Introduction
The highly anticipated IT prequel series, Welcome to Derry, is set to premiere on October 26, 2025, on HBO and stream on Max. The show revisits the eerie town of Derry in 1962 and explores the origins of Pennywise, offering a fresh perspective on Stephen King’s horror universe. This article delivers the latest updates on release timing, episode rollout, and the ensemble cast.
Release Date & Episode Schedule
Welcome to Derry officially debuts on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT on HBO, with simultaneous availability on Max . The first season comprises eight episodes, released weekly through December 14, 2025 .
Here’s the confirmed episode schedule:
– Episode 1: October 26, 2025
– Episode 2: November 2, 2025
– Episode 3: November 9, 2025
– Episode 4: November 16, 2025
– Episode 5: November 23, 2025
– Episode 6: November 30, 2025
– Episode 7: December 7, 2025
– Episode 8 (Finale): December 14, 2025
This weekly release model encourages sustained viewer engagement and discussion throughout the fall season.
Cast & Characters
The series features a robust ensemble cast, combining familiar faces with new talent:
Main cast includes:
– Bill Skarsgård returns as Pennywise the Dancing Clown
– Taylour Paige as Charlotte Hanlon
– Jovan Adepo as Leroy Hanlon
– Chris Chalk as Dick Hallorann
– James Remar, Stephen Rider, Madeleine Stowe, Rudy Mancuso also appear in key roles
Supporting cast includes:
– Clara Stack, Amanda Christine, Matilda Lawler, Blake Cameron James, Arian S. Cartaya, Miles Ekhardt, Jack Molloy Legault, Matilda Legault, and others
This diverse ensemble brings to life both the Hanlon family and Derry’s local residents, grounding the supernatural horror in human stories.
Context & Significance
Set in 1962, the series explores a pivotal era in Derry’s history, including the burning of the Black Spot nightclub—a racially motivated event briefly mentioned in King’s novel . The narrative follows Leroy Hanlon, Mike Hanlon’s grandfather, as he investigates early signs of Pennywise’s terror and the town’s deep-rooted fear .
The show is co-created by Andy and Barbara Muschietti and Jason Fuchs, with Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane serving as co-showrunners. Andy Muschietti directs multiple episodes, including the pilot .
Production & Development
Development began in March 2022, with the series greenlit in February 2023 . Filming started in May 2023, paused due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, and wrapped in August 2024 . The project was delayed from an initial 2024 release to 2025 due to production interruptions .
What’s Next for Viewers
As the premiere approaches, fans are watching for:
– The first episode, titled “The Pilot”, directed by Andy Muschietti and written by Jason Fuchs, airing October 26 .
– The weekly rollout, which builds suspense and encourages speculation.
– The potential for future seasons, with hints at exploring Derry in 1935 and 1908, following Mike Hanlon’s research structure .
Conclusion
Welcome to Derry arrives on October 26, 2025, offering a chilling, character-driven prequel to the IT films. With a compelling cast, thoughtful production, and a serialized release strategy, the series promises to deepen the mythology of Pennywise and Derry. Viewers should mark their calendars and prepare for a slow-burn horror journey through the dark history of a cursed town.
