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HBO Max has finally released the first teaser for Welcome to Derry, the much-anticipated prequel to the iconic IT films. Set in the eerie 1960s backdrop, the upcoming horror series delves into the origins of Pennywise the Clown, the terrifying entity that haunted the town of Derry, Maine.
Remarkably, Bill Skarsgård returns to reprise his haunting role as Pennywise, drawing fans back into Stephen King’s dark universe. The storyline unfolds 27 years before the events of IT and focuses on one of Pennywise’s earlier killing sprees, offering fans a deeper look at the mythology behind the monster.
Directed by Andy Muschietti, who previously helmed IT and IT Chapter Two, the series promises to expand King’s eerie narrative. According to Andy and co-executive producer Barbara Muschietti, the inspiration comes from the “interludes” in King’s novel—accounts by Mike Hanlon based on stories from Derry’s older residents. “It’s rich with untold events and unforgettable characters,” the Muschiettis shared with Entertainment Weekly. “We wanted to do justice to the book and the fans by revisiting this chilling world.”
In addition to horror, the show explores broader themes such as fear, grief, and human connection. The creators emphasize that the idea of fear being weaponized resonates now more than ever, making the series emotionally relevant as well as terrifying.
The stellar cast includes Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, James Remar, Stephen Rider, Madeleine Stowe, and Rudy Mancuso. Executive producers include Jason Fuchs, Brad Caleb Kane, Shelley Meals, Roy Lee, Dan Lin, David Coatsworth, and Skarsgård himself. Fuchs, who wrote the premiere’s teleplay, also serves as co-showrunner alongside Kane.
Produced by HBO and Warner Bros. Television, Welcome to Derry is expected to premiere this fall exclusively on HBO Max.
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