The It universe has always been a haunting blend of fear, suspense, and psychological terror. Fans of Stephen King's iconic work have long been captivated by the eerie town of Derry, Maine, and the malevolent entity known as Pennywise the Dancing Clown. With the upcoming prequel series, It: Welcome to Derry, fans are wondering how this new show fits into the larger It film saga. Does it just explore the origins of Pennywise, or does it offer deeper connections to the movies we know and love? Let’s take a closer look at what we can expect.

Release Date & Where to Watch

  • Premiere Date: October 26, 2025

  • Where to Watch: HBO and HBO Max

  • Episode Schedule: New episodes will be released weekly on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO, with streaming available on HBO Max.

It: Welcome to Derry kicks off the chilling prequel series just in time for Halloween, setting the stage for a spine-tingling addition to the It franchise.

MORE ARTICLES:

The Story: Unraveling the Dark Past of Derry

Set in 1962, It: Welcome to Derry delves into the roots of the terror that has plagued Derry for decades. The series focuses on the Hanlon family Leroy, Charlotte, and their son Will who move to the town, unaware of the sinister history that waits for them. Shortly after their arrival, the disappearance of a local boy sets off a chain of unnerving events, leading to a terrifying confrontation with the entity that would become Pennywise.

While Pennywise’s origins are at the forefront of the plot, the show also explores the racism and dark history of Derry, including the burning of the Black Spot nightclub, a turning point in the town’s tragic past. These deeper narrative threads tie the events in It: Welcome to Derry to the larger thematic elements present in the It movies, where the town of Derry is shown to be a place of deep-rooted evil.

  • Key plot elements to expect:

    • Origins of Pennywise the Clown

    • The tragic history of Derry, Maine

    • A terrifying look at how Pennywise grows into the monster we see in the films

The Cast: Who Brings Derry to Life?

The cast of It: Welcome to Derry includes a talented ensemble, with both newcomers and returning actors who help build the tension and terror fans have come to expect from the It universe.

  • Taylour Paige as Charlotte Hanlon

  • Jovan Adepo as Leroy Hanlon

  • James Remar as General Shaw

  • Chris Chalk as Dick Hallorann

  • Stephen Rider as Hank Grogan

  • Madeleine Stowe in a recurring role

  • Bill Skarsgård returns as Pennywise the Dancing Clown

Skarsgård's return as Pennywise is particularly exciting for fans, as his portrayal of the creepy, malevolent clown remains one of the defining aspects of the It films.

How Does It: Welcome to Derry Connect to the It Movies?

While It: Welcome to Derry is a prequel, it’s deeply connected to the larger It universe. Here’s how:

  • Pennywise’s Origins: The series focuses on the birth of Pennywise, exploring the clown’s transformation into the terrifying entity that terrorizes the children of Derry in the films. This provides a rich backstory for a character whose true nature remains shrouded in mystery throughout the movies.

  • Historical Context: Just like the movies, Derry itself plays a crucial role in the horror. The series delves into the dark and twisted history of the town, explaining why Derry is such a hotbed of evil and supernatural events.

  • Character Connections: The Hanlon family, featured in the series, is related to Mike Hanlon, one of the Losers' Club members from the movies. This connection strengthens the link between the prequel and the original films, offering fans more context about the town and its cursed inhabitants.

  • Shared Universe Elements: The atmosphere of suspense and dread from the movies is carried over into the series, ensuring that fans of the films will immediately feel at home in the world of It: Welcome to Derry. The tone, pacing, and setting stay true to what audiences loved about the movies, making it a seamless addition to the It saga.

Early Reception: How Are Fans and Critics Reacting?

Early reviews for It: Welcome to Derry have been largely positive, with critics praising the atmospheric storytelling and rich character development. Fans of the It movies are especially excited to see Pennywise’s backstory unfold, and the dark, creepy vibes of the show seem to be resonating well with audiences.

  • Critics have highlighted:

    • The strong connection to the original It films, particularly in terms of the terrifying atmosphere and tone

    • Character-driven storytelling that adds depth to the mythology of Pennywise and Derry

    • Exciting plot twists that promise to surprise and thrill fans of the franchise