An eerie new chapter in Stephen King’s universe unfolds as It: Welcome to Derry premieres on October 26, 2025, on HBO and streams simultaneously on HBO Max. The eight-episode prequel series revisits the malevolent origins of Pennywise the Dancing Clown, set decades before the events of the 2017 and 2019 films. Bill Skarsgård returns to embody the iconic villain, while the story dives into the dark history of Derry, Maine.
Why It Matters Now
The release of Welcome to Derry marks a significant expansion of the It franchise. It offers fans a deeper look into the mythology of Pennywise and the cursed town of Derry. The series is structured to explore the entity’s cyclical terror, which awakens every 27 years—a central theme in Stephen King’s original novel.
This prequel arrives at a time when horror audiences crave origin stories that enrich established lore. It promises to answer lingering questions about Pennywise’s transformation and the town’s sinister legacy.
What We Know: Release and Format
- Premiere Date: October 26, 2025, on HBO and HBO Max.
- Episode Count: Eight episodes, released weekly through December 14, 2025.
- Special Release: The second episode, “The Thing in the Dark,” drops early on October 31 on HBO Max, ahead of its scheduled November 2 airing on HBO.
Pennywise’s Origin: What the Series Explores
A Reverse Timeline
The first season is set in 1962, introducing the Hanlon family as they move to Derry just as a child vanishes. This timeline aligns with the 27-year cycle of terror that defines Pennywise’s appearances.
Future seasons are planned to go further back: Season 2 in 1935 and Season 3 in 1908, following the interlude chapters from King’s novel. This reverse chronology aims to peel back layers of the town’s haunted past.
The Mystery of Bob Gray
A central narrative thread is the exploration of Bob Gray, a name tied to Pennywise’s origins in the novel. Showrunner Andy Muschietti has teased that the series will delve into how “It became Pennywise,” while preserving some of the novel’s mysteries.
A Darker, More Grounded Horror
Trailers and teasers emphasize a creeping dread beneath Derry’s small-town facade. Children hear voices in pipes, objects fall without explanation, and a meteor crash hints at cosmic evil.
The series also tackles social tensions of the era, including racial hostility toward the Hanlon family. This adds emotional depth and historical context to the horror.
Cast and Creative Team
- Bill Skarsgård returns as Pennywise and serves as an executive producer.
- The cast includes Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, James Remar, Stephen Rider, Madeleine Stowe, and Rudy Mancuso.
- Andy Muschietti directs multiple episodes, including the pilot, with Jason Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane serving as co-showrunners.
Early Reception and Expectations
Critics and fans are watching closely to see how the series balances lore expansion with suspense. Early reactions highlight the atmospheric tension and Skarsgård’s chilling return.
Some caution that revealing too much of Pennywise’s backstory could diminish the character’s mystique. Yet others welcome the deeper exploration of Derry’s dark history.
What’s Next
As the series unfolds, viewers will be watching for:
- How the show handles the Bob Gray storyline and the transformation into Pennywise.
- The effectiveness of the reverse timeline in building suspense.
- Whether the series maintains the balance between horror and historical context.
- How future seasons will expand on Derry’s mythology and Pennywise’s origins.
In summary, It: Welcome to Derry premieres on October 26, 2025, offering a chilling prequel that explores Pennywise’s origins and Derry’s haunted past. With a talented cast and creative team, the series promises to deepen the mythology while delivering suspense rooted in history and horror.
