Introduction: The Return to Derry Has Begun
Horror fans, get ready — we’re going back to Derry. HBO Max’s upcoming series “Welcome to Derry” is officially trending worldwide, as audiences anticipate the terrifying return of Pennywise the Dancing Clown.
Based on Stephen King’s iconic IT universe, the new series serves as a prequel to the blockbuster It films directed by Andy Muschietti. The show promises to explore the origins of Derry’s evil — revealing where Pennywise came from and how the curse of fear took hold of the small Maine town.
With Welcome to Derry now topping Google Trends and social media charts, fans are searching frantically for updates on the cast, release date, and storyline. Here’s everything we know so far.
What Is “Welcome to Derry”?
“Welcome to Derry” is a psychological horror-drama series set in the same eerie universe as It (2017) and It Chapter Two (2019).
The series will take place decades before the events of the films, delving into the first manifestations of Pennywise and the chilling history behind the cursed town.
According to early reports, the show aims to expand on King’s mythology, blending small-town drama, supernatural terror, and the psychological horror that defined It.
Trending Now: Why “Welcome to Derry” Is Exploding Online
According to Google Trends, searches for “Welcome to Derry cast,” “Welcome to Derry release date,” and “Bill Skarsgård Pennywise” have surged in the past 24 hours.
This spike is linked to HBO Max’s recent announcement that the show’s second episode received an early release, and that new cast details have been confirmed by Deadline and Rotten Tomatoes.
Fans have been waiting years for an IT-related series, and the latest news finally confirms that the nightmare is real — Pennywise is officially back.
The Cast: Who’s Returning to Derry?
Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise the Dancing Clown
The big news fans were hoping for is now confirmed — Bill Skarsgård is back as the horrifying Pennywise. His chilling performance in the It films became instantly iconic, and his return guarantees the same haunting intensity that made audiences fear red balloons forever.
Taylour Paige
Known for her standout role in Zola, Taylour Paige joins the cast in a lead role. While details about her character remain under wraps, she’s rumored to be connected to Derry’s mysterious past — possibly as a journalist or local resident uncovering the town’s secrets.
Jovan Adepo
(Watchmen, Fences) brings gravitas and emotional depth to the ensemble. Adepo’s casting has led many to speculate that he’ll play a key figure investigating Pennywise’s early appearances.
Chris Chalk
(Perry Mason, When They See Us) joins as another central character, expected to play a Derry town official or historian who witnesses the strange events leading to the town’s first wave of terror.
Madeleine Stowe
Veteran actress Madeleine Stowe adds star power and mystery. Fans believe she may portray a figure tied to the origin of Pennywise — perhaps someone aware of the evil lurking beneath Derry long before anyone else.
Behind the Scenes: The Creative Minds Behind the Horror
The series is being developed by Andy and Barbara Muschietti, who directed and produced the two It films that grossed over $1 billion globally.
Andy Muschietti will direct several episodes, including the pilot, ensuring the show maintains the same dark, cinematic tone as the movies.
The writing team includes Jason Fuchs (Wonder Woman) and Brad Caleb Kane (Fringe), who are expected to balance psychological horror with emotional storytelling — a trademark of King’s universe.
Muschietti teased in interviews that the show will “expand the mythology of Derry” and explore “how Pennywise came to be.” That means more depth, more fear, and a deeper dive into the cursed origins of one of horror’s most terrifying characters.
Plot: What We Know So Far
HBO Max has kept the plot tightly under wraps, but early descriptions suggest that Welcome to Derry will take place in the 1960s, years before the Losers’ Club first battled Pennywise.
The show will explore the town’s history of disappearances, murders, and psychological hauntings, revealing the systemic evil that allows Pennywise to thrive every 27 years.
Some reports also hint that the series might show how Pennywise first came to Earth and took its clown form — a storyline that expands on Stephen King’s cosmic mythology.
Episode Schedule and Early Release News
According to Deadline, Episode 2 of Welcome to Derry was released early on HBO Max, generating a wave of excitement among subscribers.
The show’s full release schedule is expected to follow a weekly format, similar to other HBO series like The Last of Us and House of the Dragon.
Each episode is expected to run 55–60 minutes, blending cinematic visuals with King-style storytelling.
The IT Universe Connection
Welcome to Derry is directly connected to the It films but stands as a standalone origin story.
Fans can expect Easter eggs and references to iconic moments from It Chapter One and Two, but the focus will be on new characters and the first generation that faced Pennywise’s terror.
This approach gives both newcomers and longtime fans something fresh — the same world, but a completely new nightmare.
Critical Reactions: Early Reviews Are In
Rotten Tomatoes recently released early critic reactions, describing Welcome to Derry as:
“A total monster mash with plenty of psychological bite.”
Critics have praised the atmospheric direction, cinematography, and Bill Skarsgård’s haunting return. The show reportedly balances genuine horror with deeper emotional storytelling, exploring how trauma and fear spread through generations in Derry.
Why Fans Are Excited
Fans have taken to social media to share their excitement. On X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit’s r/horror, posts are flooded with comments like:
“Bill Skarsgård’s Pennywise is back — I’m so in!”
“The IT universe is expanding, and I’m terrified already.”
“Welcome to Derry is giving major The Last of Us vibes with a horror twist.”
Memes featuring red balloons, storm drains, and Pennywise’s haunting smile are trending across Instagram and TikTok, amplifying the hype even more.
Stephen King’s Approval
Stephen King himself has expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating in a recent interview:
“It’s exciting to see new stories set in Derry. There’s always been more beneath that town’s surface.”
King’s blessing alone has reassured fans that Welcome to Derry will stay true to the spirit of the original It novels.
Release Date and Where to Watch
As of October 2025, Welcome to Derry is streaming exclusively on HBO Max (now Max) in the United States.
International releases are expected to roll out on Crave (Canada), Sky Atlantic (UK), and Binge (Australia) shortly after.
If you’re in the U.S., you can watch episodes directly on the Max app or through Hulu with HBO add-on, YouTube TV, or Amazon Prime Channels.
Predictions: What Lies Ahead
As the show progresses, fans can expect:
- A deeper dive into Pennywise’s cosmic origin (possibly touching on The Deadlights).
- Flashbacks showing how Derry became cursed.
- An emotional storyline connecting new characters to familiar faces from the It films.
- More shocking, psychological horror — grounded in human trauma and fear.
Conclusion: The Town of Derry Never Sleeps
Welcome to Derry is shaping up to be the next great chapter in modern horror television. With Bill Skarsgård’s return, HBO’s high production values, and a talented cast, the series is poised to become one of 2025’s biggest streaming hits.
It’s more than a prequel — it’s a haunting exploration of fear itself. And if the early reviews are any indication, horror fans are in for something unforgettable.
So grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and remember:
You’ll float too.