Welcome to Derry: Release date speculation, cast and trailer for IT prequel

Welcome to Derry: Release date speculation, cast and trailer for IT prequel

As a lifelong horror enthusiast who’s braved countless jump-scares and sleepless nights, I can’t help but feel a rush of adrenaline at the prospect of IT: Welcome to Derry. Having survived my own personal Pennywise encounter during a particularly terrifying clown birthday party as a child (long story), I’ve always had a soft spot for Stephen King’s most iconic creation.


For individuals with a phobia of clowns, referred to as coulrophobia, here’s some less-than-cheerful news: The terrifying character Pennywise is making a comeback, this time in a fresh prequel series of the hit show IT.

In the upcoming series, Bill Skarsgård will once again step into the character he played in the movie adaptations, while directors Andy Muschietti and his sister Barbara Muschietti continue to steer the creative direction.

At this point, specific details about what the upcoming series entails are somewhat scarce, but we do have some information. The story takes place in the town named in its title during the 1960s. It’s likely that Pennywise will be wreaking havoc on some unfortunate residents, and a new cast will be portraying these characters.

Around the first week of August, a quick yet chilling sneak peek at the series was presented within a bigger trailer highlighting HBO’s upcoming blockbuster programs. It seems that the series will provide plenty of intense scares and ample red splashes.

In 2023, renowned horror author Stephen King expressed enthusiasm when it was announced that the series would continue in Derry, Maine’s haunted city. He mentioned that he was delighted that director Andy Muschietti and his gifted sister, Barbara, would be overseeing the spooky events, using the phrase “Red balloons all around” to show his approval.

Intrigued? Read on for everything we know so far about Welcome to Derry.

Welcome to Derry release date speculation

So far, a specific launch date hasn’t been announced yet, but we know for sure that the series is set to premiere on both HBO and Max sometime in the year 2025.

Meanwhile, it’s been verified that filming for the show has wrapped up, following confirmation from producer Jason Fuchs on social media in early August 2024.

On his Instagram post, he expressed: “After 237 filming days… It’s a wrap on this season of Welcome to Derry! Incredible. What an adventure! I can hardly wait for you all to watch it.”

Based on our current understanding, it seems like the launch might take place around early 2025. However, we’ll make sure to keep you informed if and when we get confirmation of this.

Welcome to Derry: Release date speculation, cast and trailer for IT prequel

It’s expected that, much like other HBO series, you might be able to watch it in the UK on Sky and NOW TV. We’ll update this information as soon as we receive official confirmation.

Initially classified as a Max-exclusive production, the series was subsequently unveiled in July 2024 as one of several titles transitioning into HBO Originals. This implies that the show might be broadcast not only through streaming on Max, but also on traditional TV networks.

Welcome to Derry cast

Exciting update about the upcoming movie: It’s confirmed that Bill Skarsgård will once again embody the chilling character of Pennywise, the shape-shifter, having portrayed him in the movies released in 2017 and 2019.

To the right of him, the entire cast is fresh, with headliners like Taylour Paige (known for Zola and Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F), Jovan Adepo (from Babylon), and James Remar (recognized from Dexter) taking the main roles.

To complete our principal actors, we’ve got Chris Chalk from Gotham and Stephen Rider known for his role in Daredevil, although specifics about the roles they will play are yet to be disclosed at this point.

It’s clear that the show will feature a substantial group of secondary characters, with Madeleine Stowe, Alixandra Fuchs, Kimberly Guerrero, Dorian Grey, Thomas Mitchell, BJ Harrison, Peter Outerbridge, Shane Marriott, Chad Rook, Joshua Odjick, Morningstar Angeline, and Rudy Mancuso all set to make recurring appearances.

Welcome to Derry plot

The upcoming series is planned to take place during the 1960s, acting as a prelude to the storyline portrayed in IT. However, specific details about the plot are yet to be revealed.

Initially, when the show was unveiled, the Muschietti siblings hinted that it would delve deeply into “the core themes of Steve’s book: its emotional depth, humor, human touch, and terrifying elements.”

When a more specific synopsis emerges, we’ll put it right here.

Welcome to Derry trailer

At this point, a complete trailer hasn’t been unveiled yet, however, six seconds of video snippets were shown during a broader promotional clip highlighting HBO’s forthcoming series, which was aired on the night of the House of the Dragon season 2 finale.

As a die-hard fan, I must say, Pennywise seems to be absent from this quick sneak peek – but let me tell you, it’s still packed with spine-tingling scenes that will make your heart race! Check out the full video below if you dare…

Welcome to Derry will premiere on HBO and Max in 2025. 

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2024-08-05 16:04