The highly awaited series It: Welcome to Derry is shaping up to be a spine-tingling prequel to Warner Bros.’ acclaimed adaptations of Stephen King’s iconic novel, It. Originally scheduled for Max, recent developments have confirmed that the series will air on HBO. Filming began in Port Hope, Ontario, and wrapped up in late 2022, with the much-anticipated premiere expected to take place before the end of 2025. For those eager for a first look, a teaser trailer is set to drop on May 20th, priming fans for the chilling journey ahead:
As we await the debut of what promises to be a captivating nine-episode first season, executive producer Andy Muschietti, who splendidly directed the previous two It films, hints that future seasons will continue to probe deeper into Derry’s haunting legacy.
Showrunners Brad Caleb Kane (Tokyo Vice) and Jason Fuchs (Wonder Woman) are at the forefront, with Fuchs having previously served as a co-producer on It: Chapter Two. This creative endeavor is driven by the unique partnership of filmmakers Andy and Barbara Muschietti through their production house, Double Dream. The executive producing team also includes Kane, Fuchs, Shelley Meals, Roy Lee, and Dan Lin, with the project brought to life under the banners of HBO Max and Warner Bros. Television.
For the inaugural episode, Fuchs crafted the screenplay in collaboration with the Muschiettis. Notably, Andy Muschietti directed four out of the nine episodes, guaranteeing that the series retains its signature suspense and dread.
Stephen King himself has expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “I’m thrilled that the bizarre story of Derry, Maine’s haunted legacy is continuing. I’m confident Andy Muschietti will steer the chilling narratives alongside his talented sister, Barbara. Red balloons everywhere!” The Muschiettis echoed this sentiment, adding, “As kids, we devoured chapters of Stephen King’s It until our paperback fell apart. It is an epic narrative that encompasses far more than we could explore in our films. We eagerly anticipate revealing the depths of Steve’s story, filled with heart, humor, humanity, and horror.”
The cast for Welcome to Derry features a formidable lineup, including acting talents Taylour Paige (Zola), Jovan Adepo (Watchmen), Chris Chalk (Perry Mason), James Remar (Dexter), and Madeleine Stowe (Revenge). While character details remain under wraps, one element is certain: the eerie presence of Pennywise will loom large once again.
In an interview with Radio TU, Muschietti elaborated on the planned three-season format (with special thanks to Bloody Disgusting for the transcription). “This narrative unfolds through the book’s interludes, reflecting Mike Hanlon’s investigations. These fragments unveil past catastrophic events—the fire at the Black Spot, the Bradley Gang massacre in the ’30s, and the Kitchener Ironworks explosion. Each time Pennywise awakens from hibernation, a disaster ensues. The three seasons will chronicle these events in reverse chronology: the first season in 1962, the second in 1935, and the third in 1908.” He also indicated that Warner Bros. is pleased with the first season and is eager to commence production for a second season right away.
Are you excited for It: Welcome to Derry? Eager to see how the chilling saga will unfold over three seasons? We encourage you to share your thoughts below and join the conversation!
