IT Welcome to Derry – Release Date Cast and Where to Watch

Stephen King’s terrifying clown is getting a new origin story. IT: Welcome to Derry is an upcoming American supernatural horror series that serves as a direct prequel to the 2017 film It and its 2019 sequel. Created by Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs, the series digs into the early history of Derry, Maine, and the transformation of Bob Gray into the shape-shifting entity known as Pennywise. The project was first conceived during the filming of It Chapter Two, according to Muschietti.

Set decades before the events of the 2017 movie, IT: Welcome to Derry explores what the creators have called “one of the big enigmas” from King’s 1986 novel: how the ancient, fear-feeding entity arrived in Derry and why it takes the form of a clown. The series marks the first live-action television expansion of the It cinematic universe and has generated significant buzz since its announcement in March 2022.

With a premiere set for October 2025, the series promises to deliver atmospheric horror, psychological dread, and a deeper dive into the lore that made the original novel a landmark in horror literature. Here is everything known so far about the show, from cast and release details to plot and where to watch.

What Is IT: Welcome to Derry About? (Plot, Setting, and Genre)

How Does the Series Connect to the 2017 Film and the Novel?

According to official sources, IT: Welcome to Derry is set in the 1960s, decades before the events of the 2017 movie. The story focuses on Pennywise’s origin – how Bob Gray, the entity’s human-like form, becomes the ancient, shape-shifting monster that preys on the children of Derry. While the series draws primarily from Stephen King’s novel, it exists within the same continuity as the Muschietti films. The creators have indicated that the show will fill in gaps that the movies could not fully address, particularly the entity’s arrival in Derry and the town’s long history of cyclical horror.

Genre and Tone

The series is classified as supernatural horror with strong dramatic elements. Trailers released so far emphasize atmospheric dread, child endangerment, shape-shifting, and psychological terror. The tagline “IT catches you” hints at an inescapable menace. The tone stays true to King’s mythos while aiming to expand the emotional depth of the characters who inhabit Derry.

When Does IT: Welcome to Derry Come Out? (Release Date and Episode Count)

IT: Welcome to Derry premiered on October 26, 2025, on HBO (now streaming on Max). Episodes air weekly on Sundays at 9 PM ET/PT. Originally announced for an exclusive HBO Max release in 2024, the series was delayed due to production interruptions caused by the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Filming began in May 2023, halted in July that year, and wrapped in August 2024.

How Many Episodes Are There?

The exact number of episodes has not been officially confirmed. Entertainment news outlets such as Wikipedia report that the series is expected to have between 8 and 10 episodes, but HBO/Max has not made an official announcement. The season will be released weekly, with midseason content (including a trailer for episodes 5+) appearing by late 2025.

Will There Be a Season 2?

No official renewal has been announced, but the prequel setup and the rich source material make a second season likely. Reports from IMDb and fan speculation suggest that the series could cover different eras in Derry’s history if renewed. An announcement is expected before or shortly after the premiere.

Who Is in the Cast of IT: Welcome to Derry? (Actors and Returning Characters)

Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise

Bill Skarsgård reprises his iconic role as Pennywise the Dancing Clown, also known as Bob Gray. His return was confirmed in May 2024. In the prequel, the character’s origin is explored, showing how the entity first takes on the clown form. Skarsgård’s portrayal was widely praised in the films, and his involvement ensures continuity with the established cinematic universe.

Supporting Cast

Casting began in April 2024, and several actors have been announced, though full character details remain under wraps. Confirmed cast members include Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, and Taylour Paige. Additional ensemble actors tied to Derry’s history are expected to be revealed closer to the premiere or after the first episodes air.

Who Is Directing?

Andy Muschietti, who directed both It (2017) and It Chapter Two, serves as director and an executive producer alongside Barbara Muschietti and Jason Fuchs. The creative team’s familiarity with the material suggests a cohesive vision for the series. Filming locations included parts of Canada and the United States to recreate the small-town atmosphere of Derry.

Where Can I Watch IT: Welcome to Derry? (Streaming Platforms and Availability)

In the United States, IT: Welcome to Derry streams exclusively on Max (formerly HBO Max). The series also airs on the HBO linear channel for live premieres. For viewers in the United Kingdom, the show is available on Sky TV. Official trailers have been released on YouTube – the main trailer, published September 23, 2025, has over 16 million views.

IMDb Rating and Reviews

As of late 2025, the series has not yet received an IMDb rating because it has only recently premiered. User scores are expected to appear after several episodes have aired. Early buzz from fans and critics is positive, though no official review aggregation is available yet.

Key Events in the Development of IT: Welcome to Derry

1. September 1986 – Stephen King’s It novel published.
2. September 2017 – It (2017) film released, directed by Andy Muschietti.
3. February 2022 – HBO Max announces Welcome to Derry prequel series in development.
4. April 2023 – Series officially greenlit; Bill Skarsgård confirmed to return.
5. March 2025 – Official teaser released; premiere date announced for October 2025.
6. October 2025 – IT: Welcome to Derry premieres on Max and HBO.

What We Know and What Remains Unclear

Why This Series Matters for the It Franchise

The It franchise has been a massive commercial success for Warner Bros. The 2017 film grossed over $700 million worldwide. This series aims to deepen the mythology of Derry and Pennywise, filling in gaps from the novel that the two movies could not fully explore. By expanding into long-form storytelling, the show leverages nostalgia and horror fans’ appetite for deeper world-building. It could also set a trend for other Stephen King adaptations looking to move into serialized formats.

Where to Find Reliable Information

For official details, the most authoritative sources are the Wikipedia page (which cites Deadline Hollywood and Variety), IMDb for cast and crew, and the official Max streaming page. The official trailer on YouTube offers a visual preview. For UK viewers, Sky TV’s page provides regional availability.

“The series explores one of the big enigmas from the book – how the entity became the shape-shifting monster.”

– Andy Muschietti, as reported by Variety

“IT: Welcome to Derry is a direct prequel to the 2017 film, set in the 1960s, and will delve into the origins of Pennywise.”

– HBO Max / Warner Bros. Discovery official statement

A Quick Recap of IT: Welcome to Derry

IT: Welcome to Derry is a supernatural horror prequel series that premiered on October 26, 2025, on Max and Sky TV. Bill Skarsgård returns as Pennywise, and the story is set in the 1960s, exploring the entity’s origins and Derry’s dark history. The episode count is still unconfirmed, but a second season is anticipated. The series is based on Stephen King’s novel and expands the universe of the 2017 film adaptation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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