(Photo courtesy of: HBO)
Written by: TiShea Wilson, Managing Editor
Horror fans, brace yourselves—Pennywise is back. On May 20, 2025, HBO released the first teaser trailer for IT: Welcome to Derry, the highly anticipated prequel series set to premiere this fall on HBO and Max. This chilling new chapter delves into the sinister origins of Derry, Maine, and the malevolent entity that has haunted its residents for generations.
Set in 1962, Welcome to Derry explores the events leading up to the terrifying occurrences depicted in IT (2017) and It: Chapter Two (2019). The series centers on a new family who moves into the town, confronting both societal hostility and an ancient evil preying on the town’s youth. As their child befriends local kids, they begin to investigate the unsettling disappearances and phenomena plaguing Derry.
The teaser offers a haunting glimpse into the series’ atmosphere, featuring eerie scenes of missing children, unexplained phenomena, and a brief but chilling appearance by Pennywise himself. Bill Skarsgård reprises his role as the iconic clown, delivering a performance that promises to be as terrifying as ever.
Developed by Andy and Barbara Muschietti, who directed the recent IT film adaptations, alongside Jason Fuchs, the series aims to expand the cinematic universe established in the movies. Andy Muschietti is set to direct multiple episodes, ensuring a consistent and immersive vision. The cast includes Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, James Remar, Stephen Rider, Madeleine Stowe, and Rudy Mancuso, bringing depth and nuance to the story’s complex characters.
IT: Welcome to Derry is slated for a nine-episode run, with future seasons planned to explore earlier periods in Derry’s dark history—specifically 1935 and 1908—aligning with the 27-year cycle of Pennywise’s appearances.
A Nod to the Master of Horror
The roots of It: Welcome to Derry trace back to the twisted imagination of legendary author, Stephen King. His 1986 novel IT introduced readers to the nightmarish world of Pennywise and the town of Derry, blending supernatural horror with a poignant coming-of-age story. Though King is not directly involved in the series’ production, he has publicly expressed his support and interest in the project. His literary legacy continues to influence a new generation of horror storytellers, and Welcome to Derry stands as the latest testament to his enduring impact.
For a closer look at the terror to come, check out the official teaser trailer below: