Set in 1962, Welcome to Derry explores the terrifying days before Pennywise first emerged, delving into the town’s dark underbelly and hidden horrors 27 years before the events of the It films Developed by Andy and Barbara Muschietti, together with Jason Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane—the team behind the It movies—the series promises nine episodes of supernatural dread
Bill Skarsgård returns as Pennywise, joined by a strong ensemble cast including Jovan Adepo, Taylour Paige, Chris Chalk, and Madeleine Stowe The show taps into the “interlude” chapters from King's novel, focusing on historical tragedies like the Black Spot fire, echoing Stephen King’s layered structure 0
Where the films revolved around the Losers Club, Welcome to Derry hinges on the use of fear as a weapon, reflecting the Cold War anxieties and civil unrest of the 1960s By focusing on smaller-scale events like the Black Spot nightclub, the series creates a tense and intimate tone while expanding Derry’s horrifying legacy.
The visual style is distinctly unsettling—familiar streets and red balloons are rendered with haunting stillness. The teaser offers flashes of terror: children dripping with strange goo, underwater hands pulling victims into sewers, and eerie streetlights illuminating the coming dread m.
Casting director Rich Delia promises it will be darker and more brutal than the films, with more on-screen child deaths and a level of brutality hinted to exceed even It Chapter Two
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Deep mythos expansion – Mining King’s interlude tales gives the story organic depth and emotional weight .
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Creative continuity – The Muschiettis’ return ensures visual and narrative alignment with the films, creating a cohesive terror lineage
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Haunting performances – Skarsgård’s reprisal of Pennywise remains chilling; newcomers like Adepo, Paige, and Stowe bring fresh emotional gravitas
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Slow-burn pacing – Some may find the historical build-up less pulse-pounding than expected from a horror franchise entry.
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Franchise fatigue – As one Reddit user cautioned, “don’t have high hopes” without seeing more footage
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Predictable horror arc – Viewers know that Pennywise prevails until the adults arrive—subverting expectations may be challenging .
Reddit reactions show mixed excitement:
“HBO’s Welcome to Derry… confirmed for 3 seasons. Starting in 1962, then 1935 and 1908.”
“If it is a prequel… then there is no stopping Pennywise before the losers do… just surviving could be considered a win.”
This underscores a cautious intrigue—fans are intrigued yet aware that dread, not catharsis, might be the payoff.
Welcome to Derry delivers a bold expansion of the It universe—rich in historical scares, thematic texture, and seasoned direction. Its strengths lie in atmospheric world-building and a terrifying central entity, though pacing and predictability may test patience. However, for fans seeking a gruesome, character-driven deep dive into Pennywise’s origins, this presages the most chilling It related work to date.
Rating: 8 / 10
Pros: Psychological horror rooted in real events, stellar cast performances, strong creative lineage.
Cons: Slow setup, known outcome, potential for viewing fatigue.
Recommended for: Horror fans with a taste for period ambiance, psychological dread, and rich mythos. This is It taken to its historical origins—and darker depths
