Was Derry ever safe? HBO’s IT: Welcome to Derry is here to remind us the answer is a hard no.
Set before the events of Stephen King’s original IT novel and the two recent films, this prequel series pulls us back into the haunted town’s twisted past—this time in the 1960s. New decade, new secrets, same creeping evil.
Developed by Andy Muschietti (who directed IT and IT Chapter Two), Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs, the series expands on the universe they helped reimagine for a new generation. Muschietti is also directing four episodes, and Fuchs—who co-wrote IT Chapter Two—serves as co-showrunner alongside Brad Caleb Kane.
And yes, that clown is back. Bill Skarsgård is officially returning as Pennywise, bringing even more nightmare fuel to your screen.
The cast is led by Taylour Paige alongside Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, James Remar, Stephen Rider, Madeleine Stowe, and Rudy Mancuso. And for those wondering if Pennywise himself would return—Bill Skarsgård reprises his bone-chilling role as the supernatural clown.
The second official teaser dropped at San Diego Comic-Con, giving us a peek into a new set of characters trying to survive Derry’s darkness—and probably failing. The teaser doesn’t give too much away, but the vibe is unsettling, in the best way possible.
Here’s the official breakdown:
Set in the world of Stephen King’s “IT,” the series explores the town of Derry before the Losers Club ever came together, diving into the origin of Pennywise and the town’s long history of horrors.
IT: Welcome to Derry is produced by Warner Bros. Television and HBO, with executive producers including Andy & Barbara Muschietti, Jason Fuchs, Brad Caleb Kane, Bill Skarsgård, Roy Lee, Shelley Meals, and Dan Lin.
The series premieres October 2025 on HBO and Max.
Watch the teaser below—if you dare.