It: Welcome to Derry Had a Completely Different Pilot Idea

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Andy and Barbara Muschietti, who directed the popular movies It (2017) and It: Chapter Two (2019), returned to the world of Stephen King’s It in 2025 with a new prequel series for television.

Besides the Muschiettis, Jason Fuchs joined the project as a creator and worked with Brad Caleb Kane as showrunner. The series would explore Pennywise’s history and his torment of another group of children. Brad Caleb Kane told People that the original plan for the first episode was quite different – all the kids were supposed to survive.

The story It: Welcome to Derry begins in 1962 and features several children: Lilly Bainbridge, Marge Truman, Ronnie Grogan, and Matty Clements, along with Teddy Uris, and siblings Phil and Susie Malkin. These kids are central to the first episode, “The Pilot.” Matty is quickly killed by a family he pleads with to leave Derry, and Teddy, Phil, and Susie are killed by the same monstrous force at a theater, though Ronnie manages to save Lilly.

Kane commended the team’s brave and daring writers, highlighting their willingness to take chances, like the controversial decision to have children die in the first episode. He explained that the original pilot episode, written by Andy, Barbara, and Jason, had a different outcome: all the children survived. The version viewers saw, however, was bolder and more willing to take risks.

He then suggested, though he admitted it was a radical idea, that they simply kill everyone – or at least 75% of them – to demonstrate that no one was safe.

The film It: Welcome to Derry doesn’t shy away from disturbing content. Like the two previous films based on Stephen King’s 1986 novel, it embraces shocking moments and establishes a dark and unsettling atmosphere.

In the first film, all lived. However, in the 2019 continuation.

Kane explained that Andy, Barbara, and Jason immediately embraced the new storyline, saying they were on board with it. He added that their enthusiastic response made him feel like he’d finally found the perfect creative team – people he truly connected with.

It: Welcome to Derry Should Last for Three Seasons

Since premiering on October 26th, the horror prequel has performed well, though HBO hasn’t officially announced a second season yet. However, the creators have indicated that more is planned. Director Muschietti hinted that the show is designed to have three seasons, each focusing on a different major disaster.

He clarified that the story unfolds in reverse chronological order. Specifically, the second season takes place in 1935, while the third season is set in 1908.

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Regarding Season 2, co-creator Barbara Muschietti hinted at challenges. The producer noted the series established a high standard for HBO, but also requires a significant investment to make.

The co-creator admitted they understand how fortunate the project has been, saying, “Everyone involved recognizes the weight of this decision.” However, they also expressed a strong desire to continue, adding that Stephen King and HBO are likely on board as well. Ultimately, though, they haven’t made a final decision yet.

It: Welcome to Derry Season 1 is streaming on HBO Max.

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2025-12-23 18:41