The idea of setting a TV series in the realm of Stephen King’s It already had us hooked. Then there’s the bonus of having the show co-developed by It filmmaker Andy Muschietti, who’ll also direct four episodes. Then we learned Bill Skarsgård would be reprising the role of Pennywise.
The first-look images released last year were tantalizing, but HBO’s eerie first teaser has solidified our ravenous desire for It: Welcome to Derry, a show we’d 100% drop into a sewer occupied by a demonic clown to watch.
Get ready to go back to where IT all began… 🎈 #ITWelcometoDerry is coming this fall to HBO Max. pic.twitter.com/SOhXEA6yYe
— Max (@StreamOnMax) May 20, 2025
The imagery is nightmare-inducing—as is the suggestion of Pennywise’s ever-lurking evil. In no way would we ever want to actually enter the city limits of Derry, Maine, but we will absolutely sink our pointy teeth into this show and spend some time there at a safe distance.
It: Welcome to Derry is set in 1962 and takes inspiration from Stephen King’s 1986 horror novel. More specifically it expands the world of Andy Muschietti’s two It films—which take place in 1988-’89 and 2016, meaning the series will act as a prequel of sorts. The story is by Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs, who are also among the show’s executive producers.
Fuchs wrote the first episode; he’s co-showrunner with fellow executive producer Brad Caleb Kane. Andy Muschietti directs four of the season’s nine episodes.
In addition to Skarsgård, the It: Welcome to Derry cast includes Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, James Remar, Stephen Rider, Madeleine Stowe, and Rudy Mancuso.
It: Welcome to Derry hits HBO and Max in 2025.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
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