Key Highlights
- The premiere of “IT: Welcome to Derry” on HBO debuts on October 26, 2025.
- Muschietti returns as director for the first four episodes.
- The series adapts King’s novel, focusing on the racially charged events in the 1960s Derry.
- Pennywise makes limited appearances, with a focus on the kids’ encounters and their effects.
IT Returns: Welcome to Derry’s Premiere
The highly anticipated prequel series “IT: Welcome to Derry,” based on Stephen King’s novel, premiered on HBO on October 26, 2025. The show marks a significant milestone in the continued adaptation of King’s iconic work.
Homecoming for Muschietti
Marianna “Nan” Muschietti and her husband Andrés Muschietti, known for their successful film adaptations of IT: Chapter One, return as executive producers. Andrés also directs the first four episodes, bringing his distinct vision to this new narrative. This homecoming for the creative team is evident in both the production design and the storytelling approach.
Historical Context
“IT: Welcome to Derry” sets its story during a pivotal period in American history—1960s Derry, a town deeply entrenched in racial tensions. This setting provides rich material for exploring themes of fear, prejudice, and resilience. The series draws from the original novel’s interstitial chapters, which offer a broader timeline of Pennywise’s presence in Derry.
Childhood Horror vs. Adult Peril
The premiere episode is divided into two storylines: the experiences of children as they encounter Pennywise and the arrival of Major Leroy Hanlon (Jovan Adepo) to the town. While both storylines are integral, the focus on the kids’ encounters with the terrifying entity proves more engaging. The opening sequence, directed by Andrés Muschietti, sets a tense atmosphere, particularly in the case of Matty Clements (Miles Ekhardt), whose terrifying journey through Derry is meticulously crafted.
Production Design and Costuming
The production design and costuming are already evident as highlights. The series’ setting in 1960s Derry, with its racial dynamics, provides a vivid backdrop for the unfolding events. The town’s history chapters offer insight into how Pennywise’s influence manifests over time, creating an intricate web of fear and dread.
Future Prospects
While “IT: Welcome to Derry” offers promising beginnings, the series faces the challenge of balancing different narrative threads. The limited appearances of Pennywise in the premiere suggest a strategic approach that may pay off as the season progresses. The intricate dynamics between the characters and their environment promise to deliver on King’s terrifying vision.
The premiere episode of “IT: Welcome to Derry” sets the stage for a potentially thrilling exploration of fear, horror, and resilience in 1960s America. With its blend of historical context and supernatural terror, the series is poised to continue the legacy of Stephen King’s beloved work on HBO Max.
