. And now, we’re heading back to Derry for more of that specific world. The newly coined streamer Max (formerly HBO Max) has officially greenlit and ordered Welcome To Derry, an IT prequel series from Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs. And now we know who will star in Welcome to Derry and when it will arrive on our screens. We even have our first look at the series via a Max sizzle reel for upcoming properties.

The footage of Welcome to Derry is brief, but it does tease us with an ominous red balloon. It also confirms that although the Pennywise series was slated for a Halloween 2024 release on Max, the series will officially be released in 2025.

Welcome to Derry first look at IT Max prequel series
Max

So far, we know that Welcome to Derry‘s cast will include Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, and James Remar. According to Deadline, Madeleine Stowe and Stephen Rider have also come aboard in recurring guest and series regular roles, respectively.

According to TV Line, Andy Muschietti will also direct several episodes of the series, including its first. The publication reports the HBO IT series will be set in the ’60s. It will delve into the origins of Derry’s curse and, presumably, Pennywise the Clown. The HBO Max show will eventually lead to the first IT film.

The Cast of IT prequel series Welcome to Derry
Paramount Pictures/A24/Fox

It’s not clear whether we’d see Pennywise become the main character of the Welcome to Derry prequel show. But we wouldn’t mind seeing Bill Skarsgård step into the role once more. Though, for now, it doesn’t seem like he’ll have any involvement.

Pennywise the clown could return in Welcome to Derry IT prequel show for HBO
Warner Bros.

Skarsgård shared the following about the IT prequel with Jake’s Takes:

As of now, I’m not currently involved in it… If someone else gets to do it, my advice would be: Do it your own. Make it your own. Have fun with it… What I thought was so pleasurable about that character was how incredibly abstract he was.

We’ll just have to see what else lies in store for Pennywise and Derry.

Originally published on February 23, 2023.

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